Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian has written to Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu asking for Airbus aircraft to be allowed on routes like Madurai and Tuticorin instead of smaller ATR planes.In his letter, Subramanian said many passengers face hardship at Chennai airport. They are taken in shuttle buses to planes parked far away. Since these buses have fewer seats, senior citizens and children often have to stand for a long time. He also alleged that airlines use these distant bays because the parking fee is lower.
Pointing out the heavy demand for flights to Madurai, Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli, and Tuticorin, he suggested deploying Airbus aircraft, which can carry more passengers than ATR planes. ATRs, made by Airbus and Leonardo, seat up to 78 people and are widely used by regional carriers. The minister urged the Centre to step in and find a solution to improve passenger comfort and safety.