Date:09/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/09/stories/2008040960600100.htm

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Introduction of additional flights hit

S. Ganesan

Following severe shortage of manpower in Central Industrial Security Force unit at the airport

Photo: R.M. Rajarathinam

Matter of concern: A view of the airport in Tiruchi. —

TIRUCHI: Severe shortage of manpower in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) unit at the Tiruchi Airport has been effectively holding up introduction of additional/new flights to the city, especially during nights.

With a strength of just 57 at the Tiruchi Airport, the central agency has been stretched to its limits given the increase in the number of flights to and from the city since last year.

According to sources, a survey has already been conducted and it has been assessed that the airport would require another 61 men so that the force could deploy its men in three shifts to provide security cover for the terminal building including baggage screening and patrolling of the airport complex during flight operations.

Given the manpower shortage in the CISF, the airport officials are reluctant to clear introduction of additional flights to and from Tiruchi, especially to the night schedules sought by airlines.

Air India which recently increased its frequency on the Chennai-Tiruchi-Thiruvanathapuram-Sharjah sector to make it a daily flight, has not been able to operate the flights via Tiruchi in the return direction on all seven days. The airline has been forced to operate the return flights (IC 968) via Tiruchi only on four days. On other three days, the flight is operated on the Sharjah-Thiruvanathapuram-Chennai sector, skipping Tiruchi. Air India Express is also said to be looking to operate to Abu Dhabi from here to a night schedule.

Some other airlines including Deccan and Air Asia are said to be interested in operating flights with evening/night schedules to Bangalore and Kuala Lumpur respectively.

Countrywide problem

Airport officials contend that the manpower shortage in CISF was a problem faced by the agency across the country. The CISF, they point out, has taken over the security of many new installations. The opening of new airports at Hyderabad and Bangalore has only added to the manpower constraint.

Airports Authority of India has already taken up the matter with the CISF top brass, who in turn have sought clearance from the Union Home Ministry for posting additional manpower at the Tiruchi Airport, the sources said.