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| Chaos at Airport | | | Cancellation of flights as a result of severe weather conditions like snow storms is known worldwide. Their cancellation due to poor visibility though is peculiar and primarily restricted to this part of the globe.
As many as 79 flights which were scheduled to and fro Srinagar “international” airport had to be cancelled essential due to lack of proper facilities. The airport lacks better landing system which results in suspension of flight operations during lower visibility. Such issues are not faced worldwide and most part of our country. The airports are equipped with latest systems which enable them operate throughout the year except under very severe weather conditions or extra-ordinary exigency. The cancellations of the whopping number of flights meant trouble for commuters, most of whom were tourists across the country.
For travellers, cancellations meant time away from loved ones, chaos at the airport and the stress of spending hours standing in line and on the phone trying to rebook flights. Such troubles could have been easily avoided had the government made preemptive measures especially as it invites tourists in large numbers.
Hardly any thought has gone to upgrade systems at airport which would otherwise prevent chaos and trouble for sightseers. Cancellation of flights also means increased stay of tourists in Valley and, while the administration was duty-bound to provide accommodations in such a scenario, they were left to fend for themselves. Sometimes it becomes difficult to find hotel accommodation once hotel room is emptied by the tourists hoping to fly out. While as such troubles could have been avoided with better facilities at the airport, the government must immediately ensure that no traveler is made to pay extra for cancelled flight.
Also efforts must be made to upgrade the airport to least save people from such chaotic situations. Faced with situation, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has announced installing of CAT-II instrument landing system (ILS) which provides pilot descent guidance signals for landing on the runway under normal as well as adverse weather conditions.
The system is said to be installed at the Airport in April this year and would be completed by November. Let us hope that the ILS is installed within stipulated time frame from next winter season so that the troubles on account of flight cancellations are obviated to a larger extent. |
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