AAI appeals to public on Bhogi bonfire

Chennai: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) today appealed to the public staying in close proximity to the airport not to burn waste materials during 'Bhogi', which creates thick smoke, resulting in disruption of flight services due to poor visibility. 

 An AAI release here said Bhogi celebration is the customary bonfire practised preceding Pongal, the harvest festival of Tamil Nadu. In 2018, the Airfield was covered with thick smoke emanating from the bonfire reducing visibility at Chennai Airport which in turn lad to diversion(s)/cancellation(s)/delay(s) of flights, much to the inconvenience of passengers. Nearly 73 departures and 45 arrivals were affected.

However, during 2019 and 2020 Bhogi festival, through intense sensitisation among public and communities around Chennai Airport, the effect of bonfire was minimised, leading to fewer disruptions in air traffic. This time around, as a precautionary measure and to avoid any flight disruptions, the AAI sincerely requested the public staying in the proximity of Airport not to burn waste materials which creates thick smoke during ‘Bhogi’. 

 ''Since such activity brings down visibility in and around the Chennai Airport leading to diversion(s)/cancellation(s) as well as passenger’s inconvenience, we are extremely thankful to the valued public support to our plea'', it said. 

 09/01/21 UNI

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Categories: Airports Jan 2021, Safety Jan 2021