Pakyong Airport

Vijayawada Airport To Soon Get A Modern Makeover!

AirWhizzDec 06, 2018 No Comments

Vijayawada Airport To Soon Get A Modern Makeover!

Aviation Insider

A new state-of-the-art Airport Terminal Building is all set to be constructed at the Vijayawada Airport.

The terminal will have modern facilities like such as Baggage Handling System, Arrival Baggage claim Carousels, Central Air-conditioning , Public Address System, Flight Information Display System(FIDS), and Check-in Counters with Common Use Terminal Equipment(CUTE) will be available.

The building boasts of a peak hour handling capacity of 1200 passengers (800 Domestic +400 International). The annual passengers handling capacity will be around 3.33 Million Passengers Per Annum (MPPA).

Here are a few other details of the new Vijayawada Airport’s Integrated Terminal :

  • The building will have 24 check-in counters, 1 baggage conveyor belt in the departure area and 5 baggage claim carousels
  • Since the airport is international, it will have a total of 14 immigration counters, 10 for arrivals and 4 for departure
  • There will be 4 customer redressal counters, 3 for arrival and 1 for departure
  • It can hold up to 1200 cars out of which 200 parking slots will be for taxi
  • The total cost of the new building is Rs 611 crores.
  • The terminal building will be spread across 35000 sqm

The design is inspired by the rural-urban blend of Vijayawada’s culture. the exteriors and interiors of the airport have been designed to show the uniqueness of this region.

The local environment and cultural reference, as well as the historical art and architecture of the region, are interpreted in a modern way to add life to the building.

Construction of the new facility is being done by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). It manages over 100 airports in India and has been taking major initiatives to improve air connectivity and enhance infrastructure at the airports by providing world-class facilities to passengers.

The Bhoomi Pujan of the new building was performed on Tuesday by Vice President Venkaiah Naidu.

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Punjab To Soon Get Its 3rd International Airport!

AirWhizzDec 04, 2018 No Comments

Punjab To Soon Get Its 3rd International Airport!

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After Mohali and Amritsar, Halwara near Ludhiana will be the 3rd city in Punjab to have an international airport.

The Punjab cabinet on Monday approved the setting up of an international civil terminal at the Indian Air Force station in Halwara, which is 32 Kms away from Ludhiana.

The Cabinet has also given a go-ahead to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Airports Authority Of India(AAI) for the project.

AAI would have a majority stake of 51% in the joint venture company while the state government, through Greater Ludhiana Development Authority, will have 49% stake.

The state government as provided 135. 54 acres of land for the project. The expenditure for the development of the airport will be taken care of by AAI while the expenditure on operations, maintenance and repairs would be taken care of by the Joint venture.

Here are the details of the project:

  • The 1st phase will include the development of the international terminal, which is expected to be completed in 3 years
  • The terminal will be able to accommodate bigger airplane models like the Boeing 737-700 and Airbus A-320
  • The project is aimed at boosting the economic development of Punjab’s business and industrial hub Ludhiana

At present Ludhiana is serviced by a small domestic airport at Sahnewal under the operational control of AAI, which runs regional airplanes to Delhi. Ludhiana also has the advantage of being at the geographical center of Punjab, so this move will surely be beneficial for them.

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Sikkim’s 1st Airport To Be Inaugurated Today!

AirWhizzSep 24, 2018 No Comments

Sikkim’s 1st Airport To Be Inaugurated Today!

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Pakyong Airport In Sikkim is all set to open today, nine years after the foundation stone was laid.

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, will be present to inaugurate the airport which is Sikkim’s, first and only aerodrome.

He took to social media and tweeted saying that after Jharkhand he will be leaving for Sikkim to inaugurate the Pakyong Airport. The tweet also mentioned that the airport will improve connectivity and benefit the people of Sikkim.

Here are a few interesting facts about Sikkim’s new airport :

  • The airport is spread over 201 acres and is located on top of a hill about two km from Pakyong village at 4,500 feet above sea level.
  • It is constructed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) at an estimated cost of Rs 605 crore.
  • the airport is seen as an engineering marvel for its soil reinforcement and slope stabilisation techniques, keeping in view the altitude it was built at.
  • The airport comprises of an ATC tower-cum-fire station, a terminal building for passengers, high-intensity runway lights and parking for over 50 vehicles.
  • Apart from this, the reinforcement wall of the project is 80-meter-high and is one of the tallest in the world.
  • The airport has a 1.75 km runway with a width of 30 meters. It has a 116-meter-long taxiway connecting it to a parking bay that can accommodate 2 ATR (Regional) Aircraft.
  • The airport has a 3,000 sq meter terminal building and has a capacity to handle 50 inbound and outbound passengers.
  • The first commercial flight from Pakyong would begin from October 4.
  • Initially, the airport would only cater to domestic flights, but later it will also provide international flight services connecting Sikkim with other countries like Paro in Bhutan, Kathmandu in Nepal and Dhaka in Bangladesh.
  • There is also plan to construct another 75-meter stretch adjacent to the main runway in the coming days, which would allow the Indian Air Force (IAF) to land various types of aircraft on the airport’s runway
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Flight Operations At Sikkim’s Pakyong Airport To Start From October!

AirWhizzSep 08, 2018 No Comments

Flight Operations At Sikkim’s Pakyong Airport To Start From October!

Aviation Insider

The beautiful state of Sikkim is all set to join the aviation map of the country on 4th October 2018. SpiceJet will be launching the first ever flight from Pakyong Airport to different cities across India.

The no-frills carrier will operate daily direct flights on the Pakyong-Kolkata route from 4th October and the Pakyong-Guwahati route from 16Th October.

SG 3324, operating on the Kolkata-Pakyong route, will depart from Kolkata for Pakyong at 9:30 am, whereas SG 3325 operating on the route of Pakyong-Guwahati route will depart at 11.15 am.

A memento of the first flight ticket and boarding pass was presented to the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Mr. Shri Pawan Chamling, by representatives of the airline.

On 1st March 2018, SpiceJet had successfully operated a test flight to Pakyong, making it the first civil aircraft to land at the airport

The greenfield Pakyong airport, close to Sikkim’s capital Gangtok, had received the aerodrome license from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in May 2018 for commercial operations.

Here are some interesting facts about the airport-

  • It is the first Greenfield Airport in Northeast India and is spread across 990 acres.
  • Located at a height of 4590 ft, this airport is considered as one of the 5 highest altitude airports in India.
  • The airport is often called an engineering marvel owing to the extremely rough terrain it has been built on.
  • The airport is built roughly 60 km away from the Indo-China border, giving it a huge strategic advantage. Indian Air Force(IAF) has already done test runs and will use the airport once it’s operational.
  • The project for constructing this airport was sanctioned 11 years ago, however, due to land acquisition problems, the project was delayed. It has been built at an approximate cost of 350 crores.

It will be the 100th functional airport in the country. Sikkim is the only state without a functional airport at present.

With the opening of Pakyong Airport, it is expected that it will boost tourism, which will help in the economic development of the state and connect it to the rest of India.

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Airports With A View:10 Most Scenic Airports In India!

AirWhizzAug 31, 2018 No Comments

Airports With A View:10 Most Scenic Airports In India!

Aviation Insider

Airports connect us to cities and towns across the world!

They are the perfect example of modern architecture endowed with amazing amenities which help kickstart a travellers journey on a good note.

Most airports have glistening floors, attractive book stores, posh lounges and amazing restaurants. But there are some who can woe any passenger by its beautiful surroundings and amazing views.

And if You’re wondering where they are, look no further. They are right here in India!

Here’s a list of the 10 most stunning airports in India that are sometimes even more beautiful than the destination themselves.

1.Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair

Located in the dreamy location of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Veer Savarkar International Airport is an airport with a stunning view.

With deep blue ocean and evergreen rainforest all around, this airport will charm you with its natural beauty.

The airport is also known as the Port Blair Airport  and is located around 2 Km south of the beautiful city. It used to be a customs only airport however, they recently started commercial operations.

2.Lengpui Airport, Mizoram

Surrounded by lush green mountains in North East India, Lengpui Airport is a domestic airport located in Aizawl in Mizoram.

Before Pakyong Airport in Sikkim, this was one of the major airports that connected northeast with the rest of India.

One more interesting fact about this scenic airport is that it is located 2500 meters above sea level. There are several mountain water streams running underneath the airport, which add to its beauty.

3.Gaggal Airport, Kangra

Also known as the Kangra Airport, this domestic airport is located in the beautiful city of Gaggal in Himachal Pradesh.

With Dharmshala and Kangra in the close proximity, Kangra airport is quite easy to reach.

Among the list of popular airports in India in the north, Gaggal is crucial. If you are considering a trip to the mountains in the Great Himalayas, this airport can come handy.

The airport is majorly operated by Indian Air Force and is connected with Delhi and Chandigarh. Passengers travelling to this airport often experience beautiful views in serenity surrounded by cool calming winds.

4.Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport, Srinagar

This beautiful airport looks over the spectacular surroundings of Srinagar and is located amidst the lush green mountains of the city.

The integrated terminal and runway, which is overlooked by the great Himalayan Mountain range, highlights the beauty of the airport.

It is co-owned by the Indian Air Force and Airports Authority Of India(AAI) and caters to the major airports in North India and Bangalore in South India.

5.Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh

At 3256 meters above sea level, the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is counted amongst the highest located airports in the world.

The airport is surrounded by majestic brown mountains and if your flight is landing or taking off from the airport, you can see snow covered mountains in the distance, which add to the beauty of the view.

All flights take off only in the morning to avoid the afternoon mountain winds. Regular flights operate from the airport to Delhi, Mumbai, J&K, Srinagar, and Chandigarh.

6.Shimla Airport, Shimla

Time will fly when you’re waiting for your flight at this airport. You can see regional airplanes land at the beautiful runway with Himalayan mountains in the backdrop of the view.

It is located in the Jubbarhatti district of Himachal Pradesh some 22 km from the capital city.

It was constructed by cutting the hilltop off and levelling the land . It is perched upon a hill at an altitude of 1546 meters and offers a breath-taking view of lush green valleys all around.

7.Agatti Aerodrome, Lakshadweep

Located on a very narrow strip of land surrounded by endless blue waters is the Agatti Aerodrome in Lakshadweep.

It is considered as one of the best airports in terms of scenic beauty.

It is a domestic airport owned by AAI and is connects Lakshadweep to Bangalore and Kochi. The airport is so small that its terminal building is capable of handling only 50 people during the peak hours.

8.Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati

Also known as Guwahati International Airport, the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is the busiest airport in Northeast India.

The airport, located 26 km from the city centre, is named after the freedom fighter Gopinath Bordoloi.

The airport also serves as the airbase to the Indian Air Force.

9.Dabolim Airport, Goa

Goa Airport, also known as Dabolim Airport, is the only airport in the state.

However, it is well designed and resembles a dreamy spectacle by the side of the Arabian Sea.

Due to the popularity of Goa, the airport sees 131 aircraft movement each day. The airport has an integrated terminal too for the convenience of the passengers.

10.Pakyong Airport, Sikkim

Located in Sikkim’s Capital, Gangtok, this airport recently became operational.

The airport is surrounded by green mountains and is located at a height of 4590 ft above sea level. In fact, this airport is considered one of the 5 highest altitude airports in India.

It is the first Greenfield Airport in Northeast India and is spread across 990 acres.

So, the next time you happen to travel to one of these airports, spare some time to explore the spot by using the AirWhizz App. Get all the information about things to do and places to visit at the airport along with airline information and real-time flight updates on the move.

Get mesmerized by the beauty of these airports and fly stress-free!

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Surat Airport Gets Permission To Operate 24/7!

AirWhizzJul 23, 2018 No Comments

Surat Airport Gets Permission To Operate 24/7!

Aviation Insider

Surat Airport, which has recently been given an international status, is all set to operate 24/7.

Airports Authority Of India(AAI) has given the airport permission to operate round the clock. Airport operators have already started the process to recruit staff and set up immigration & customs counters at the terminal.

Last month, as per the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs notification, Surat Airport was given the status of a ‘Customs Airport’, making it eligible to operate international flights.

Confirming this news, Mr. Guruprasad Mohapatra, Chairman of AAI  said that despite knowing the fact that Surat Airport is making losses, AAI has decided to make it operational for 24 hours a day. This is because they see a huge potential to expand air connectivity to South East Asia through Surat.

From October 1st, 2018, the airport will be operational 24/7 and will commence its first international flight. At present, the airport operates in 2 shifts between 6.00 a.m & 11.00 p.m. It remains shut for nearly eight hours every day.

Air India Express has shown interest in starting flights from Surat to Dubai. In fact, Mr. K Shyam Sundar, CEO of Air India Express, had visited the airport last year to inspect the terminal building, runway and other facilities available at the airport.

Recently, the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujrat, Mr. Nitin Patel, in his budget speech said that he has set aside Rs 1 Crore for setting up immigration facilities at the airport. The home department of the Gujrat Government has already asked the Director General of Police(DGP) to allot 68 immigration staff members at the airport for the financial year 2018-19.

Air passenger traffic at the airport has been on the rise and is continuously increasing by 20-25 percent every year. With Surat airport getting the nod to operate round the clock, International airlines can look at this city as an opportunity to boost their operations in India.

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Indian Airports Left Vulnerable Due To Lack Of CCTV Cameras!

AirWhizzJul 16, 2018 No Comments

Indian Airports Left Vulnerable Due To Lack Of CCTV Cameras!

Aviation Insider

In an annual audit conducted by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), it was found that security at Indian airports is not as tight as it should be.

CISF has highlighted that there are “Dark Zones” at 34 airports in India. These zones have been created due to a lack of CCTV cameras at these airports.

‘Dark Zone’ is a term used by authorities to identify areas inside the airport which cannot be seen by the security through CCTV cameras. Dark zones arise due to modification work inside terminal areas or change in the airport layout

According to CISF’s audit report, there is a deficiency of 1,882 cameras at these 34 airports and many of them don’t have a ‘Digital Video Recording System’. This hampers the CISF’s investigation process.

Apart from CCTV cameras, the audit report also addresses other security issues such as shortage of baggage X-ray machines, bomb detectors and walkie-talkies at airports across the country.

According to a CISF officer, passengers are occasionally checked at entry gates based on profiling. For that, they need  X-ray machines, Hand-Held Metal Detectors (HHMDs), Door-Frame Metal Detectors (DFMDs) and Explosive Trace Detectors (ETDs). He also said that 26 airports need X-ray machines,  3 airports need HHMDs, 8 airports need DFMDs & 30 airports need ETDs.

Airports Authority Of India(AAI) has said that 402 additional x-ray machines have been procured. Apart from this AAI will hold meetings with stakeholders and members of the airport security committee on a regular basis to implement various security measures required.

CISF was created in 1969 and has been providing security to airports, government buildings, seaports and power plants amongst others. It manages security at 60 out of the 98 operational airports in India.

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Flights Will Be Rescheduled At The Chennai Airport For Taxiway Work

AirWhizzJun 26, 2018 No Comments

Flights Will Be Rescheduled At The Chennai Airport For Taxiway Work

Aviation Insider

In a bid to improve operations at the Chennai Airport, Airports Authority of India(AAI) has started the construction of new taxiways.

Airport authorities have announced that due to this construction, 2 international flights will be rescheduled and many domestic flights will have to use the second runway.

Here are all the details about it-

  • 4 exit taxiways have been under construction and the work to link them to the main runway will begin next month.
  • AAI is also making a parallel taxiway on the north side of the main runway.
  • For this purpose, the main runway will be closed for a few hours every day, for about 9 months.
  • The runway will be closed in 2 phases – from 12:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in July and August, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from September.
  • The departure of a Saudi Airlines flight has been rescheduled from 12:30 p.m. to 11:15 a.m. The airline will be given a different schedule during winters.
  • Air India flights and a Cathay Pacific flight will also be rescheduled however the timings have not been specified for now.

According to an AAI official, they have selected non-peak hours to do this construction work because wide-bodied aircrafts generally don’t operate during this time.

He also said that AAI has done all the assessments and discussions. All airlines have agreed to use the second runway and reschedule flights that fall within this closure period.

The rapid exit taxiways and the parallel taxiway are being constructed to reduce the time taken by the airplane to move out of the runway after landing. It will help airplanes to move out in less than 70 seconds after landing.

With new taxiways, Chennai Airport, which currently handles 450 flights daily, will be able to handle 500 airplanes per day.

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