Gaya: Union civil aviation minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu has referred Aurangabad MP Abhay Kushwaha’s demand for the expansion of air connectivity from Gaya International Airport to Air India and Indigo.The Aurangabad MP had demanded introduction of direct air service for Bengaluru, Mumbai and Ahmedabad from Gaya. People from the Magadh region, in large numbers, go to these places for business purposes, study and job etc.In response to the MP’s demand for the expansion of air services from the Gaya International Airport, the union minister wrote back that the ministry has no role to play in the operational decisions of the air service operators, for whom business viability was the main concern.The operational part of the airlines was decontrolled way back in 1994 and since then the govt has seized to play any role in such matters, said the minister’s letter. However, the MP’s request was being forwarded to the air operators concerned for consideration in a positive manner, the letter further said.According to Magadh Industries Association president Anup Kedia, a few months back Indigo announced the introduction of daily air service between Gaya and Mumbai but later it opted out without giving any reason.Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports said that Indigo may reduce the frequency of its Delhi-Gaya service. As of now Indigo operates a daily flight between Gaya and Delhi. But from July onwards, the airlines may operate only five days a week.Asked about the likely change in Indigo’s flight schedule from July onwards, Gaya Airport officiating director Awadhesh Kumar said he too had heard about it but no official communication has yet been received from Indigo in this respect. Only the Indigo management can make a definite response to the issue, he said.
