AAI Triumphs with Green Clearance for Calicut Runway Upgrade: A Remarkable Victory for Safer Skies!

Kerala Government Grants Environmental Clearance for Calicut Airport Runway Correction Following 2020 Air Crash

The Kerala government has granted environmental clearance for the runway correction at Calicut airport, a move prompted by an investigation into the 2020 Air India Express crash that claimed 21 lives. The Centre informed Parliament that the expansion work is slated for completion by December 2025, with the clearance awarded on July 11, 2024.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, disclosed this information in the Rajya Sabha, responding to a query from CPM MP John Brittas. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) plans to construct a 240-meter Runway End Safety Area (RESA) at both ends of the runway. AAI will cover the costs for filling and leveling the land, with a sanctioned budget of ₹484.57 crore.

The RESA extension was recommended by a committee of aviation experts under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. This follows the suggestions from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s report on the August 7, 2020, crash. The improvements will facilitate the resumption of widebody aircraft operations, which were halted after the incident.

Although the crash involved a narrowbody Boeing 737, special permissions for widebody planes during Hajj season were revoked post-crash. The runway enhancements aim to bolster safety and operational efficiency at Calicut Airport.

Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/aai-gets-green-clearance-for-calicut-runway-fix/article68433242.ece
Category : Kerala
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