Dubai plane can't land at Chandigarh at night

Chandigarh: Even before celebrations could begin to fete the first international flight from the city, the proposed Fly Dubai service has run into trouble, with Indian Air Force refusing it permission to land at the airport during night. As scheduled, the carrier from Dubai was supposed to reach the city around 11pm and take off 40 minutes later. The local airport is controlled by the IAF that does not allow civilian planes to land here after 10pm.
Civil aviation authorities had sought permission for allowing night landing of the proposed international Chandigarh-Dubai flight, which is expected to begin operations from July 23.
On receiving the request, the local air force authorities referred the matter before Air Headquarters at New Delhi for final approval. However, the plea did not receive a go-ahead there.
The development could affect the much-hyped service that has generated a lot of excitement in the region.
And the apparent teething troubles don’t end there. According to information, even the immigration authorities and Chandigarh police have shown their helplessness at providing staff at the airport.
Sources said the immigration department’s thumbs down to open their centre at the airport could hamper plans. An immigration counter is required to fulfil formalities related with international flying, including checking passport, visa and customs. Sources added the authorities claimed they were facing a staff crunch, hence couldn’t provide people at the airport. Adding to the airport officials’ woes, UT cops too have rejected a request for providing security cover at the place.
04/07/09 Times of India

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Categories: Airports Jul 2009, Foreign Jul 2009