KL Report
SRINAGAR
The Advisory Committee on Srinagar International Airport headed by senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and Member Parliament, Tariq Hameed Karra has sought immediate operation of night flights and international flights from Srinagar Airport, a party statement said on Sunday.
The Advisory Committee, which met here Saturday under the chairmanship of Karra, asked the District Development Commissioner Budgam and SSP Budgam to immediately take up the issue of installation of approach lights on the runway with the Air Force authorities to facilitate operation of night flights.
“The meeting was informed that once the approach lights are installed on the runway, the airlines operating from Srinagar Airport would take a call on the matter and propose suitable timing for morning and the night flights,” the statement said.
Regarding the operation of international flights, the meeting was informed that the matter has been already taken up by Karra with the Union Civil Aviation Minister, Ashok G R Pusapati and a positive action was expected soon.
“It was also decided in the meeting that the issue regarding naming of Srinagar International Airport as Sheikh-Ul-Alam International Airport would be taken up with the government of India,” the statement said.
The meeting decided that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) would be asked to improve facilities at the Airport to make it more people-friendly by installing vehicle scanner at the drop gate, increasing number of X-BIS machines at the drop gate and increase in number of entry gates at the terminal building, it informed.
The other issues discussed in the meeting include expansion of the terminal building; setting up of integrated cargo terminal, providing waiting hall facility outside the terminal building, increase in number of arrival conveyor belts, making adequate heating arrangements inside the terminal building, improving washroom facilities and public address system, it added.
“The meeting also reviewed the arrangements for Hajj flights. It also impressed upon the airlines to increase flight frequency on Srinagar-Leh sector.”
