International airport set for smooth takeoff on May 23

International airport set for smooth takeoff on May 23
Bangalore, DHNS:
The new Bangalore International Airport at Devanahalli is set to launch its operations on May 23, as all the preparatory work for the airport was completed, according to the project promoter, Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL).

BIAL CEO, Albert Brunner said all the new systems had been installed and personnel have been tested for effective operations. These included the ATC, immigration and customs.

The company also announced “critical passenger information” to ease transition to the BIA from the existing HAL airport.The opening was delayed for more than a month due to delay in installation of the ATC equipment.The recently completed Trumpet Interchange, allows passengers easy access from NH 7 directly to the Terminal Building and also eases the flow of traffic from the city.

In a release, Mr Brunner said it will be comfortable, convenient and economical with the fleet of BMTC AC Volvo buses, which will ferry passengers from 26 points on nine routes.The minimum fare for this service will be Rs 80 and a maximum of Rs 200.

The long distance of nearly 40 km from the city to the new airport had been seen as one of the main hurdles.This had led to various organisations and corporate leaders pressing for the retention of the existing HAL airport along with the new one.

No scope
However, the concession agreement, arrived at between the private promoters of the airport and the Union Civil Aviation Ministry stipulated that no other airport will operate commercial flights within 150 km radius.
Mr Brunner said simplified parking facilities had been put in place with the passengers being picked up or dropped in front of the terminal building.

The automated parking facility can accommodate 2,000 cars. At the new airport, careful planning had gone into the designing of the facilities to ensure the convenience of differently-abled passengers as well, he said.
Besides, the walkways from the parking area to the passenger terminal building have gently sloping ramps throughout and are wide enough to accommodate large electric powered wheelchairs, which will be available.