Can we have a safer airport in Mangalore?

Mangalore: There have been suggestions for shifting Bajpe airport to Padubidri during the seventies. Industrial Minister late T.A. Pai proposed this in 1975 as Padubidri is naturally more suitable for an airport with its plain landscape and it is also convenient to the people of northern region. But since the other politicians of that time did not take much interest on this matter, this proposal did not materialize.
As per the records, since October 2006 up to March 2010 about 7,900 international planes have landed and taken off at Mangalore airport. Also, since 2006 up to March 2010 about 31,000 domestic planes have landed and taken off as well. This is the first ever such disaster in this airport.
Mangalore airport has been also distinguished as a table top airport surrounded by deep valleys in three sides. At one side the valley is 300 feet deep, at west side of runway it is 272 feet deep and at east side it is 82 feet. Now, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel has said that the runway will be increased from the present 8,000 feet to 9,000 feet. The airport authority has 580 acres of land and for the extension they will need more 200 to 300 acres of land, which needs to be acquired. We will have to wait and see when this will be completed.
The other facts to be noted in the current facility are whether Mangalore airport meets all the requirements an International airport needs. For a full fledged International airport the ATC (Air Traffic Control) tower should be 125 meters high from the sea level. At present Mangalore airport ATC is 109 meters high. With the increased height it will be easy for the communication between ATC and the pilot. Also the approach radar is essential for the safe landing of flight. This facility will provide the complete picture of airport prevailing the weather condition of the airport and details about the height and speed of the plane.
At present Mangalore airport has 420 meters of approach light system. For an International airport 900 meters of approach lights are required. Approach light system facilitates smooth landing and take off of plane at night and also during cloudy and rainy season. The present the 90 meter long sand arrestor system at the new runway did not work during the crash, so this should be re strengthened also.
01/06/10 Victor D’Souza/Bellevision

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Categories: Airports Jun 2010, Safety Jun 2010