Mysuru: Deputy Commissioner D. Randeep has written to the Secretary, Tourism Department, to resume ‘Akash Ambari’ special flights between Bengaluru and Mysuru, this Dasara.

In his letter, Randeep, who is also the Chairman of Aerodrome Committee, has said that a large number of foreign nationals visit Mysuru during Dasara and the non-availability of air services between Bengaluru and Mysuru is a limiting factor for tourist inflow into the city.

The UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagarik)-RCS (Regional Connectivity Flights) operations, which is scheduled to commence from September this year is limited to Chennai-Mysuru-Chennai, he said and added that special flight services between Bengaluru and Mysuru would help in bringing more tourist to witness the world-famous Dasara.  

Randeep has also mentioned that last year, Air Vimaana/ Akash Ambari special flight from Bengaluru (HAL Airport) to Mysuru was initiated by Tourism Department and the same flight services was once again required this year to boost tourism.

“In spite of public demand, there is no regular air connectivity from Mysuru though there is good infrastructure at the Mysore Airport in Mandakalli. Past air traffic data records of Mysuru have indicated that there is huge inflow of passengers/ tourists to Mysuru from across the country during Dasara. Flight operation also creates opportunities of business and employment in city and facilitates the movement of tourists from various parts of the country to Mysuru and vice-versa during Dasara,” he said.

He has requested the Tourism Department to take up the matter with different airlines and convince them to start flight operations to Mysuru.

Special souvenirs for tourists

Sources said that District Administration will be tying up with traditional artisans to create special souvenirs for tourists to carry back their memories of visiting Mysuru. Authorities have been trying to make these souvenirs available at a reasonable price. The souvenir will have symbols of ‘Naada Habba’ and will be available at prominent places.