Tag Archives: Veer Savarkar International Airport

Port Blair Airport starts night landing operations

The Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar Islands has started night operations following significant upgrades and advancements. On April 18, a private airline was the first to land using the ILS at VSI Airport, reports ANI.

The aviation infrastructure at INS Utkrosh in Port Blair has undergone significant advancements, with upgrades that allow the airport to handle both day and night operations.

The modernisation effort, under Project MAFI (Modernisation of Airfield Infrastructure), was conceived at Naval Headquarters in New Delhi and executed under the supervision of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC).

A key feature of the modernisation is the installation of a new Airfield Lighting System (AFLS) and Cat II Approach Lighting System (ALS). These advancements are complemented by a Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) and the Glide Path (GP) of the Instrument Landing System (ILS), installed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). This set of equipment allows aircraft to land in low visibility and night-time conditions, improving safety and efficiency.

From March 1 to May 31, Port Blair airport to remain closed for 4 days a week

The Veer Savarkar International Airport of Port Blair will remain shut for four days every week, starting March 1, 2022, till May 31, 2022 for upgradation and re-carpenting. The announcement was made by the Civil Aviation Department of the Andaman & Nicobar administration.

A number of daily flight operations are expected to be disturbed because of the renovation work. As of now, more than 12 daily flights operate in and out of the Port Blair airport. Before the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, some 22 flights used to operate here.

The Tourism Association of Andaman & Nicobar (TAAN) in a message stated, “Kind request to re-consider NOTAMN C0030/22 wef 01/03/2022 to 31/05/2022 reg RWY closure 4 days a week amidst AAI Port Blair Airport runway maintenance and upgradation work, which may deeply affect the lifeline of the islands.”

The stakeholders are now requesting the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of Defence to reconsider their decision and explore all possibilities to avoid closure of the runway. (Source: TOI)