Govt mulling to and fro night flights in Kashmir

Srinagar : Authorities on Friday discussed modalities for starting to and fro night flights in Kashmir valley and a DGCA team is expected to arrive here next month to take stock of the facilities at Srinagar International Airport. Asgar Hassan Samon, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, held a meeting to review the functioning of Srinagar airport and discuss modalities to start night landing of flights at the airport, an official spokesman said. “The meeting was informed that the Indian Air Force had given the permission to start night flights at Srinagar airport in May 2013,” Samon said. The airport frequently hosts night flights from non-scheduled aircrafts, state aircraft and some special flights. “With the requirement of visibility of 1.3 kms, aircraft can land at Srinagar airport even during full moon nights,” the spokesman said. Samoon noted the flights can be easily started upto 2200 hours. The operating hours of the airport would be gradually extended in the near future when all the requirements for the facility are met, he said at the meeting.−PTI