Landings at Chandigarh airport to remain foggy

Chandigarh: There is dissonance in the city’s aviation route with foggy weather threatening to disrupt plane schedules this winter. This, despite its first international flight ready to take off soon. Air Force’s crucial Instrument Landing System (ILS) that was being used at city airport is said to be out of order, thus making landings risky amidst thick fog. ILS is an advanced navigation aid that empowers aircraft to land under adverse weather conditions or low visibility.
Though the Airport Authority of India has reportedly initiated the process of getting its own ILS, the process is likely to take some time and officials say the system would be in place only by next winter. “We’re aware of the inconvenience caused to commuters due to poor functioning of ILS. That’s the reason why a new system will be procured. The matter is pending and the installation process will begin once we get a go-ahead,” said airport director Sunil Dutt.
Chandigarh airport enjoys air connectivity with Delhi, Mumbai, Jammu and Srinagar through 10 regular flights to and from these cities. However, poor visibility during winters has been a bane of the airport, with flights getting delayed by as much as four to five days.
28/09/09 Times of India

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Categories: Airports Sep 2009