By Ashraf Padanna/Thiruvanathapuram

Expatriates from Kerala have expressed concern over the planned closure of one of the busiest airports in the state.
The Airport Authority of India (AAI) will partially close the runway of the Calicut International Airport for six months from May 1 for strengthening and re-carpeting, which could be extended up to 18 months.
The Calicut airport is the only embarkation point for the Haj pilgrims and its partial closure during the peak season would affect flights to the holy cities as well.
Most expatriates working in the Gulf visit Kerala during the vacation season of June-July. Traders say the closure would affect the export of fruits and vegetables to the Gulf countries during this period.
Major restrictions are expected on the landing of big aircraft like Airbus 330, Boeing 747, and 777. Many fear escalation in airfares if smaller aircraft are used.
“The partial closure of the runway is now a burning issue,” said Dubai-based Dr Azad Moopen who runs hospitals in the Gulf region and India.
“This is likely to cause immense problems to a large number of passengers as it is happening for a protracted period during a busy season.”
Dr Moopen was actively involved as the convener of a campaign in early 90s to get the runway extended from 6,000 to 9,000ft. He says the extension transformed the sleepy domestic airport into a vibrant international destination.
“In two decades it galloped fast, growing by leaps and bounds with a large number of flights to Gulf countries and becoming one of the busiest airports in the country,” he said in a statement.
“Runway maintenance is a periodic need as witnessed recently at Dubai International Airport, which was partially closed, in spite of the technological advancement.
“But the timing of the closure is the issue which could have been done in a much better way and the timeframe lasting more than one-and-and-a-half years could have been reduced  by proper planning and getting everything ready before closure,” he said.
Dr Moopen wanted the authorities to postpone the closure to September as by then the summer holidays and Haj would be over.
He believes the extension of the runway from 9,000ft to 12,000ft is the most important requirement which would allow wide-bodied aircrafts to land regularly and many more international airlines to operate.
The land acquisition for the expansion of its tabletop runway was hit by local opposition with the support of politicians.
In a statement yesterday, the Malabar Development Society, the Calicut Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Calicut International Airport Development Society and World Malayali Council said the authorities should allow operation of medium-sized aircraft like A 320 during this period.
“Emirates has expressed willingness to do so. Trade forums, expatriates and political parties should support this instead of protesting the works,” they said.
A meeting of the organisations noted that the partial closure of the airport would have an adverse effect on export of food materials especially to the Gulf countries.
In case the regulations continue indefinitely, it would also put the international accreditation of the airport at stake, they said in statement after the meeting.
The inadequate facilities at the airport could drive passengers to the Kannur International Airport expected to become operational next year just 120km north of it.