The uncertainty over the Bengaluru International Airport (BIA) launch date is finally over. Following the Union Government’s green signal to open the airport after May 10, the BIAL on Thursday announced that the greenfield airport would be formally launched on May 11.
In a statement, the BIAL said: “We have received communication from the Ministry of Civil Aviation seeking a consideration of a suitable opening date after May 10, 2008 due to delays on Air Traffic Control (ATC) services. The BIAL has decided the date of airport opening as May 11, 2008.”
taken from http://www.deccanherald.com
However, the BIAL expressed disappointment with delay “as our employees and partners have been working tirelessly to launch the Bengaluru International Airport on March 30. This delay is beyond the control of the BIAL.”
To mark the successful readiness of airport infrastructure, the BIAL will hold an event to showcase the new airport on March 28.
The BIAL had indicated to the ministry that the first commercial flight was likely to take off at 12:01 am on May 11.
The Civil Aviation Ministry, in a letter to BIAL CEO Albert Brunner, cited the lack of readiness of ATC services as the main reason for delay.
No legal action
Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel dismissed queries that the Centre’s directive may invite legal action from the BIAL. “The delay is because of operational reasons,” he said.
The letter, written by an officer of the rank of director of the ministry — a copy of which was obtained exclusively by Deccan Herald — blames the BIAL for the delay in handing over several facilities to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to take up ATC works. All other agencies (barring AAI) have confirmed readiness for operation, the letter noted.
“The AAI has informed (the ministry) that… it was the responsibility of the BIAL to design and construct by no later than 180 days prior to the initial commissioning date (ICD-March 30) the ATC facility including control tower, technical block and office accommodation for AAI personnel. Air conditioning at ATC was to be provided 90 days prior to ICD. The BIAL should have handed over the facility by September 30, 2007 and provided AC by December 31. However, the crucial building — technical block — was handed over to the AAI only on February 3, 2008, radar building on December 12, 2007 and AC works completed on March 1.”
The letter said as regards the status of installation of ATC equipment, physical installation of navigational aids, radar etc., have been completed. After the ATC equipment are commi-ssioned, the AAI would require eight weeks for familiarisation and training of air traffic controllers.
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