Shillong, May 3: The Meghalaya High Court has directed the Ministry of Civil Aviation to work out a solution within one week to address concerns expressed by the Zoom Airways.

The division bench which comprised of Chief Justice, Mohammad Yaqoob Mir and Justice HS Thangkhiew in its order passed on Friday said, “For dispelling the apprehension of the Zoom Airways, we direct the Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation to have a meeting with the authorized representative of Zoom Airways. After proper discussion to address the genuine concern of Zoom Airways, ten come up with a lasting solution within one week.”

The Ministry of Civil Aviation in its letter dated 26-04-2019 has conveyed to the Zoom Airways that subsidies and other benefits to the selected airlines under the Regional Connectivity Scheme is available on the official websites of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Airport Authority of India (Implementing Agency).

However, the Zoom Airways in its affidavit had stated that the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN) as exist today, was formulated to address only the regional short duration flights “as such, was not designed for long duration flights like the one, between Shillong and Delhi.”

The viability cap funding is limited to flights only for a length of 800 kms, an airliner which fly beyond 800kms will receive the same subsidy as for 800 kms length.

Further, it has been reiterated that Zoom Airways has desire to operate on the Shillong – Delhi route.

The bench also directed that an affidavit should be filed so as to indicate that by operating flights from Delhi to Umroi and back on the basis of available subsidy, Zoom airways will not suffer any financial loss or if it is otherwise, how the same can be taken care of.

It also said the proceedings of this Public Interest Litigation have been hanging for quite a long time, sufferer is none but the inhabitants of the State of Meghalaya.

The Court also said that it appreciated the desire of Zoom Airways to operate from Delhi to Umroi and back, subject to certain subsidy protection.

During the hearing, the Additional Solicitor General assured that next week, requisite meeting will be arranged and thereafter, an affidavit will be filed.

The counsel for Zoom Airways also assured that an authorized representative of Zoom Airways will be available next week any time, as and when will be called for the meeting with the Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation.