This petition is created by Renjit Kumar (President, UUKMA East Anglia Region) for the attention of Shri. V. J Kurian (Managing Director, Cochin International Airport)

Sir,

Tens of thousands of Malayalees are travelling from London to Kochi every year with an average of about 600 passengers travelling daily.

These passengers are depending on airlines from the Middle East, Air India and Jet Airways at the moment and therefore will have to transit in the Gulf counties, Sri Lanka or in places like Delhi, Mumbai causing passengers to have lengthy, costly journeys and transit hassles.

With the introduction of visa on arrival system, British tourism to Kerala has increased exponentially. A direct flight from London Heathrow to Kochi would facilitate a wider influx of tourism to Kerala as well as alleviate the hassles to such passengers with disabilities, passengers traveling with children and those needing emergency travel.

With the introduction of Terminal 3 in Kochi Airport we think this is the right time to start direct flights from London Heathrow to Kochi. Therefore on behalf of UUKMA East Anglia we request, support and encourage the acquisition of a direct flight service from London Heathrow to Kochi as it would greatly benefit the passengers and airlines alike.

Kind Regards,

Ranjit Kumar

President, Union of U.K. Malayalee Association, East Anglia Region.