Hyderabad, June 28 (IANS) Eight major associations of the Indian community in Ras Al Khaimah have urged the Indian government to increase the number of flights between Indian cities and the emirate of the UAE.

 
 The associations have even threatened to encourage the community to boycott Air India during the upcoming holiday season.
 
 The associations in a statement released here Tuesday said 450,000 Indians residing in the catchment area of Ras Al Khaimah have to travel to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah airports for catching flights to India.
 
 Though Ras Al Khaimah has an international airport, there is only one flight being operated to India. "It appears that the return gesture from the carriers in India is not forthcoming," said S.A. Saleem, president of Indian Association in Ras Al Khaimah.
 
 The associations appealed to Civil Aviation Minister Vayalar Ravi to commence direct air services between Ras Al Khaimah and Cochin,  Trivandrum, Mangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmadabad and Chennai by Air India or to allow the national carrier of Ras Al Khaimah to operate on these routes.
 
 They called for more air connectivity in view of the greater movement of people on these sectors, thanks to the growing investment and trade ties between India and Ras Al Khaimah.