Hopes for HAL reopening fade, BIA satisfies AAI

Bangalore: Curtains fell on the HAL Airport after the Bengaluru International Airport (BIA) started commercial flight operations on May 24; they are unlikely to lift.
The HAL Airport, which was closed for commercial flight operations on May 25, will remain non-operational, barring military and VIP flight landings and take-offs.
Sources told this website's newspaper that the four-member Airports Authority of India team which visited the BIA last week to conduct a feasibility study to evaluate the air traffic and passenger capacity at the new airport is satisfied with the facilities there.
They have also been assured by the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) that measures to address shortcomings will be initiated immediately.
"The idea of having two airports is not being viewed positively. Even if the airline operators want HAL to operate short haul flights, it is not feasible. From the commuters' point of view too, it is not a good option to keep two airports operating simultaneously in the city," sources explained.
BIAL, on its part, is also said to have assured the inspection team that it would be taking up expansion work to meet future requirements.
24/06/08 Hemanth C S and Monica Jha/Newindpress

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Categories: Airports Jun 2008