Date:01/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/01/stories/2008030157900300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam

Airfield cleared for night landing

Special Correspondent

Civil aircraft operations by night likely from March 30

SPRUCED UP: A view of the illuminated new runway of the Visakhapatnam airport.

VISAKHAPATNAM: Based on request by the citizens of Visakhapatnam, the Indian Navy, despite severe man power constraints, has put in considerable efforts towards making Vizag airport available for night operations.

According to a spokesman of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC), extensive night flying has been successfully undertaken by naval and other military aircraft since June lat year in order to prove the night landing facilities.

NOC issued

The Director General Civil Aviation has subsequently issued a No Objection Certificate to the Airports Authority of India for the operationalisation of night landing facilities at the Visakhapatnam airport.

“In order to meet the increasing aspirations of the local populace, the Indian Navy has consented to stretch its existing manpower resources and extend Airport operating hours from 8.00 a.m. to 08.00 p.m. daily.

It is expected that civil aircraft operations by night will commence as early as March 30 this year,” he said.

Union Minister of State for Mines T. Subbarami Reddy has succeeded in persuading the Director General of Civil Aviation and Airports Authority of India for issuing the No Objection Certificate for starting night operations, according to a statement issued on Friday.

Dr. Reddy expects that the take-off from Vizag Airport will be doubled in the next three to six months.