Vistara, a joint venture between Tata India and Singapore Airlines has slowed down the implementation of its ambitious plan to start flights to Colombo after series of suicide bomb blasts rocked the island nation, aviation authority officials said.
“ Colombo flights were to start this month. But the airline had to delay it in view of the attacks. It is now working on a plan B,” said an official closely connected to the deal.
He did not disclose which specific destinations in the region are being looked at in place of the Colombo city.
India has an open skies— or unlimited flying rights —agreement with Sri Lanka , which made it easy for Vistara to chart plans as soon as it got the approval.
Earlier this year, Vistara received Indian government approval to start overseas flights.
A five-member committee had been looking at its proposal, a unique move as Vistara is part-owned by Tata Sons, who’s other airline venture AirAsia India, was being probed for alleged irregular lobbying for international flying rights.
The airline has planned to connect Sri Lanka and Maldives to Delhi and Thailand to Delhi and Kolkata.
It also has referred to plans to connect destinations in Bangladesh , Kuwait and Saudi Arabia to Delhi and Singapore to Pune.
The plan to fly to Colombo had to be suspended due to current security situation in the island nation, an official said.
Vistara has sought permission to operate flights between Delhi and Colombo seven days a week.
“Vistara has sought bilateral rights to Sri Lanka and slots from Delhi Airport for the same. They will operate the flight with Airbus A320 aircraft,” said an industry source.
Currently, Air India and Sri Lankan Airlines connect Delhi and Colombo via a non-stop flight, while other Indian carriers like IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Jet Airways connect the city from south Indian cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad .
North South Lines Pvt. Ltd of Hayleys would be the General Sales Agent (GSA) for the airline.
(LI)