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Karipur airport runway to operate round-the-clock from March 1
The runway of the Karipur airport, which had been partially closed during the last 18 months to facilitate runway strengthening works, would become operational round-the-clock from Wednesday. The runway had been closed for eight hours daily from September 1, 2015 as part of the Rs 60-crore re-carpeting works.
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The 24-hour opening of runway is expected to provide relief to thousands of expatriates from Malabar.
Though the works have been completed, the DGCA and Union civil aviation ministry are yet to give any positive signals about revoking the ban on operation of wide-bodied aircraft, imposed on May 1, 2015.
Meanwhile, an upgraded instrument landing system (ILS) and single touch down zone lighting system, which would enhance the safety of aircraft operations, have also been installed at the airport.
“Though the runway will be operational round-the-clock from Wednesday, the operators will take some more time to change their schedules. The upcoming summer schedule would see the airlines making use of the fully operational runway,” said airport director K Janardhanan.
The new ILS installed at a cost of Rs 3 crore enables landing even in poor visibility conditions and provides precision lateral and vertical guidance to an approaching aircraft, using a combination of radio signals. AAI officials said that the single touch down lighting system would help prevent the possibility of overshooting of the runway by aircraft.
Janardhanan said the airport was expecting a tremendous growth in the domestic sector in the coming months. “We are looking to achieve a 100% growth. We have just four flights now but we have received proposals for five additional flights. Among them are a new Indigo flight to Chennai which will start operations from March 1. Also on the cards is an Air Carnival service to Chennai,” he added. Bobby Baun Womens Jersey
