Flight Cancellations

Recently the issue of uncontrollable airfares especially during the snapping of the surface link was discussed at the highest level and even a plea was made by the State Governor to the Prime Minister for intervening in the affair as this factor was not only discouraging tourists but was a sort of punishment to the local people especially those going for medical treatment, and to the  students. Well, it is doubtful if the subject would be pursued at the highest quarter and some remedial measures taken to control what some people have termed as virtual loot by some airlines. Apart from this there is another major factor plaguing the flights to and fro Srinagar. It is the frequent cancellations due to bad weather, poor visibility, runway clearance during snow and so on. According to some information provided by travel agencies in a month or so there have been over 160 cancellations! Srinagar must be the unique airport where weather causes so many cancellations in this digital age. Incidentally, the Srinagar Airport is known as the Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport. This seems to be a cruel joke! There is nothing International about the Airport except the name. No international flight touches the airport. Almost a decade back a flight was started by Air India to Dubai which was withdrawn only after six months! Let us forget the international connection of which during the present scenario there appear to be bleak chances. The other most annoying episode is the repeated cancellation of flights during bad weather. These days with modern gadgets flights hardly get cancelled due to bad weather especially rain or snow or even fog! In many European and American cities, the flights operate even in blizzards. The reason being modern technology because of which a pilot can land and take off with his eyes shut!  Fortunately, Srinagar Airport too has some of the most modern digital systems like the Precision Approach Radar, Instrument Landing Systems and so on. However, these are Not, reportedly, being used as the Airport comes under Indian Air Force who controls the ATC (Air Traffic Control). Even the runway is under Defence Authorities. The Civil Aviation side has only the apron and the airport building! There is also complete night landing facilities. Some time back it was declared that there would be now late night operations but this did not happen as it was given out that there were no takers among the various airlines. There are only two alternatives. Either the Defence Authorities should permit use of all instrument landing systems for the civilian side or a new civilian airport be built so that flights are able to land in all weather conditions and also night operations are undertaken. If these facilities are provided, these may also take care of the undue hike in fares! Let us hope the authorities taker a note and get the needful done!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

5 + ten =