MAFI work from Dec,flight plans may be hit

It is learnt that in a recent meeting between the IAF,airport authorities and airlines,the airlines had asked the IAF to spare morning hours for flight operations since it spells business for the operators given that morning hours are preferred by business passengers.

G Raj Shekhar,officiating airport director,said,“The IAF has given a tentative programme but further information can be obtained only from the IAF.” An IAF official,while confirming that work under MAFI project is slated to begin in December,said confirming the exact dates and timings is not possible. “Talks are currently under way on the adjustments in flying slots,” the official said.

An airline official said,“The IAF is working closely with all the airlines to ensure that civilian flights are disturbed the least. No time schedule has been finalised yet,but we have been assured that IAF will be giving the airlines a sufficient notice before announcing the time schedule.” “During the three months,the runway will remain closed for flying between 10 pm and 8 am. Airlines have asked the IAF authorities if these hours could be changed to between 10 pm and 6 am. Airlines have also requested the IAF to allow civilian operations from 8 am to 10.30 am,which is when IAF’s fighter aircraft operate,” an airport official said.

The Pune airport operates 46 domestic landings and take-offs on a daily basis besides two international flights,the Air India Express flight to Dubai and Lufthansa flight to Frankfurt. Another international flight to Sharjah by Spicejet is slated to begin from September 21.

The IAF project,bagged by Tata Power Strategic Electronics Division (SED),was implemented on pilot basis in Bhatinda and its completion at IAF’s Lohegaon- based 2 Wing is expected to benefit the Pune civil airport too.

The modernisation is expected to bring in Instrument Landing Systems that could include localiser antenna and guide-path buildings,both of which can enhance navigation,especially night vision.

While the airport already has a Distant Measuring Equipment (DME),there is a possibility of receiving another DME. Air Chief Marshal N A K Browne had last year declared that the project would start in November 2012,but it was delayed.

S K Jain,president,MCCIA said,“We are slated to hold a meeting in the next two days. In an earlier meeting with the Air Officer Commanding (AOC),2 Wing he had promised us that the effect of runway closure on civilian flight operations will be minimum. He has promised us that though the actual work is for six months,the runway will remain closed only for two-three months. When peripheral work is under way,flights will not be affected. We have been promised that the present number of landings and take-offs will not be curtailed.”