Despite safety concerns, the fresh decision of DGCA to suspend the operation of wide-bodied aircraft at Kozhikode international airport has triggered political resentment in Kerala.
It was indeed following strong political pressure that permission was granted in 2018 for resuming operation of wide-bodied aircraft from the airport despite safety concerns. Some veteran aviation experts had expressed serious concerns over the move.
Apart from the strong Gulf connection of Malappuram and Kozhikode districts, Kozhikode airport is also the hub of the Hajj pilgrimage from Kerala.
IUML MP of Ponnani in Malappuram district E T Mohammed Basheer said that the present decision of DGCA seemed to be only a temporary measure. Many airlines like Saudi Airlines were only having wide-bodied aircraft and hence stopping service of wide-bodied aircraft from
