Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Apr 13: GoAir, one of the India’s fastest growing Airlines launched its direct operation from Mumbai to Leh today.
The inaugural GoAir flight, G8-386 with 70 passengers took off from Mumbai at 4:00 hrs and arrived at Kushok Bakula Rinpochee (KBR) Airport terminal at 6:40hrs. An impressive function was held at KBR Airport Leh to receive the first flight passengers.
LAHDC Leh CEC Dr Sonam Dawa Lonpo, LAHDC Kargil Executive Councilor Agha Sayeed Abbass Rizvi, SSP Leh Tsering Gyalpo, Airport Director Sonam Norbu, Airport Anti Hijacking DySP Nawang Tsering, GoAir ground staff headed by Managers Salvardor & Lobzang accorded a grand reception to the crew members and passengers by offering them traditional `Khataks’ to welcome here the first flight.
Expressing his gratitude to GoAir for operating direct flight from Mumbai to Leh to boost the tourism industry in Ladakh, the CEC Dr Dawa termed it as historic moment for Ladakh region and urged GoAir to continue its service in winter. He added that flight connectivity has been a major problem for Ladakhis especially during winter and this operation not only helps local but is also good for tourist especially those coming for Sindhu Darshan festival. Flight Captain DB Singh also expressed his delight to land in Leh from Mumbai directly and added such operation is good for local as well as tourists.
Pertinent to mention here that flight connectivity has been always remained a major issue with Ladakhis, especially during winters when Ladakh gets disconnected with the rest of the world for six months and during such time most of the flight operators discontinue their services, making life difficult for common public.
Interacting with media Airport Director Sonam Norbu said GoAir direct flight operation from Mumbai also known as commercial capital of India to Leh would increase tourist inflow in the region. He informed that Air India is trying to operate flight from Leh- Chandigarh sector and if such plan matures, it will be a bonus.
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