In foggy days, Chandigarh’s fog-landing system lies defunct

Chandigarh: Chandigarh Airport is aiming to become an international airport soon, but sadly its Instrument Landing System (ILS), a vital system needed to guide pilots when the weather conditions do not allow for a visual approach and landing, has been lying defunct in these fog-filled winter days.
Construction work is on to convert the airport into an international airport. It was earlier supposed to be completed in October last year, but airport officials now say that the work would be completed by June 2010. This would be the region’s second international airport after the Raja Sansi International Airport in Amritsar.
Being primarily a military airfield, all air traffic control facilities, including navigational and landing aids and other safety measures at Chandigarh airport are normally managed by the Indian Air Force.
Experts allege that a defunct ILS can create obstacles in the path of Chandigarh airport attaining international stature.
However, defence spokesperson Pardeep Das Gupta maintains otherwise.
With the exisiting ILS not working, airport authorities are waiting for an advanced system. The defunct system had grounded Chandigarh airport for almost two weeks, from Jan 1 to 14.
`8/01/10 Times of India

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Categories: Airports Jan 2010