New Delhi: The Civil Aviation Ministry is likely to downgrade the status of Patna airport as being unfit for handling jets such as the Airbus 320s and the Boeing 737s, primarily on account of safety concerns arising from the short length of the runway, the safety strips flanking the runway on either side lacking width and obstruction to the flight path because of trees.
The downgrade, expected in a couple of months, would effectively mean flight services operated by Air India, IndiGo, Jet Airways and GoAir might have to be discontinued and the state capital could face the prospect of virtually having no air connectivity. The state currently has two operational airports — the other one in Gaya that is connected by just one flight a day.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has written to the state government, warning that unless remedial measures are taken to upgrade flight safety at the airport, the aviation regulator would be forced to allow only small aircraft to operate to Patna.
11/09/13 Indian Express
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The downgrade, expected in a couple of months, would effectively mean flight services operated by Air India, IndiGo, Jet Airways and GoAir might have to be discontinued and the state capital could face the prospect of virtually having no air connectivity. The state currently has two operational airports — the other one in Gaya that is connected by just one flight a day.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has written to the state government, warning that unless remedial measures are taken to upgrade flight safety at the airport, the aviation regulator would be forced to allow only small aircraft to operate to Patna.
11/09/13 Indian Express
