Rourkela: Amid all the allegations of irregular flight services from this city, there is a possibility that the issue will be resolved Wednesday onwards. This is because of the certification granted to two officials of the Airport Authority of India (AAI). Sources said that with the granting of the certification, the hindrances disrupting flight services have been cleared. Flights from the airport here have been disrupted since December 26. Now with two persons receiving the certification of ‘visual flight rights’ (VFR), landings will be possible from heights as low as 1,500 metres.
Sources feel that this will go a long way in the resumption of regular flight services. These two officials will work in the approach control unit of the airport. AGM air traffic control Saroj Sahu, who trained the newly appointed duo, confirmed of this development. One of the persons is from Patna while the other is from Kolkata. “With the posting of these two persons, the Rourkela Airport will be all-weather ready for flight landings,” Sahu said. Sahu however, clarified that this new development will not aid night landings and take-offs. For that the airport will need the installation of the instrument landing system (ILS), Sahu added. The president of Sachetan Nagarik Manch (SNM) Bimal Bisi thanked Sundargarh MP Jual Oram for the development.
Sources meanwhile said that there will be direct flights from Rourkela to Kolkata thrice a week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday). On the remaining days of the week, the flight services will be Rourkela-BhubaneswarKolkata-Bhubaneswar-Rourkela. It should be stated here that the FIH Pro League (hockey) for Women will be held here in February. Hence flight services must become regular from the airport here.
RAJESH MOHANTY, OP
