October 14, 2010
If you check the media reports for the last two years, every deadline that has been announced by the Chandigarh Airport Director was not met. Let's hope that this time the deadline announced is met. Although as usual something may happen it the last moment and the media will be told - "the project is delayed". Let's wait and watch. Here is another report from the media:
According to recent reports, Chandigarh International flights will be available by the end of December. The flights will be facilitated by a 12,150 square metre newly renovated building that will have capacity for 500 passengers. Facilities include a visual docking guidance system, aerobridges, escalators, a food court and a shopping arcade. Airport facility booths and services are currently under tender and include improvised car parking management, airport entry ticketing and passenger baggage trolleys. The total estimated cost of the renovation project is approximately Rs 90 crore.
Starting in January, airlines will be able to operate international flights with service to Dubai and other parts of the Middle East, South East Asia and Europe. Airport officials are optimistic regarding airline companies’ interest in offering flights to and from Chandigarh.
Explaining how the new projects’ appeal to vendors, Chandigarh Airport Director Sunil Dutt said that business opportunities would be available in numerous areas, including the food court, shopping arcade, and car park. He also remarked that besides facilitating passengers, operating these businesses in the airport would also allow vendors to market their brands to specific clientelle.
A new Instrument Landing System (ILS) is being installed under the direction and funding of the Airports Authority of India and the Indian Air Force. According to officials, the new ILS will be functional before the onset of winter.