Bengaluru has four airports to Mysuru’s one, but it is the latter that got the tourism department’s nod as the destination for skydiving as a part of its adventure tourism. The heritage city was found to be more conducive in terms of airspace and weather conditions. More importantly, it was the one identified as a safe drop zone for skydivers.
Three airports situated within a radius of 20 km – Kempegowda International Airport near Devanahalli, Air Force Station at Yelahanka and the Jakkur aerodrome – in north Bengaluru lost the race because of “having a very busy airspace” in the area. The HAL airport does not entertain any adventure sporting activity.
A Delhi-based firm, Skyriders, has been organising the spectacular sport at the Mysuru airport since November 2012, especially during Dasara. Last year, Skyriders purchased a four-seater aeroplane for operations here, after obtaining all the required clearances. According to the company director Dr Aanchal Khurana, the initial response has been good and it hopes to organise 100 jumps a month from February.
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