VIPs barge into slots for people's flights only

Mumbai: VIPs flying in small planes and helicopters have been breaking a rule made to ensure smooth flow of commercial flights at Mumbai airport, India’s busiest. There have been 75 instances this March when private aircraft either landed or took off from the airport during the four-hour curfew period. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) prohibited movement of any non-schedule aircraft (small planes and helicopters, including defence choppers) from 8 to 10 am and from 5.30 to 7.30 pm three years ago in the wake of rising commercial traffic during these hours.
“We restrict helicopter movement during these hours as commercial flight traffic is at its peak. There are line-ups for both departure and arrival,’’ said a senior airport official. “However, we have to accommodate top government officials or businessmen on what is called the ‘special request’’’.Airport officials fear incidents of violation are likely to increase as the poll campaign picks up pace.
13/04/09 Chinmayi Shalya/Times of India

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Categories: Airports Apr 2009, Safety Apr 2009