Naini-Saini airport still awaiting license to operate commercial flights
Naini-Saini airport still awaiting license to operate commercial flights
B.D.Kasniyal
Pithoragarh, June 8
Amidst talks of resumption of air services on Dehradun – Pithoragarh route via Pantnagar, it has been learnt that the Naini Saini Airport at Pithoragarh has not yet received the required license to run the commercial services from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
“We will apply for the licence, after we complete some of the pending formalities like some lighting arrangements and some other minors works at the airport,” said Anurag Arya.manager, Naini- Saini Airport and SDM of Pithoragarh.
According to Arya, main hurdles to facilitate the landing of a 20 seater aircraft at the airport like removing seven houses, 1 electric pole and 10 big trees, have been done and only some minor works remained and those are being completed.
” After completing these ongoing works, we will apply for the license,” said Arya.
According to officials, the aviation company, named ‘Fly Big’, has reportedly purchased a 20 seater aircraft to operate on the route from Dehradun to Pithoragarh via Pantnagar and after state government gives permits, the air operation from Pithoragarh could be resumed.
The civil operations from Pithoragarh airport to Hindon, operated between October 2019 to March 2020, and after a minor technical snag in the aircraft midair during the flight, the civic operations were suspended.
Uttarakhand Chief Secretary SS Sandhu, during his visit to the district in February this year has promised the people to restart air services within two months. Uttarakhand government has in December 2022, signed a MOU with Indian Air Force (IAF) to let it operate the airport.
