Is BIA’s soft launch on May 23?

Is BIA’s soft launch on May 23?
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bangalore: After all the drama, Bengaluru International Airport (BIA) might just get third-time lucky, as the airport has now been scheduled to take off on May 23. Domestic and international airlines have confirmed the new opening date to TOI after receiving an e-mail from BIAL.
An SMS of the same was sent to regional heads of airlines operating out of Bangalore. But airline industry officials said May 23 would be the soft launch of the airport and the inauguration ceremony would be held after the new state government is in place.
The election code of conduct that is currently in place would continue to be in force until the counting day on May 25, thus preventing any politician from inaugurating the city’s Rs 3,500-crore infrastructure project.
In an e-mail confirming the new opening date, a BIAL spokesperson said, “BIAL has not received official communication confirming the date. We will let you know as soon as that happens.”
This is the third scheduled opening date of BIA. It was first to be opened on March 30, which was postponed by a month as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had not issued licences to the airport over 59 safety irregularities.
Then, it was fixed for May 11, but these plans fell through as the state was gearing up for the first phase of elections. Last week, TOI reported that the DGCA has granted all the required licences for BIA’s operation.
But with all the controversy surrounding BIA, one cannot be 100% sure of its opening till flights take off. Sources said though a date has been fixed, a further delay is on the cardsIs BIA’s soft launch on May 23?
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bangalore: After all the drama, Bengaluru International Airport (BIA) might just get third-time lucky, as the airport has now been scheduled to take off on May 23. Domestic and international airlines have confirmed the new opening date to TOI after receiving an e-mail from BIAL.
An SMS of the same was sent to regional heads of airlines operating out of Bangalore. But airline industry officials said May 23 would be the soft launch of the airport and the inauguration ceremony would be held after the new state government is in place.
The election code of conduct that is currently in place would continue to be in force until the counting day on May 25, thus preventing any politician from inaugurating the city’s Rs 3,500-crore infrastructure project.
In an e-mail confirming the new opening date, a BIAL spokesperson said, “BIAL has not received official communication confirming the date. We will let you know as soon as that happens.”
This is the third scheduled opening date of BIA. It was first to be opened on March 30, which was postponed by a month as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had not issued licences to the airport over 59 safety irregularities.
Then, it was fixed for May 11, but these plans fell through as the state was gearing up for the first phase of elections. Last week, TOI reported that the DGCA has granted all the required licences for BIA’s operation.
But with all the controversy surrounding BIA, one cannot be 100% sure of its opening till flights take off. Sources said though a date has been fixed, a further delay is on the cards