Top officials of Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) held a ‘strategic meeting’ with their counterparts in Air India in New Delhi on Wednesday to discuss the airline’s decision to withdraw its Kochi–London Gatwick service.
During the discussions, CIAL officials led by managing director S. Suhas and airport director Manu G. emphasised the strategic importance of the route for Kerala’s connectivity with the United Kingdom and proposed a structured incentive scheme to support operations until they achieved commercial stability. In response, Air India officials assured CIAL that it would reconsider the decision over the course of the next few months, following the summer schedule, after evaluating CIAL’s commercial proposal.
A tentative plan was readied to ensure the continued operation of the service. The Cochin–London Gatwick service is the sole direct air service from here to Europe. The discussions were held in the wake of Air India’s announcement to halt the service from March 28. Air India officials were led by its group head P. Balaji.
Published - February 05, 2025 10:41 pm IST
