Kerala Tourism Minister P.C. Vishnunadh today inaugurated the Thumby Vattappara Helipad at Kottukonam Gardens, Thiruvananthapuram, marking a significant step towards strengthening helicopter-based tourism and enhancing air connectivity to tourist destinations across the state.
Inaugurating the new venture, Mr. Vishnunadh said the Kerala government is committed to supporting tourism entrepreneurs and stakeholders in promoting Kerala on the global stage. He noted that destination development alone cannot drive tourism growth – connectivity is an equally vital pillar. The Minister observed that Thumby Aviation’s Heli Tourism project will give travellers an aerial view of Kerala’s greenery and a unique destination experience, and offered the government’s full support to help the venture add more routes across Kerala, enabling luxury travellers to reach destinations with greater ease and speed.
The Minister also launched the Onam Heli Tourism Package, offering visitors a new and convenient way to experience Kerala during the festive season. The initiative is expected to add a premium dimension to Kerala’s tourism offerings and provide tourists with faster access to destinations across the state.
The inauguration was held at 10 a.m. in the presence of tourism and civic officials, elected representatives and industry leaders. The new helipad is operated by Thumby Aviation Pvt. Ltd.
Speaking at the function, Gp. Capt. Dr. K.N.G. Nair, VM (Gallantry) (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director, Thumby Aviation, highlighted the importance of expanding helicopter services to support tourism and improve connectivity.
The programme began with the lighting of the traditional lamp and a prayer song, followed by a welcome address by Air Cmde. B.S. Krishnakumar, Kirti Chakra (Retd), Vice President, Thumby Aviation. This was followed by an address by Minister Vishnunadh.
G.R. Anil, MLA; Mr. Raghuchandran Nair, President, Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Mr. Vijay Bhushan, Manager, Emirates Airlines Trivandrum; Mr. Ajith Kumar, President, Karakulam Grama Panchayat; Ward Member Mr. Biju Kumar; and former Panchayat Member M. Satheesh Nair also addressed the gathering.
The function concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Govind Nair, CEO & Director, Thumby Aviation, followed by tea and refreshments.
The launch of the Onam Heli Tourism Package comes at a time when Kerala is looking to diversify its tourism products and cater to travellers seeking premium, time-efficient and experiential travel options. Helicopter tourism offers visitors the opportunity to cover multiple destinations in shorter periods while enjoying an aerial perspective of Kerala’s diverse landscapes.
The new Vattappara helipad is expected to further support the growth of helicopter tourism and charter services in the Thiruvananthapuram region, creating additional opportunities for high-value tourism and improved accessibility.
