UAE’s RAK residents demand more flights to India
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Officials of eight major Indian associations representing the Indian community in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) in the UAE are asking the Indian government to restart Air India’s flights between India and the emirate and have threatened to boycott the airline the demand was not met.The Gulf Today quoting industry experts said there were not enough passengers from RAK, which can attract airlines to operate flights. Apparently, that was also the reason Air India stopped flying to the emirate after operating flights for over a decade, the report said.SA Saleem, president of Indian Association RAK said that the UAE is home to a large number of Indians and a substantial number of them reside in RAK. In a letter addressed to chief minister of Kerala and the Civil Aviation Minister of India, they have appealed that this matter be looked into seriously and restart direct air services to RAK.They also mentioned that direct air services between India and RAK will also increase the business. “India is an excellent investment destination for the UAE, while a large number of Indian companies are also operating from RAK. A number of Emiratis regularly travel to India. Recommencing the flights will help it grow,” he was quoted saying.However, the community leaders also warned that if no favourable actions are taken, they will encourage the community to boycott Air India.According to an Air India official who spoke on the condition of anonymity, from 1993-2003, Air India operated flights from RAK and Fujairah to various Indian destinations, but the national carrier had to stop as it suffered huge losses.According to a travel expert, the airline also runs free bus services for passengers from RAK to Sharjah and Dubai. This can solve the problems people in the Northern Emirates are facing, the report said.
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