Why do we need regular Direct flights from Perth- Kochi-Perth?

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world and forced us to implement new rules for international travellings, such as quarantine and health screening requirements in order to keep everyone safe and healthy. One of the significant factors in this new international travelling sector is that direct flights will limit the transit episodes to reduce the risk of exposure to new places and people and therefore minimising the chance of viral contact.

There are many Malayalee families, particularly elderly parents and children are stranded in Kerala and Perth who desperately waiting for the borders to be opened to meet up with their loved ones. Currently, it takes around 30-40 hours to travel between Perth and Kerala. They have to transit through other extreme- high-risk cities/countries to arrive in Perth due to the COVID restrictions and lack of direct flights. Kochi is the central point and Southern Peninsula of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Pondicherry with the shortest air distance to Perth. Thus, all South Indian families residing in Perth would be able to return home in a shorter amount of time. A significant number of passengers are essential workers and healthcare employees. If these travellers get infected or go into quarantine, it will have a significant impact on the WA essential & healthcare workforce, especially in hospitals. A shorter travel time will also have a positive impact on travellers' health compared to a longer travel time and people with any health issues will be able to travel without any difficulties.

Recently, Air India flight started to operate direct flights from Kochi to London. With this new flight route, they have seen great results and benefit from more direct flights in the future. Due to this current state of having no direct flights between  Perth and Kochi, many South Indians travelling to Kochi and back to Perth are forced to travel through Dubai, Qatar, Sydney or Melbourne to reach Perth and Kochi. As a result of the long waiting time and multiple transits, there is a greater risk of becoming infected and exposed to this virus.

Why are Perth and Kochi as destinations?

Perth is one of the major international airports in Australia with the shortest air distance from Kochi. The flying distance between Perth and Kochi is around 6300 kilometres with an approximate 8 hours flying time. This is the shortest air distance and flying time compared to other cities in Australia and any other South Indian cities. As the main hub in Australia, Perth will give us the benefit of easy connection flights to all other major Australian cities including Darwin, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra. Moreover, Western Australia is the “Safest place” in Australia from the COVID-19 pandemic, which will keep all the flight crews and transit travellers safe from potential viral contact.

In addition to the above, if we have a direct flight from Kochi to Perth it enhances the trade and business. Also, boost up the tourism industry between India and Australia. The Western Australian Government has also declared they are focusing more on the tourism industry.

Keeping in view of the above facts, Perth can be the best option as the central hub for all other cities in Australia. Kochi is also a centre point that leads to other states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Pondicherry.

Who is initiating this petition?  

On behalf of all the Malayalee community in Perth, Perth United Malayalee Association (PUMA) is initiating this petition. PUMA is a cultural organisation formed by the Malayalee community (Keralites from the southern part of India) living in Perth. Since its formation in 2013, PUMA has been a proactive presence within the community with multiple multicultural and charitable activities. This includes organising a chartered flight from Perth to Kochi in 2020 when parents from South India were stranded in Perth due to the COVID -19 outbreak with unexpected disruption of international flights.

PUMA request everyone over the age of 18 to sign this petition and share it with your friends and families to enable us to liaise and influence the decision-makers for further approvals.