The first-ever international aircraft reached the Madurai Airport on Saturday. Two chartered aircraft with 22 passengers reached the airport directly from Malaysia. B Manicka Tagore, MP, Virudhunagar, along with the airport authorities and members from business associations welcomed the passengers of the maiden international aircraft.
The two chartered aircraft of Berjaya-Air carried 9 and 13 passengers respectively. The first one reached here at 1 pm, whereas the second one landed after 15 minutes. The Immigration and Customs clearance of passengers were done in the airport. The joy was obvious on the faces of the visitors, as they saved several hours of time by arriving directly in Madurai. Earlier, they had to arrive at Tiruchy airport and to have the Immigration and Customs clearance formalities done there. After which they had to reach Madurai by road. “It took only three hours for us to reach Madurai from Malaysia. Earlier, it would take at least six hours to reach here,” said a passenger. “We were taken aback when we saw a huge gathering to welcome us. We came to know that we are the first international passengers to the airport. It is a happy feeling for all of us,” said another passenger.
Most of the passengers were of Indian origin, who were settled in Malaysia. They reached Madurai for a two-day visit to the temples in the southern Tamil Nadu. The chartered aircraft would be stationed in the Madurai airport itself until they depart from Madurai in two days, said an official.
S Rathinavelu, Senior President of Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industries, said the Madurai Airport successfully hosted first international aircraft. It is a positive sign. It has proven that it could handle Immigration and Customs procedures.
This is a long time dream of the people of Madurai. The international status of the airport would promote business, health and tourism, he said.
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