Not increasing capacity will cost BIAL licence

Bangalore: The Union government on Thursday submitted before the Karnataka High Court that the licence given to the Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL) — the promoters of the Bengaluru International Airport — is subject to the condition that it continues to increase passenger capacity and build infrastructure.
Appearing for the Central government, Attorney General (AG) of India GE Vahanvati said there is an obligation on the part of BIAL to increase air traffic, capacity and infrastructures, and that if it fails to do so, its licence may not be renewed and can even be cancelled.
The High Court reserved judgement on a cluster of petitions challenging the closure of the HAL Airport. It directed the Union government to submit the report of the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on the passenger capacity of the BIA. The High Court wants to know the demand and statistics regarding domestic and international passengers using the airport.
The division bench of Justice N Kumar and Justice Arali Nagaraj directed the union government to place on record the decision taken by the then Prime Minister while approving the cessation of commercial operations from HAL Airport as suggested by a government appointed task force.
Vahanvati argued that HAL Airport was closed only for commercial operations; it is still operated for defence and emergency purposes.
19/03/10 ExpressBuzz

To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline

Categories: Airports Mar 2010