KOZHIKODE: The Calicut International Airport at Karipur can operate big code-E aircraft with the strengthening of the runway by re-carpeting and installation of additional landing and take off facilities, according to the airport users’ forums. The airport earlier had lacked upgraded landing and take-off instrumentation systems. The re-carpeting of the runway is over and only measuring and marking works remain, said an official.
Meanwhile, the AAI records say that shifting of Hajj was never suggested. It was done for the benefit of some other airports which were lagging behind due to the presence of Karipur airport, it was pointed out. To facilitate landing and take off and for better passenger handling, the Airport Authority of India has introduced new technologies, including radiation detector equipment, inline X-ray baggage and additional Instrumentation Landing System (ILS).
Malabar Development Council president C.E. Chakkunni told DC that urgent measures should be taken to operate big aircraft from the airport. “Now Karipur has the longest terminal among the airports of AAI, which was renovated spending Rs 100 crore. Only Air India, Saudi Airlines and Emirates are operating big aircraft from Karipur. Air India has already conducted a safety check in the airport with positive results while Emirates Airlines has sought permission for a trial landing,” he added.
All the airline companies were satisfied with the existing facilities, he said. On the land acquisition process for runway expansion, Mr Chakkunni said, “AAI has collected around Rs 2,000 crore as users’ fee from passengers which could be used for land acquisition. The runway expansion needs 385 acres of land whereas another 100 acres is necessary for rehabilitation,” he pointed out.
