Bhubaneswar: Trial run of international flights at Biju Patnaik International Airport here is unlikely before third week of May, official sources said.
Earlier, the airport authorities had targeted third week of March for dry run.
They have cited two reasons for the delay. Airlines, which have evinced interest to fly aircraft, are yet to complete traffic survey. Secondly, the operation can start only after election model code of conduct is lifted. The Union cabinet on October 30 had accorded international tag to the airport.
The Air Asia had evinced interest to fly its international flights from the city to Kuala Lumpur at a meeting at Airports Authority of India (AAI) regional office, Kolkata, on January 20. But it is yet to complete traffic study (expected flow of passengers). "The airline has sought permission from ministry of civil aviation for starting operations," said airport director Sharad Kumar. He further said election outcome will dictate how early the international operations start.
20/04/14 Times of India
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Earlier, the airport authorities had targeted third week of March for dry run.
They have cited two reasons for the delay. Airlines, which have evinced interest to fly aircraft, are yet to complete traffic survey. Secondly, the operation can start only after election model code of conduct is lifted. The Union cabinet on October 30 had accorded international tag to the airport.
The Air Asia had evinced interest to fly its international flights from the city to Kuala Lumpur at a meeting at Airports Authority of India (AAI) regional office, Kolkata, on January 20. But it is yet to complete traffic study (expected flow of passengers). "The airline has sought permission from ministry of civil aviation for starting operations," said airport director Sharad Kumar. He further said election outcome will dictate how early the international operations start.
20/04/14 Times of India
