Full-scale flight operations resume at Dabolim
Were restricted as shoulder of runway were being extended
the goan network
VASCO
Dabolim Airport resumed full-scale flight operations on Monday, after naval authorities had undertaken extension work on the shoulder of the runway for about 60 days.
The navy had restricted handling of civilian flights at Dabolim airport for a short period in September to carry out maintenance work of the runway. However, the flight handling timings were restricted from 10 pm to 4 am from October 1 to November 30, due to the extension work on the shoulder of the runway.
An official at Dabolim airport said they started the operation of handling the flights in full swing.
“However, this handling of the flights at regular timing is likely to be short lived, as the navy will once again curtail the timing just before the end of tourist season, due to some pending work of construction of drains,” informed the official.
“Though we are yet to get an official communiqué from the Navy, we are given to understand that work on some extension on the shoulder of the runway and construction of drains on either side of the runway for smooth flow of rainwater is yet to be completed. This work is likely to be taken up in March 2016,” added the official.
“Goa is a 365-day tourist destination and restricting the flight timings once again will affect our schedules. We will try and request the Navy, if possible, to carry out the work in May, as handling of flights is less at that time,” informed the official.
Speaking on flight operators, a source from the airport said with normal flight timings coming into force from Monday, the flight operators are relieved as restricted timings used to cause a lot of hardship in handling of passengers and the flights.
