More hurdles on BIA’s runway

More hurdles on BIA’s runway
DGCA Expected To Inspect On April 18, Will Issue Licence If Norms Are Met
Anshul Dhamija | TNN

Bangalore: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to make an inspection of the new Bangalore International Airport (BIA) on April 18.
The DGCA had identified close to 59 safety-related issues at BIA which made the civil aviation ministry postpone its inauguration by more than a month. The new scheduled opening date is May 11.
“If the DGCA is satisfied after its inspection on April 18, and the new airport meets all the required norms as laid down by them, a licence will be issued to the Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) to operate the airport,” said a senior state government official.
However, if the DGCA is still not happy with BIA, it would conduct another round of inspection on a later date, which could cause a further delay in the airport’s opening.
This apart, the heavy political clouds hanging over the state may also cause some turbulence for BIA’s smooth take-off.
Senior civil aviation officials told TOI that BIA, if granted a licence quickly, would be allowed to commence operations by May 11. However, since poll dates for Karnataka have been announced, the inaugural function will have to happen without the participation of any political leader from Delhi or Karnataka.
“The PMO has taken note of the electoral code of conduct and it is certain that the Prime Minister will not inaugurate the airport on May 11,” said a senior civil aviation official.
But sources in the state government point out that if the civil aviation minister is keen on holding a function, then he along with the Prime Minister will have to write a letter to the election commissioner seeking his approval.
BIAL is looked more as a private enterprise, as the government holds just 24 per cent stake in the venture.