SpiceJet to start Chennai flights from Thanjavur .Jet might cancel Trichy-Chennai operations.

THE people of Thanjavur can expect air connectivity to Chennai this year as the Ministry of Civil Aviation on Friday confirmed that SpiceJet would operate flights from the air base in the town to Chennai. "The Thanjavur air base can handle commercial flight operations. But since its an IAF air base, facilities like terminals and other passenger amenities have to be set up," said a source.

But the government doesn't have to invest a huge amount to allow commercial frights from the base, sources said. "The Thanjavur air base already has facilities like the Air Traffic Control tower, runway and all necessary facilities for aircraft operation. Therefore, this air base doesn't need heavy investment to start civilian flights," he added. With the Jet Airways expecting to suspend its Chennai operations from Tiruchy International Airport, the start of Chennai flights from Thanjavur will turn out to be benefk ial for the central Tamil Nadu. According to sourc-es, the Thanjavur-Chennai flights are imply to start by December.



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Chennai to Vellore and Chennai to Thanjavur flights will soon be a reality as two airlines have bagged the right to start services on these routes with 70-80 seater planes. This approval came under phase 2 of regional connectivity scheme, Udan.

Spicejet and Turbo aviation are the airlines awarded with these new routes. Spicejet will be running services on Chennai – Thanjavur route, while, Turbo Aviation will operate flights from Chennai to Vellore.

Hyderabad to Puducherry is one of the routes that’s already operated by Spicejet under Phase 1. Hosur to Salem route under Spice jet is ready and awaiting launch.

AAI will now be building a small terminal with basic facilities for passenger operations in Thanjavur where the airstrip is currently in use by Indian Air Force.

Vellore runway that has been lying unused for a while can handle 70 seater planes. Work is already in progress to enable this airport to handle the new flights.

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