MP Brijesh Chowta writes to centre urges to retain Mangaluru as Air India Express crew base
Mangaluru: Member of Parliament Captain Brijesh Chowta has written to Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, seeking urgent intervention to prevent the closure of Air India Express’ crew base in Mangaluru.
In his letter, Chowta emphasized the strategic importance of Mangaluru International Airport, which has been operational since 1951 and serves as a key aviation hub for Coastal Malnad and North Kerala.
Highlighting the potential effects, Chowta stated that shutting down the crew base would significantly impact both airline employees and travelers.
He noted that over 100 crew members and ancillary workers would be displaced, causing strain on the region’s workforce. Furthermore, he pointed out that the airport's high operational efficiency which is boasting a 90.43% on-time performance (OTP) and handling over 1,300 tons of cargo highlights its necessity.
The MP also stressed that local crew members’ familiarity with the airport enables efficient operations, which would be disrupted by the closure.
He also urged the DGCA to explore decentralized approaches to crew bases, which he believes would improve India’s overall aviation network.
Pleased to have met Union Minister of Civil Aviation Sri Ram Mohan Naidu @RamMNK
— Captain Brijesh Chowta ಕ್ಯಾಪ್ಟನ್ ಬ್ರಿಜೇಶ್ ಚೌಟ (@CaptBrijesh) April 4, 2025
at his office in the Parliament premises today.
Discussed various issues including the ongoing land acquisition of the Mangalore International Airport for expansion and security purposes, which I… pic.twitter.com/56CEpOBQvC
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Allen, Raghuvanshi, Green power KKR to 29-run win over GT
Kolkata (PTI): Finn Allen blasted a 35-ball 93, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi hit an unbeaten 44-ball 82 as Kolkata Knight Riders kept their playoff hopes alive with a 29-run win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL match here on Saturday.
Sent in to bat, Allen went on a six-hitting spree, smashing 10 maximums and four boundaries to add 95 off 41 balls with Raghuvanshi (82).
Raghuvanshi then shared another 108 off 53 balls with Cameron Green (52 not out) to power KKR to a challenging 247 for 2.
In reply, GT could manage 218-4, riding on skipper Shubman Gill's 49-ball 85 and a 35-ball 57 from Jos Buttler. Opener Sai Sudarsan was retired hurt but returned to make a 28-ball 53 not out.
Sunil Narine (2/29) claimed two wickets and Saurabh Dubey snapped one for KKR.
For GT, Mohammed Siraj (1/50), Sai Kishore (1/38) were the wicket-takers.
Brief Score:
KKR: 247 for 2 in 20 overs (Finn Allen 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 82 not out, Camero Green 52 not out; Mohammed Siraj 1/50).
GT: 218 for 4 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 85, Sunil Narine 2/29).
