Following a nearly decade long campaign by the Gujarati community with the help of Mr CB Patel, this paper Asian Voice and sister paper Gujarat Samachar, today saw the inaugural direct flight from London to Ahmedabad take to skies. Air India launched the new service commemoration of the 70th Independence Day. Scenes in the departure hall of Terminal 4 where the check in for Flight AI 172 was joyful, upbeat and celebratory.
Our journalist Kamal Rao on the ground spoke to a few passengers to experience the first flight. Manibhai S Patel, a frequent flyer from Upper Tooting said “Praful Patel during this time as Indian Aviation Minister shut down the previous service for his own interest. Today’s nonstop was needed for a long time, it is especially helpful for elderly people and families who can now save between 3-7 hours. I am going to Vidhanagar, Nadiyad for treatment.” He added he disappointed by the bureaucrats thus far and fears the flight will only be in service as long as Modi is PM. Like many others Manibhai singed the campaign and congratulated CB Patel and PM Modi.
The Rai family from Thornton Heath, parents Umesha and Rikshit with children Nysa and Dheer, were going to Baroda for their annual holidays. They said “Last January when we went with the full family we had to wait in Delhi which was very difficult for the children and elders. We are happy Modi kept his promise and we pray the flight lasts long.” Rikshit pointed out that if other people get the same facilities and the flight gets a better response then Air India will be offering something no other airline is.
IT Consultants Hemangbhai and Nareshbhai are travelling with they sons Ved and Vastal. The flyers, followers of BAPS said they are going to pay homage in Sarangpur to the recently departed Swami bapa. They said due to the last minute nature of the trip they had to try 3 or 4 travel agents before booking this inaugural flight though the trip is only a few days.
Rajesh Mehta from Forest Hill flying along with his daughter Shreya, said “I went in 2006 on the direct flight. The joy I got then is similar to the joy I’m experiencing now.” Rajesh added, “Today is like ‘First day, first show’ flying just for the pleasure” they are due to return in 6 days. Kantibhai Nagda got 13 members of the Mehta family sign the campaign to restore the nonstop flight.
On the occasion the Air India’s Regional Manager for UK & Europe, Tara Naidu said “We are very excited to be starting our nonstop flight to Ahmedabad finally. Its been a long standing demand of the gujarati community and the response we have received has been overwhelming. The flight is full, today is the first flight going from London Ahmedabad, yesterday was the first flight that came in from Ahmedabad to London then continuing to Newark. The flight leaves at 12:30 in the afternoon and reaches Ahmedabad at 3am. Passengers are very happy with the introduction of the flight, they don't have to change aircraft, they don't have to take their hand baggage, it is especially convenient for the elderly passengers, those who are less abled, those travelling with small children, expecting mothers and so on.”
