Kannur airport: DGCA flight inspection planned before Centre's final clearance

Kannur: It has been decided that for the final clearance for commercial flights to and from Kannur International Airport, another technical flight inspection will be conducted. In the discussions held between KIAL officials and Central civil aviation ministry officials at New Delhi, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) put forward this proposal as a condition.

At the same time, Chief Minister's office informed that they have requested the civil aviation ministry to take steps in such a way as to have the airport's inauguration on 1st Nvoember, which is the Kerala' state formation day. It is for the first time that the state government's wish for the airport's inauguration on this date has been officially conveyed.

At the meeting Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held with the Prime Minister, mainly on flood relief matters, airport inauguration is also said to have figured.

DGCA had recently completed an inspection of the airport's facililties in all aspects which was said to be the final inspection. During their visit, Air India had on 20 September conducted a flight test also. Although the report of this test was satisfactory, central aviation ministry officials are insisting on a test flight under the direct supervision of DGCA itself.

KIAL officials assured the Centre that as soon as it is notified of the date for such a DGCA inspection, it will make arrangements for the same.

KIAL authorities are also scheduled to meet officials of various airlines on Wednesday. Meanwhile, they also apprised the chief minister who is in Delhi, of the outcome of their discussions.