John Wilbert & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Oct 03: Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, Commander-in-Chief of Andaman Nicobar Command, today confirmed the readiness of Shibpur Airport of Diglipur for operation of civilian aircraft, which will be operated by Andaman and Nicobar Administration for general public. “As far as the ANC is concerned we are ready” he said.
Addressing media persons during a media interaction today he said that Defence Dornier Aircrafts are already operating regularly.
The airport’s major works, including the passenger terminal building and runway, have already been completed, with minor finishing touches underway. The ongoing runway extension and tree-cutting are part of future development plans, he said.
He said that work in Campbell Bay Airport is almost completed for operation of Civilian Aircraft and in two three months major progress will be seen.
He added that Port Blair Airport is already operational for night landing, with defense military aircraft conducting night operations. The infrastructure is in place for civil aircraft, and the commencement of night landing operations is awaited from civil aircraft operators.
Under the Regional Connect Scheme (RCS-UDAN), the Government of India sanctioned the commissioning of NAS Shibpur as a full-fledged air station for domestic traffic.
The introduction of flight services between Port Blair and Shibpur Airport in Diglipur is expected to boost North Andaman tourism and passenger connectivity, allowing travel between the two locations within an hour and facilitating medical emergencies.
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