SpiceJet has exclusive rights to fly to Lakshadweep and will be launching flights to Agatti Island soon, said Ajay Singh, the carrier's chairman and managing director, while speaking at its annual general meeting (AGM) on January 10.
Agatti Island of Lakshadweep has the sole airfield of the island region. At present, flights to the airport is routed through Kochi.
Singh's remarks on SpiceJet's Lakshadweep plans comes at a time when searches related to the Union territory in the Arabian Sea has shot up, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit last week.
Modi shared images of him visiting beaches and snorkeling, which in-turn led to a social media debate whether Indians should visit Lakshadweep instead of flying to the Maldives.
The debate triggered a row after three Maldivian deputy ministers - Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha Sharyf and Mahzoom Majid - used "derogatory" remarks against the Indian prime minister. They were subsequently suspended by the Maldivian government, in an attempt to contain the flak.
Is India planning another airport in Lakshadweep?
A report on January 9 said that India is planning a new airport in the island region for commercial and defence usage.
The airport is being planned in Minicoy Island of Lakshadweep, ANI reported, citing government sources.
"The plan is to have a joint airfield that would be capable of operating fighter jets, military transport planes and commercial aircraft," the sources told the news agency.
How to reach Lakshadweep through non-aerial route?
Seven passenger ships – MV Kavaratti, MV Arabian Sea, MV Lakshadweep Sea, MV Lagoon, MV Corals, MV Amindivi and MV Minicoy operate between Cochin and Lakshadweep islands. The passage takes 14 to 18 hours depending on the island chosen for journey.
"The ships offer different classes of accommodation: A/C First Class with two berth cabins, A/C Second Class with four berth cabins and push back/Bunk Class with A/C seating," as per a note released by the administration of the Union territory of Lakshadweep.
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