The CSMIA, which operates with a single crossover runway, can now leverage the DARK facility to expedite the movement and deployment of resources, thereby restoring runway operations while safeguarding the aircraft. (Twitter/ Screengrab/ @CSMIA_Official) The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has become the first airport in Asia to have a Disabled Aircraft Recovery Kit (DARK) facility equipped with high-pressure lifting bags.
The DARK facility is designed to swiftly recover aircraft in the event of a “runway excursion”, which occurs when an aircraft unintentionally veers off or overruns the runway during take-off or landing. This scenario can be potentially dangerous that requires quick and precise intervention is crucial to ensure the safety of passengers, the aircraft, and airport operations.
The use of high-pressure lifting bags in the DARK facility allows for more efficient aircraft recovery, significantly reducing the downtime and impact on travellers. In the past, the airport relied on conventional methods, which took longer and had a greater impact on airport operations.
The CSMIA, which operates with a single crossover runway, can now leverage the DARK facility to expedite the movement and deployment of resources, thereby restoring runway operations while safeguarding the aircraft.
#MumbaiAirport achieves a ground breaking milestone! CSMIA is now the first airport in Asia to acquire the cutting-edge Disabled Aircraft Recovery Kit (DARK) with High Pressure Lifting Bags.
(1/2)— CSMIA (@CSMIA_Official) October 9, 2023
The recent incident in September in which a private jet veered off the runway at CSMIA, causing a temporary halt in flight operations, highlighted the need for better recovery capabilities to be set in place.