Finally, the dream of the Indian diaspora, especially Gujaratis, came true on Tuesday, after the direct Air India flight from London to Ahmedabad was officially reinstated. The first flight AI 131, a Boeing-787 Dreamliner aircraft took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, with 247 passengers, at 4:30 am, on December 15, and landed in Heathrow at 11:30 am. The day coincidentally was Sardar Patel Nirvana Day, which only added to the joy.
Here in London, Heathrow Terminal 4, Zone E, entitled for Air India passengers was decorated with flags and balloons. It seemed like an enormous party, as ground staff, airport staff mingled with passengers, treating them with utmost care, greeting them with a wide smile and tremendous enthusiasm.
Most passengers were meant to fly on AI 130 from London, were thrilled to be on the first direct flight to Ahmedabad, after years.The aircraft had 16 business class seats and 223 seats in the economy- all full. Some passengers were aware of the campaign that was launched by Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, that ran for years and collected thousands of petitions to reinstate the direct flight between London and Ahmedabad. They remembered how they jumped with joy when the Indian Prime Minister Narendrabhai Modi during his Wembley address (to more than 60,000 people), announced this direct flight to Ahmedabad, starting on 15 December. He specifically mentioned Asian Voice Publisher/Editor CB Patel's contribution to reinstatement of this flight, and had introduced Mr Patel as his 'dear friend'
CB, who had been the pioneer of the campaign to restart this direct flight along with Manoj Ladwa, a corporate lawyer, a political strategist and Modi's director of communications during India's general election were on this first flight, to gather first hand experience.
Speaking exclusively to Asian Voice, Manoj said, “We have fought for very long for this direct flight. We had almost given up hopes. But the Indian Prime Minister Narendrabhai Modi made it happen. I am really pleased about this. I sincerely hope we also start direct flight between London and Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata. This will help to spread our Indian culture and increase businesses.
“Today (Tuesday 15 Dec) is Sardar Patel's death anniversary. Sardar has put in immense hard work and bound the whole India together. It's great that the direct flight is restarting on this important date.
“I hope in flight today they serve rice, dal, dhokla, debra- all Gujarati food, that would please passengers. This direct flight is a boon for the elderly, women with young kids, who have suffered for very long now- disembarking and embarking the aircraft every time in Mumbai. This flight will ensure that they no longer face such issues.
“Also young Brit-Indians are enthusiastic to see Modi's new India. Direct flight is a part of it.”
Ms Tara Naidu, Regional Manager-UK told Asian Voice, “I am so happy that the direct flight has been reinstated during my term in the UK.
“Though the flight will go via Mumbai, direct flight means passengers flying to Ahmedabad do not have to disembark in Mumbai any longer. They will remain in the aircraft for 40 mins or so, and the flight will then go to Ahmedabad. This saves them the hassle of disembarking and embarking again.
“From January we are trying for a non-stop flight to Ahmedabad. That means the flight will go to Ahmedabad straight, and not via Mumbai. I know elderly people prefer Indian airlines. Therefore we are trying to put together the non-stop flight.
“This morning the flight that started from Ahmedabad (AI 131) was greeted with water cannon.
“The Gujarati community here is quite big. Today the flight is full including Business Class. I am happy and hope it remains this way.
Today while passengers get on to the flight, they will be given special Indian sweets to take, as a small gesture from us.”
Asian Voice also met with the Air India airport Manager in Heathrow, Pratik Majumdar, and the team that worked very hard to put everything together on Tuesday morning. It included Public relation, Officer- PR & Corporate Sales- Paula Chattaraj, Airport Assistant Manager Divakar Mani and Shakeela Lambe from Sales & Marketing.
Speaking exclusively to Asian Voice, Captain Chanakya, said: “I am very pleased that people's needs are fulfilled. It is a matter of pride.”
Karan Shah, First Officer said, “Most of the passengers are going to Ahmedabad. Even while travelling via Delhi and Mumbai, most passengers usually go to Ahmedabad. I am proud that their request has been fulfilled.”
Cabin in-charge Armin Patel said, “Gujarat is home for me. My people today are flying to Ahmedabad directly. I am really happy. It is a trouble for the wheelchair passengers in Delhi and Mumbai to get off and get on. They are happy to have a direct flight. It is a blessing from the God.”
CB Patel, said: “We ran this petition for years and received thousands of support. It is a great achievement. I am really happy that the flights have been reinstated. And it has been reinstated by Air India. Everybody should fly Air India. I am also very proud to travel on this first direct flight to Ahmedabad, after being reinstated. This proves not only Mr Modi is a dear friend, who cares for the diaspora across the world, especially Britain, but also he is also a man of his word. He has kept his promise to do this for us.”
AI-Ahmedabad sets wheels in motion
Inaugurating the direct flight from Ahmedabad airport, Gujarat minister Saurabh Patel said that, “Gujaratis are world travellers and constantly travel across the globe. Which is why, this direct flight will prove useful in connecting London-based Gujaratis with their state.” Pradipsinh Jadeja, another Gujarat minister said, “This flight which provides a direct connectivity to the British NRGs, will accelerate the tourism in the state. With the approval of the direct flight facility, Prime Minister Narendrabhai Modi has not only given a special gift to Gujarat, but also joined it with the rest of the world.” Also present on the occasion were Ahmedabad Mayor Gautambhai Shah, Deputy Mayor Pramodaben Sutaria, Standing Committee Chairman Pravinbhai Patel, Secretary of Tourism S J Haider, and top AI officials.With a 90 minute stop in Mumbai, it was confirmed that the passengers won't be changing their flight to London. “Today is an auspicious day. I would like to congratulate who are travelling for the first time from this flight and staff of Air India,” Saurabh Patel said. The plane is not only beneficial for leisure travellers, but does a big deal of goodness for corporates. “This flight has given great connectivity to corporate travellers and we wish all the best to Air India”, said Suresh B V, executive vice-president, Cadila Pharmaceuticals. Sanjeev Chhajer, vice-president, Cox and Kings, said “This is a great initiative by Air India. There will be tremendous growth in passenger traffic from this flight.”For its return, AI 130 left London at 13:30 pm and will reach Mumbai at 04:00 am next day. Welcoming the flight and its passengers will be the Indian office of Gujarat Samachar (UK) and Asian Voice, along with Pradipsinh Jadeja, Jayesh Radadiya, Minister of Tourism, S J Haider, Jasabhai Barad, Minister of Civil Aviation, and top officials of Air India.A function has been planned in the evening of December 16, to felicitate several dignitaries and, members of the All Party Committee for Direct Flight, for their undeterred contribution. Amongst those expected are ministers Bhupendrasinh Chudasma, Nitinbhai Patel, Ramanlal Vohra, Vijay Rupani, Shankarbhai Chaudhari, Pradipsinh Jadeja, Jayanti Kavadiya, and Govindbhai Patel.Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel wrote a letter congratulating CB Patel, for his pursuant efforts. She wrote, “With science and technology, the world of 21st century is becoming so small that it seems you can hold it in the palm of your hand.The age-old philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) has been the legacy of our cultural heritage. The daily direct flight between Ahmedabad-London-Ahmedabad is taking off from December 15, thanks to the joint effort put in by people under the able and successful leadership of our popular Prime Minister Narendrabhai Modi. It is a matter of pride and joy not only for the Gujaratis living in Britain but also for the entire Gujarati community in the world.At a time when the dynamic Gujarat is making a mark in development across the globe, this direct flight is a reflection of it scaling new heights of success for our NRIs, NRGs and global investors.I convey my sincere wishes to all the dignitaries who are to be honoured on December 16 by the All Party Committee For Direct Flight for their effort and support in starting the service.”
The long drawn campaign
Years of petitions, beliefs and well-planned consistency, bore fruits when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the direct flight during his visit to the UK in November. The campaigning for the flight started 14 years ago, after which, Air India started 2 flights every week in 2003 and Jet Airways, in 2004. However, with the change of government in Delhi, there were some unbidden changes, putting an end to the direct flights without formal notice. After being approached by several readers and, members of the Indian community, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar along with NCGO (UK), started a petition, asking the people to come forward and sign to restart flights between London and Ahmedabad. In a short span of time, over 18,000 petitions were collected.The people signing them were not only members of the diaspora, but also were prominent politicians, including British MPs, peers, councillors, and leaders of various organisations. Late Ashok Bhatt, Speaker of Gujarat Assembly, Jaynarayan Vyas, former senior Minister of Gujarat government, Dinsha Patel, former minister of state in the Central government, Siddharth Patel, former President of Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee, Shakti Singh Gohil, former leader of the opposition in the Gujarat Assembly, former ministers and senior MPs including Harin Pathak, President of Gujarat state NCP Jayant Patel (Boski), Pradipsinh Jadeja Minister of Non-resident Gujaratis Division, and many others, all signed the petition in support of this campaign.Unrelentingly working towards the cause, AV and GS did not dishearten despite the initial failure of the campaign. In 2012, Manoj Ladwa, along with actor and MP, Paresh Rawal, handed over several thousands of brand-new petition letters from British and Indian MPs, MLAs, and others, to Modi's office in Gujarat.Publisher/ Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, CB Patel spearheaded the campaign with his dexterity. He also held a dinner in Gandhinagar in 2013, where eminent personalities were present, and all discussed the direct flight issue at length. While he remained the driving force behind the cause, Bhupatrai Parekh took up charge of the mission in India. After years of pressurising and prompting, the campaign has now ended successfully. During his visit to Britain, PM Narendra Modi announced the resumption of the direct flight. He has mentioned CB while making the announcement. “Whenever my friend Shri CB Patel used to visit Gujarat, even when I was in Delhi, he used to catch hold of my neck on this matter, and it is because of him, today I am announcing the resumption of the direct flight between London and Ahmedabad,” he ribbed.
Reaction: Passengers flying to Ahmedabad on AI 130
Indiraben Kanubhai Patel and Kanubhai Ambalal Patel, from Wembley going to Baroda via Ahmedabad: “I had booked before the direct flight was announced. When Modi announced the direct flight, we were happy, we started dancing in the Wembley. We are proud and happy to travel on the first direct flight.”
Vatsalaben Kiritbhai Patel and Kiritbhai Gordhanbhai Patel from Slough, going to Baroda via Ahmedabad: “We are very pleased that we don't have to struggle in Mumbai.”
Chandrikaben Sidhapura, Bristol travelling to Ahmedabad with 9 years son old Yug and 20 months son Ans: This is the first time I am flying to Ahmedabad directly. With children this is a very good idea.”
Ramilaben Bhadreshbhai Patel, Tooting: “When I booked, there was no direct flight. But they changed my ticket to the direct flight now. I am very happy and excited.”
Akash Parekh and Ravi Parekh, Kingsbury, came to drop off relative: The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has done a remarkable job. It is such a good initiative for India.”
80 years old Indiraben Mafatlal Patel travelling with daughters Manjuben and Meenaben from Manchester: “We are very pleased. Well done on this initiative. Glad we don't have to disembark in Mumbai with our old mum.”
Hansaben Chavda, Hertfotshire. Her Son Nirav came to drop off: “My mum is from India and going back there. She came via Delhi and struggled a lot. But this is such a fantastic opportunity. W are very pleased.”
Leelaben Rambhai Patel, 80 years, Leicester: “First time going to Ahmedabad on the direct flight. Really pleased.”
Kusumben Indravadhan Patel, Tottenham: “Thank you Mr Modi for doing this for us.”
Maltiben Narendrabhai Patel: “We are proud of PM Modi. Thank you for doing this for us.”
Dhimant Jani: “Great work. I hope we have this direct flight every day from now.”
Vimalbhai Patel, with 10 years old Nil, and 8 years old Bansri going to Ahmedabad: “Security is an issue in Mumbai. Great that we are going directly to Ahmedabad.”
84 years old Vasantben Babulal Khambayata: “Happy to go to India on a direct flight. Very pleased.”
Sarojben Patel, 65 years: “Thank you Modiji for doing this.”
Arvindbhai Gadhvi, 67 years; Anjali Gadhvi and Vinuben Gadhvi: “Very proud of Mr Modi, for doing this. He has won our heart.”
Reaction from passengers travelling on the first flight (AI 131) from Ahmedabad to London Heathrow:
Sachin Choksi, who travelled from Ahmedabad, “My experience was good. I did not have to disembark in Mumbai, which was great. It was Dreamliner carrier, so the facilities were great. The direct flight especially helped ladies with small children and elderly.”
Vishwa Punjabi and Jasvin Vig from Anand, “I read about your petition to reinstate the direct flight. Thanks for your efforts. I must congratulate and thank NaMo for re-starting this flight. The opening ceremony was spectacular. Mr Dalal, dignitaries and passengers cut cake. The Mayor of Ahmedabad was also present. Lot of people have taken selfie at the event, I have too.”
Vishwa was handed over his boarding pass by Saurabh Patel, Civil Aviation Minister, Gujarat State. He was first passenger to board the direct flight from Ahmedabad.
Mallika Natrajan, Delhi and fiancé Raj Lakhani, flew from Ahmedabad, and have lived in the UK for 10 years: “When we went earlier via Mumbai it caused us a lot of stress. Changing flight in Ahmedabad was a problem. Now we do immigration and security all in Ahmedabad.
“We really enjoyed this trip. We did not have to disembark. AI hospitality was class apart and they really took care of us. There were many passengers to Mumbai from Ahmedabad. But from Mumbai to London only 50% stayed on board. So we could lie down, sleep and travel.”
Arvindbhai M Patel and wife Naina A Patel, Baroda, who live in Croydon “For elderly people like us it has become very easy now. I have lived in Croydon for 30-40 years. I had no issues on this flight. We finished immigration in Ahmedabad. The food on flight was Indian vegetarian and it was good. Facility was good, we had a lot of fun. NaMo has done great by reinstating this direct flight. We had signed petition that Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar had circulated. Thanks to you for helping us with this direct flight. Also thanks to Mr Saurabh Patel to send us off.”
Nilesh Chandrakant Patel, who came on visitor visa, is a Videographer from Ahmedabad: “ This is my first time to the UK. I will see places and film. On the flight the food was good. I had a lot of luggage. Great that I did not have to bother about luggage in Mumbai, as we did not have to disembark. I happily slept on the flight.
“I have been to other countries and I knew that getting off at Mumbai is a bit confusing. Thank god we did not have to do it this time.”
Ankush Jain (from Banswada, Rajasthan) and Disha Jain (from Ahmedabad), live in Southall: “We went for Ankush's sister's wedding. We had a great time. Disha had flown direct flight in 2008. When it stopped, we faced a lot of trouble. Great that it has been reinstated. When it was announced in Wembley, we were very happy. The dreamliner has an excellent leg space.
“It's great for elderly people who did not have to wait for long. And this saves time for all. Natives from Britain are used to direct flights. This flight will help the state to develop tourism further.”
Prabhubhai Dave, 70 years travelling from Anand: travelling for the first time to the UK “My wife and daughter live in St Albans. This flight was great for elderly people like me. I can't sit for very long. Total travel time has reduced remarkably on this flight. So I had no issues. Food was great. Thank you for NaMo and your initiatives.”
