Srinagar Dec 14 (KNS): The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference senior leader and Member of the Parliament Anantnag Justice (Retd.) Hasnain Masoodi demanded resumption of international flights from Srinagar to Dubai/ Sharjah and commencement of international flights from Srinagar to Jeddah to facilitate air travel of pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Raising the issue in Lok Sabha under rule 163, Masoodi said the airlines operate via Delhi which reportedly adds to the travelling time and also becomes more often inconvenient for passengers to change the aircraft. “It would however be more convenient to fly from Srinagar to Dubai/ Sharjah directly,” he added. 

The Minister of Civil Aviation in his reply said the designated carriers were free to operate international air service to any foreign destination covered under bilateral Air Service Agreements. However operating such air service was to be decided by the scheduled airlines having regard to economic viability and such other factors. The Minister in his reply stated the direct flights were operated from Srinagar.(KNS)