December 2008 update.

For updated and detailed BMTC Vayu Vajra Volvo airport bus and taxi information, click on the BIA Bus & taxi link on the top menu.

For real time flight arrivals and flight departures information use the respective links on the top menu bar or the Real time Flightstats widget at the bottom of the "Recommended Articles" section on the right column.

The travel time to BIA has been reduced to about 1~1.5 hours from city centre, depending on traffic. The main bottlenecks are till Yelahanka junction, after which it is about 20 minutes to the airport.



Comments and feedback on the Bangalore Aviation site and your airport experience are welcome, as usual.
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The much awaited, BIAL promoted, Bengaluru International Airport (BIA) will open on the night of 22-May / early morning of 23-May.

Time taken to reach the airport.
I drove to BIA today, and from Koramangala to M.G. Road, via Raj Bhavan to Mekhri Circle to BIA took a total of 1:45. This was a 2:00pm reaching BIA at 3:45. 30 minutes from Koramangala to M.G. Road, and another 1:15 from there to BIA. Bulk of this time was spent getting to Hebbal flyover. The roads and "magic boxes" are still under construction. This is not during peak hour, but it was through the centre of town. I will advise travellers to budget about 1.5 to 2.0 hours to get to the airport depending on where you are originating.

I am detailing the parking and transport facilities at the new airport.

Parking Facilities
The Bengaluru International Airport’s car park can accommodate 2000 cars. The system used for the parking management is fully automated, efficient and transparent and is provided by SKIDATA™, a leading global provider of car park systems at airports. Central Parking Solutions, India’s largest car park operator, will manage parking at the new airport.

The passengers and visitors using the parking facility at the new airport will find it cheaper and more flexible when compared to the existing airport. A 10 minute free drop off facility has been created in front of the terminal building to facilitate the passengers. For parking, various zones have been created, these include long term parking, short term parking & two wheelers, general parking and taxis.

Car parking fees have been priced at Rs.40/- for two hours and Rs.20/- for every additional hour in the general parking area. For overnight parking, Rs. 300 will be charged for the first 24 hours and Rs. 200 for every additional day. An airport parking map has been developed to help passengers use the facilities depending on their requirement.

BIAL will also provide valet parking, a dedicated zone for tour operator buses and premium pick up areas. Travellers can be assured that parking, getting picked up or dropped off at the new airport will be convenient and well organised.

A map is below for further information on the parking layout, porter service, valet service and airport taxi service.

In addition to this, BIAL has a staff parking lot that can accommodate 700 cars.

Parking Map (Click for larger image). Source BIAL Parking Fees (Click for larger image). December 2008 update : BIAL has not yet implemented a shuttle bus. BMTC runs a shuttle bus from the trumpet interchange to the main bus stop in the passenger terminal building parking area.

Facilities for differently abled passengers at the parking lot
At the new airport, careful thought has gone into planning of facilities to ensure convenience of differently-abled passengers as well. Vehicles with differently-abled passengers have access to the valet lane which is the closest access point to the terminal building on the curb side. Each parking zone has upto twelve parking spaces reserved for differently abled passengers. In addition, the walkways from the parking area to the passenger terminal building have gently sloping ramps throughout and are wide enough to accommodate a large electric powered wheelchair. The public convenience buildings located in the car park area have toilets designed for differently abled passengers and visitors to the airport.

Airport Bus - BMTC's Vayu Vajra and Suvarna
BMTC has procured 40 air-conditioned Volvo buses for dedicated Shuttle Services between the Airport and seven destinations across the City. Named Vayu Vajra, these buses will ply on nine routes, every 15 minutes. The cost of the bus fare would range from Rs. 80 to Rs. 200 depending on the distance. In addition, BMTC has also procured 116 Ashok Leyland Non AC buses to connect the airport to the City. Named Suvarna, these buses will ply during peak hours of the morning and evening. The cost for each trip in these buses will range between Rs.20 to Rs.90 per trip, depending on the distance travelled.

A map detailing the routes of these buses is attached for your reference.

Vayu Vajra Route Map, Frequency and Fare. (Click for larger image). Source BIAL

Vayu Vajra Fees and Routes. (Click for larger image)

Jeevan Bima Nagar:
Five buses. Indiranagar, Halasoor, M G Road (Taj Residency, Hotel Oberoi), Indian Express, J C Nagar, Mekhri Circle, Hebbal and Yelahanka

HAL Airport:
Five buses. HAL, Suranjandas Road, Indiranagar, Old Madras Road, MEG Centre, Coles Park, St John’s Road, J C Nagar, Mekhri Circle, Hebbal and Yelahanka

Koramangala:
Five buses. Diary Circle, Shanthi Nagar Bus Station, Richmond Circle (Hotel Chancery Pavillion, Ramanashree, Woodlands, Bowring Club, Bangalore Club), J C Nagar, R T Nagar, CBI Office, Hebbal and Yelahanka

MCTC on Mysore Road:
Five buses. Vijayanagar, Rajajinagar 1st Block, Yeshwantpur Bus Station, Malleshwaram Bus Station, Sadashivanagar Circle, Hebbal and Yelahanka

J P Nagar 6th Phase:
Five buses. Jayanagar 4th Block, Lalbagh, Corporation, Cauvery Bhavan, Vidhana Soudha, High Grounds (Le Meridian, Windsor Manor Sheraton, Hotel Grand Ashoka), Guttahalli, Mekhri Circle, Hebbal and Yelahanka

Electronic City:
Seven buses. Bommanahalli, Silk Board, Agara, Maratahali, K R Puram Railway Station, Hebbal, Yelahanka (Outer Ring Road)

Whitefield:
Five buses. ITPL, Mahadevapura, K R Pura Railway Station, B Channasandra, Kalyan Nagar, Hebbal and Yelahanka

Taxi and Limousine service:
The taxi services to and from the airport have been designed to suit everyone’s requirements and budget.

Post-paid taxi facilities
BIAL is committed to providing reliable, affordable and safe taxi facilities at the airport. BIAL has selected (by open tender) MERU & EASYCAB to provide basic taxi services. The taxi operators will have basic AC cars, all equipped with tracking devices to ensure safety and transparency. Both operators have professional call centres. Hence, passengers coming to the airport can call the cab call centres and a cab will pick them up and drop them at the airport. For passengers arriving at the airport, there is a dedicated taxi holding area where the passenger can get a cab. The post paid taxi facility will be available on meter charges @ Rs.15/- per km (subject to Govt regulation).

Pre-paid Limousine and Car Rental facilities
Hertz and Akbar Travels will provide pre paid Limousine and car rental facilities. Hertz will launch a fleet of Mercedes - C & E class cars and will expand the fleet depending on the demand and business objectives. Limousine services will be available at the limo service counters at the terminal building arrival and based on special tariffs applicable for BIAL.

Self Drive
Cars will also be available on self drive basis. There will be three ranges of self drive cars- the compact category (Suzuki Swift), the intermediate range – (Ford Fiesta), the standard category- (Toyota corolla), Multi Utility Vehicles (Toyota Innova) and Sports Utility Vehicles (Ford Endeavour). These cars will be given to the passenger with a full fuel tank and the car has to be returned with full fuel tank. A flexible pick up and drop off facility in town and at the airport will be offered. To elaborate, the passenger can pick up the car at the airport and then drop it off anywhere in the city or in Hyderabad or Chennai. Similarly, he can pick up the car at any of these cities and drop it off at the airport. The conditions are that the customer has to be over 21 yrs of age and possess a valid Indian license.

For those who are driving and may be unfamiliar with the airport, please use Landmarks map below.

Landmarks Map (Click for larger image). Source BIAL
Easy Guide
The friendly folks over at BIAL have put together this handy Easy Guide which summarises much of the information below. Click on the picture for a larger image.


Many thanks to the Communications team at BIAL for their quick help and cooperation, and Praja.in for their inputs.

JetLite introduces a direct flight connecting Gorakhpur to Delhi five times a week with immediate effect.

The flight operated by 50 - seater Canadian Regional Jet -200 Series will give connections to passengers from Gorakhpur to major metros like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Ahmedabad, via New Delhi.

Flight S2 6125 will depart New Delhi at 1430 hrs and arrive Gorakhpur at 1550 hrs. On the return leg, flight S2 6126 will depart Gorakhpur at 1620 hrs and arrive New Delhi at 1740 hrs.

For more information visit the Jetlite website.

The United Kingdom Treasury Monday said it plans to increase air passenger duty rates by length of haul and class of service on Nov. 1, 2009, instead of its previous per-plane tax proposal.

The United Kingdom said it is moving from two to four "distance bands" in efforts to "improve environmental signals." The new air passenger duties, set to take effect in November 2009, would range from £11 (US$16.68) per way for economy travel of 2,000 miles or less to £110 for traveling more than 6,000 miles in the front of the plane.

The Treasury is calling for another increase to those rates in November 2010 of up to £170 for the longest haul in premium classes. The UK Treasury in its Pre-Budget Report, issued this week, said there is a "need to ensure greater stability in tax policy at a time of economic uncertainty, while maintaining its environmental objectives. The government has therefore decided to reform the air passenger duty regime rather than proceed with a per-plane tax."

Aviation organizations are railing against the rate changes, calling them illegal fees masquerading as environmental protections. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) director general Giovanni Bisignani today called the air passenger duty a "cash grab," adding that it would add millions of pounds to the cost of travel from the United Kingdom and none of the additional revenue through is earmarked for environmental initiatives.

The U.S. Air Transport Association (ATA) also said it opposes the changes, claiming the move is "counterproductive to the airlines' environmental progress and is in conflict with established law." "Though the U.K. government asserts that it moderated the amount of the air passenger duty increase in light of the world economic crisis, the increases still are substantial," ATA said in a statement issued Monday. "For example, for a one-way flight to the U.K. from the United States, the per-passenger duty in economy class will increase from £40 per passenger today to £60 by 2010." ATA CEO James May said the U.K. government should expect legal challenges to the rate change, calling it a "revenue raiser for the government under the guise of environmental protection." ATA said the duty violates several international aviation provisions as laid out by the Convention on International Civil Aviation as well as bilateral air agreements.

Reuters, quoting The Mail, reports, British airline Flybe is in talks to buy British Midland's (BMI) subsidiary operations bmi regional and bmi baby.

The two airlines are not core to the strategy of British Midland's new owner, Lufthansa (LHAG.DE: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), it said.

Lufthansa took over British Midland last month, but the German airline has indicated it is more interested in bmi's long-haul routes and valuable Heathrow slots than in the two subsidiaries.

Bmi regional is UK-focused, while bmi baby is a low-cost airline that flies to a number of European destinations.

Privately-owned Flybe is in due diligence for the two businesses, which together make up about 40 percent of British Midland's turnover, the newspaper reported.

Analysts have previously touted Flybe as a potential buyer of bmi regional, saying it would fit in well with Flybe's strategy of trying to consolidate the UK regional market

As per a press release Air France and KLM will operate "rescue" flights to Phuket on 1 and 2 December from Amsterdam and Paris-CDG respectively.

Due to the closure of Bankok's Suvarnabhumi international airport, Air France and KLM will operate one flight on 1st December and one flight on 2 December 2008 from Phuket Airport.

Departure from Phuket on 1 December:
Boeing 747-400 flight operated by KLM to Amsterdam
Departure from Phuket: 7pm
Arrival in Amsterdam: 4am on the next day.

Departure from Phuket on 2 December:
Boeing 747-400 flight operated by Air France to Paris-Charles de Gaulle
Departure from Phuket: 11:30pm on 2 December.
Arrival in Paris: 5:50am on the next day.

All passengers holding an Air France or KLM ticket may take one or other flight. For passengers booked on one of these flights, Air France and KLM will arrange for a bus transfer from Bangkok to Phuket (please contact Air France/KLM Agency in Bangkok).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

- IN THAILAND: CONTACT THE AIR FRANCE/KLM AGENCY IN BANGKOK: Vorawat Building 20th floor 849 Silom Road or the Call Center: 66 (0)2635 11 91

- IN FRANCE: 3654

LOG ON TO THE AIRFRANCE WEBSITE

Air France is keeping a close watch on the situation and will keep customers informed of any changes to the flight schedule in the next few days.

banThe US Embassy in Bangkok has posted this message on its website. However, many Americans have been complaining about the unhelpful nature of the embassy staff. More importantly are some contact numbers that may be helpful.

American citizens travelling or living in Thailand should be aware that the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) has entered and forced the closure of Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang airports in Bangkok. All incoming and outgoing flights have been cancelled. We do not know when flights will resume. While we have conveyed our deep concern with these closures to the Thai authorities and remain hopeful that the airports will reopen in the near future, ultimately it is a situation that can only be resolved by those involved.

The Thai Foreign Ministry has arranged for credited compensation for stranded foreign travelers. This compensation consists of 2000 Thai baht credit per day for hotels and meals at those hotels. It is our understanding that this credit is available at any hotel in Bangkok (guest houses and serviced apartments are not included). Americans who have been unable to depart because their flight was cancelled due to the closure of the airports should show a copy of their passport and air ticket to the hotel front desk for the 2000 baht per day credit to be deducted from their bill.

We have been informed that airlines are working on arranging flights out of alternative airports in Thailand; however, we do not have confirmed details at this time. The Ministry of Tourism has stated that they are trying to implement this plan within 48 hours.

These airport closures have, unfortunately, left a large number of Americans in Thailand unable to leave the country as planned. It is unclear when normal flight operations will resume. Americans in Thailand, or those with plans to travel to or transit Thailand, should monitor local media and contact airlines for the latest departure/arrival information. We understand the inconvenience this places on American travelers to Thailand and we continue to monitor the situation very closely.

In addition, the following numbers may be helpful for those who find themselves stranded by airport closures:

Ministry of Tourism Aid Center: 1414, 02-356-0720, 02-356-0729

ATTA (Association of Thai Travel Agents): 02-134-4263

Thai tourist police emergency line: 1155

Suvarnabhumi International Airport hotline: 02-132-1882, 02-132-1888

Suvarnabhumi International Airport flight inquiries: 02-132-0000, 02-132-9328-9

Don Muang Airport: 02-535-1669

Don Muang Flight inquiries: 02-535-1616

Tourism Authority of Thailand: 02-652-8313-4

We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid areas of demonstrations, and to exercise caution within the vicinity of any demonstrations.

The Embassy is located at 95 Wireless Road in Bangkok. The Embassy website can be visited at http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/embassy/wwc/recent.htm. The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy can be reached by phone at 66-2-205-4049 and by e-mail at ACSBKK@State.gov. The after-hours emergency telephone number is 66-2-205-4000.

PTI reports an anonymous e-mail threatening to blow up the international airport in New Delhi has prompted authorities to step up security by deploying additional forces inside and outside the facility.

The information about the e-mail was passed on to higher officials of the CISF, which is handling security at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), from Gujarat, CISF sources said today.

The airport has been on high alert since terrorists struck Mumbai on Wednesday night killing over 180 people and security was strengthened in the facility by intensifying checking and patrolling.

Sources said the CISF deployment inside the airport has been increased after the Mumbai terror attacks while Delhi Police had been roped in to provide more security to the facility.

"We have taken adequate precautions after receiving information about an email threatening to blow up the airport. There is nothing to panic. We are leaving nothing to chance. Adequate steps have been taken," a senior CISF official said.

The security establishment has also asked CISF to coordinate with Delhi Police to provide security to the 'city side' of the airport, which is outside the terminal building.

Fearing attack on aircraft, Delhi Police have already prohibited assembling of people or parking of vehicles at a 500-metre stretch on the NH-8 near the airport, popularly called "Jumbo point".

The order came in the wake of reports that a large number of people gather near the landing and take off area of the airport which may cause security risk for the aircraft.

I can only request pranksters not to play with the emotions of a stressed nation at this time, and at the same time, request passengers to take extra time. New Delhi is already the nation's most time consuming airport due to the high levels of security, and at this time of tension, it will only take longer.

New Italian airline to be established - Lufthansa Italia to offer direct connections from Milan Malpensa to European destinations - Flights already available for booking from 99 euros

Lufthansa has launched its new "Lufthansa Italia" brand in Italy. Lufthansa is to found its own Italian airline under the new brand early next year and apply for an Italian Air Operator Certificate (AOC).

The new airline aims to blend German efficiency and reliability with Italian flair.

With an initial fleet of six Airbus A319 aircraft, Lufthansa Italia will focus on Northern Italy, Milano and Lombardy, and will offer connections to major European destinations from February 2009.

Flights to the first two destinations, Barcelona (BCN) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG), will commence from 2 February 2009. Flights to Brussels (BRU), Budapest (BUD), Bucharest (BUH) and Madrid (MAD) will be added to the timetable in early March. London-Heathrow (LHR) and Lisbon (LIS) will be added by end of March 2009.

The Airbus A319, will seat 138 passengers in Business and Economy Class, with a cabin design influenced by Italian origins. The Italian flight attendants will serve Italian delicacies in the in-flight menu.

Lufthansa Italia is cooperating with Milan Malpensa Airport to upgrade the infrastructure to provide passengers with more services and comfort, including an enhanced lounge product and fast-track passage through security.

The tiny U-Tapao Airport (UTP), also spelled Utapao and U-Taphao, is a public airport serving Rayong, a city in Thailand. Primarily a naval aviation base, it is approximately 90 miles (140 km) southeast of Bangkok, near Sattahip on the Gulf of Siam. It south of route 3 (Thanon Sukhumvit) at km 189, about a 45 minute drive from Pattaya (Thailand's most popular beach resort).

U-Tapao has become sole, if meager and hellish ray of hope for the thousands of desperate passengers stranded in Bangkok due the forced closure of Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang airports by the P.A.D. movement in Thailand.

Thai Airways International announced that it will provide 31 special flights to and from U-Tapao Airport to serve stranded tourists. It said 18 flights will leave the airport and 13 flights will land at the airport.

The Thai release said tourists must check in at the Centara Grande Hotel at Central World five hours before departure. Passengers, who arrive on the 13 in-bound flights, will be transferred to the Centara Grande, it said.

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has activated a contingency plan to cater for its passengers stranded in Bangkok due to the closure of the Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

In a statement, MAS director of operations Datuk Tajuden Abu Bakar said, "Instead of operating out of Bangkok, we have temporarily shifted our flight operations to the U-Tapao International airport. This alternative is in addition to our twice daily flights from Phuket which is also open on seat-available basis to our ticket holding passengers who wish to travel out of Thailand. However, customers will have to reach U-Tapao on their own. Likewise customers who wish to travel on any one of our twice daily flights from Phuket will also have to make it to the island resort on their own," he added.

Japan's All Nippon Airways (ANA) said yesterday it would organise a special flight to U-Tapao to pick up tourists stranded by the protests.

The Singapore airlines website informs that, "Singapore Airlines is operating a twice-daily service between U-Tapao and Singapore up till Wednesday, 3 December. A decision will be made in due course on operations beyond Wednesday depending on the situation and continuing demand."

"Flights are planned to depart U-Tapao at 14:00 and 19:00 local time. However, facilities at U-Tapao are very basic and the airport is heavily congested, so customers should be prepared for lengthy delays."

U-Tapao airport was jam-packed with foreign tourists waiting to catch a flight home. Airport authorities, say it was a major chore to process so many travellers due to the lack of adequate facilities.

There was a 2 km long queue of traffic into the airport compound and we witnessed many passengers, worried about missing their flights, abandoning their transport and walking with their baggage the final kilometre in the afternoon sun. At the airport they were greeted with the sight of an enormous throng of people and baggage everywhere.

"It's complete chaos and pandemonium," said Bonnie Chan, 29, from San Diego, California.

"We've been given incorrect information from the airlines. The US embassy says they can't help us. We're high and dry. The airlines keep giving us the run-around."

While there is runway and taxiway space, the terminal facilities are woefully inadequate since the navy-owned airport is mainly designed for military purposes. It can service only around 200 people a flight. There are only four check-in counters, two x-ray machines, six counters for customs services, one belt for arriving passengers and one crane to lift luggage into the planes.

The airport is normally reserved for charter flights and Bangkok Airways and usually serves only a few flights a day. But since the the seizure of Suvarnabhumi airport by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), the number of travellers has increased dramatically to 3,000 people a day, with 12 departures and 16 arrivals, mostly international flights.

AFP Image
A local hotel even provided dancing girls who tried in vain to cheer thousands of travellers as they tried to flee protest-hit Thailand.

Authorities had laid on extra toilet facilities and refreshments but for those with a long wait, camping outside the airport building was just one more of a long series of inconveniences, especially for those who had been stranded in Thailand for the last 4 days or more, and all of them, "just wanting to get home."

Images courtesy Pattaya Daily News and Wikipedia

I thankful the situation in Mumbai is finally under control. I am sadder and angrier compared to 60 hours ago. I salute all the heroes of Mumbai, both in, and out of uniform. I stand in full support of the strong and defiant spirit of the people of Mumbai, who have promised to rebuild all that was damaged or destroyed, and took the Sensex up 66 points while the terror attack was still in progress, and sincerely hope that the leaders of India finally wake-up and back strong anti-terror laws with committed action on the ground.

Helplines :

• Taj Hotel (Mumbai, India): +91-22-66574322, 66574372, 1-800 111 825 (within India);
• Oberoi and Trident Hotels (call centre in New Delhi, India): +91-11-23890606;
• Ministry of External Affairs control room (New Delhi, India): +91-11-23015300, 23012113, 23013537. Fax number (New Delhi, India): +91-11-23018158.

I am compiling a list of useful links that may be of assistance to readers.

NDTV List of injured
NDTV List of deceased
NDTV List of persons rescued from Oberoi/Trident hotel
In case you are searching for some loved one use this form
CNN-IBN TV complete coverage
The Mint newspaper complete coverage
NDTV complete coverage
Times of India list of emergency helplines at Mumbai

They are India's Men in Black, the "Black Cats", nicknamed after their black nomex coveralls, and balaclavas. They may not have the toys of Will Smith or Tommy Lee Jones, but with their specialised equipment and training, they far more deadly.

They're frequently seen guarding the high and the mighty of the land, forming a protecting ring around them with their stern demeanour and mean-looking H&K MP5 sub-machine guns held across their chests.

Not many may know the commandos of the National Security Guard (NSG), but mention the word Black Cats, to any Indian, and there is instant recognition. The NSG are among world's finest counter-terrorism units, with its cadres trained to handle a variety of tasks.

Along with their comrades, the MARCOS (Marine Commando Force of the Indian Navy), the Black Cats earned the gratitude of many nations of the world through out the last 60 hours, successfully tackling the armed terrorists, who rained terror in Mumbai.

Wresting the buildings back from the militants, one room at a time, rappelling down ropes from military helicopters and blasting their way into the structures, gunning down 14 terrorists and capturing one.

The NSG was established under the National Security Guard Act of 1986. The act was in response to the 1984 Operation Bluestar; the advance of Indian military to remove Sikh separatists who had seized control of the Golden Temple. The operation involved a significantly large number of military combatants; casualties, numbering in few hundreds, also involved civilians. The temple also suffered heavy damages. The operation highlighted the need for a force specialising in counter-terrorist operations with greater efficiency.

Given their striking appeal, all bureaucrats and politicians, started demanding NSG protection. A point was reached when "power status" was measured by the number of Black Cats in the person's bodyguards. The Black Cats found themselves being deployed more as personal bodyguards than their official purpose.

The final nail in the coffin came when Indira Gandhi's son Rajiv Gandhi became the prime minister in 1984. His minders insisted on a specialised force for the prime minister alone - and thus was born the Special Protection Group (SPG).

Being out of the prime minister's ambit diminished the NSG's sheen somewhat - but along with that came the silver lining: it could now focus on the specialised tasks for which it was originally created.

Today, the primary role of the NSG is to combat terrorism in situations that the police or other central paramilitary forces cannot cope with. It also has an expert wing to handle anti-hijack operations, rescue operations and provide support to the central paramilitary forces.

Modelled on the lines of Britain's SAS (Special Air Squadron) and Germany's GSG-9, the NSG has two complementary elements: the Special Action Group (SAG) and the Special Ranger Group (SRG).

The SAG, which comprises 54% of the force, is its elite offensive wing, with its cadres drawn only from the Indian Army.

The SRG draws its cadres on deputation from central police and paramilitary organizations like the Border Security Force (BSF), the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Rapid Action Force (RAF).

To maintain a young profile of the force, its troops are rotated and sent back to their parent organisations after serving in the NSG for three to five years.

The cadres of the NSG are intensely proud and determined; bound by a strict code of duty and honour, in many ways reminiscent of the Samurai and their code of Bushido. I remember a story my father recounted to me, which demonstrates this pride and determination.

He had the priviledge of sharing the dais with General S. K. Sunderjee during a Rotary convention. Gen. Sunderjee was Vice-Chief of Army Staff, to General A.S. Vaidya, during Operation Blue Star. For their roles, Gen. Vaidya was assassinated, and Gen. Sunderjee was under the highest level of protection against the death threats.

During the function, the electricity failed, and the 1,000 person hall, was plunged in to darkness. The standy-by generator restored power and lights in less than 10 seconds, but by then, Gen. Sunderjee was completely surrounded by his protective NSG ring. Later, my father had a chance to speak to the commanding officer of the NSG protective detail, and complimented him on the swift and silent action. The officer replied "They [the terrorists] have already taken one [Gen. Vaidya]; if we let them take him [Gen. Sunderjee], we will not be able show our face anywhere. We will not even be able drown ourselves in atonement."

Aspiring commandos undergo 90 days of gruelling training at Manesar, around 50 km from the capital New Delhi. Only those who successfully complete the entire course are inducted into the NSG for further specialized training.

The NSG also provides sky marshals for airlines, security to high risk individuals, anti-sabotage checks at venues of VVIP visits, training of state and central police forces in anti-terrorism measures and conducting investigations into IED blasts.

Among the successful operations undertaken by the NSG in the past are:

• May 12, 1988 — assault on the Golden Temple during Operation Black Thunder II
• April 25, 1994 — rescue of hijacked plane Indian Airlines Boeing 737 during Operation Ashwamedh
• October, 1998 — major combat missions in Jammu and Kashmir
• July 15, 1999 — rescue of 12 hostages held by armed Islamic terrorists who had stormed an apartment complex in Kashmir and killed 4 people
• September 25, 2002 — Operation Vajra Shakti to free hostages held by Islamic terrorists who had killed 26 worshippers at the Akshardham temple in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. They suffered their first combat death in this operation. Another commando, who was seriously injured and was in a coma, died after 18 months.
• November 2008 — Mumbai terror attacks. Operation Black Tornado, Operation Cyclone to flush out terrorists & rescue hostages after multiple attacks across Mumbai, India. Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan and Havaldar Gajender Singh of Special Action Group(of NSG) laid down their life and attained martyrdom while fighting the terrorists from Pakistan

Please join me in saluting Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan and Havaldar Gajendra Singh, both of the 51 Special Action Group of the NSG and more of their colleagues who have perished to protect Mumbai, their names as yet unknown; post a comment.


Images courtesy : IBNLive, Yahoo, AP, AFP, Reuters, NDTV

The troubles of Australian carrier Qantas just don't seem to end.

Qantas A330-300. Image Courtesy Qantas
Earlier today, the captain of a Qantas Airbus A330-300 flying to Singapore, had to shut down an engine and turn back to Perth, after an oil warning light flashed, according to the airline. The plane flew back to Perth, on the west coast of Australia, on one engine after the mid-air drama. The flight's 168 passengers were rescheduled on a replacement flight that took off nearly five hours late.

This incident is just the latest in a series of problems that have plagued Australia's national airline in recent months.

Last week two Qantas 747 jumbos were damaged when they collided on the ground at a maintenance base.

File photo of Qantas A330-300 at Singapore Changi Airport

In October, a computer glitch caused a Qantas plane to do a mid-air dive, injuring more than 70 people.

In July, a Qantas Boeing 747-400 made an emergency landing in Manila after an exploding oxygen bottle punched a hole in the fuselage during a flight from Hong Kong to Melbourne.

"Initial inspections by engineers indicate that a fault with the engine starter motor could have led to the engine oil problem," Qantas spokesman David Cox told the Sydney Morning Herald.

With inputs from AFP

As Mumbai recovers from the dastardly terror attacks, all major airports across India, especially those in the western region, have been put on ultra high alert and extra vigil has been mounted.

Image Courtesy FT.com
Extra surveillance has been mounted, with additional Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and police personnel being deployed to keep an eye not just around the terminals, but around the airport perimeters as well.

Sniffer dogs were being deployed in some airports to assist the checking of baggage and plainclothes security are deployed. Officials added, that sky-marshals were boarding planes flying on specifically identified routes, on a regular basis.

Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport has been virtually locked down. The security commences at the main highway with vehicles being stopped and completely inspected, along with passengers and their documents, before being allowed to even enter, the airport premises.

Other major metro airports are also in a similar "enhanced inspection" mode.

Airlines, both domestic and international, are informing passengers to arrive at the airports at least one hour before the original check-in time for thorough inspection of their baggage and the vehicles in which they are coming.

Passengers have also been asked by the airlines to carry valid identification documents. I would advise carrying two pieces of identification, and please carry an OFFICIAL ID.

For flight information at Mumbai (Airport Code BOM) I recommend Flightstats

Status of various airlines

Domestic Airlines
Air India, Jet, JetLite, Kingfisher, IndiGo, SpiceJet, etc., are all mostly back to normal.

International Airlines
Almost all airlines schedules have returned back to normal today 28 November 2008. Some quotes from selected airlines' websites for your ready reference. However, I will advise you to please contact the airline for the latest information.

Lufthansa

Lufthansa will resume its flights to Mumbai today Friday, 28.11.2008 according to schedule.

Lufthansa passengers booked to and from Mumbai with a departure date until 01.12.2008 may change their booking to a different Lufthansa destination in India free of charge. Alternatively, the booking can be cancelled without additional costs.

Air France

Further to the situation in Mumbai, Air France has had to cancel the following flights on November 27th, 2008.
AF134 Paris CDG / Mumbai, departure initially planned at 10h30 Local time.
AF135 Mumbai / Paris CDG, departure initially planned at 02h40 Local time.

The flights on Friday November 28th will operate as usual. :
AF134 Paris CDG / Mumbai, departure initially planned at 10h30 Local time.
AF135 Mumbai / Paris CDG, departure initially planned at 02h40 Local time.

Then, AF135 on November 29th Mumbai / Paris CDG is postponed on November 30th at 00h55.( Flight number AF135A)

Emirates

Following the horrifying attacks in Mumbai in several locations across the city on 26th November 2008, Emirates' town, ticketing and finance offices, which are located in South Mumbai, will remain closed on 28th November.

Our contact centre (running on skeleton staff), airport office and cargo operations will function as normal.

Currently, our flights to and from Mumbai are operating as per schedule. We will continue to monitor the situation closely. The safety of our passengers and crew is of utmost importance.

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines flights to and from Mumbai are operating normally at this time.

The Singapore Airlines' town office in Mumbai is closed. Reservations inquires are being supported by our Reservations Centre in Delhi, and ticketing issues will be managed at the airport. Customers may contact the Reservations Centre in Delhi via: 91-11-23356683 or 91-11-23356684.

Customers booked on flights are advised to monitor for news about flights on the Singapore Airlines website.

Singapore Airlines will waive all cancellation and change fees for customers with tickets to and from Mumbai on Singapore Airlines flights as follows:

• Valid for tickets issued prior to 27 November 2008 for travel up to and including 7 December 2008, on a Singapore Airlines flight to Mumbai;
• Customers may change the routing of their journey, defer the date of travel or cancel, without penalty, until 7 February 2009 in the same class;
• Any change of date or routing will be charged at the new fare for that journey less the fare for the journey paid to Mumbai, with no amendment fee (eg, if travel is deferred to a higher season, the seasonal fare difference will still apply);
• The same conditions apply for KrisFlyer redemption tickets.

British Airways

British Airways flights continue to operate to Mumbai. Customers may make changes to their travel plans as outlined below.

Customers who have bookings made before midnight on Wednesday 26 November 2008, for travel up to and including midnight on Wednesday 3 December 2008 may:

Rebook in same class and cabin as the original ticket for a different date to Mumbai.

or

Rebook to an alternative destination in India in the same class and cabin as the original booking at no additional cost to the customer.

If the same booking class is not available, the next lowest class may be booked within the same cabin.Customers will not be offered a refund unless their fare rules allow.Customers currently in Mumbai affected by the situation are advised to contact 1-800 102 FLYBA (1-800 102 35922)

Nutplates are small anchoring devices generally attached to the inner skin surface to hold wire and cable bundles in place. These small devices are driving aircraft major, Boeing, nutty.

Boeing 737-900ER
During the recent 57-day long machinists' strike, which has already led to a 10-week delay on deliveries of all Boeing aircraft, and pushed back the 787 programme into 2009, Boeing and Wichita, Kansas based Spirit AeroSystems discovered that nutplates from an unidentified supplier had not been given an anti-corrosion coating of cadmium.

Boeing claims the problem is not "a safety of flight issue", but the non-conforming nutplates must be replaced to comply with certified corrosion protection requirements. Each Boeing 737 uses between 3,000 and 5,000 nutplates.

Boeing 777-200LR
The replacement process is elaborate and involves inspection and nutplate replacement on aircraft and sub-assemblies throughout the production lines at Spirit and Boeing. Aircraft already delivered will require corrosion inspections at intervals until an opportunity for replacement occurs.

Boeing had officially notified the FAA of the nonconforming nutplates on Oct. 31, 2008.

Boeing 760-400

Boeing has already acknowledged the issue "is delaying the ramp-up a little bit" on the 737, and has now acknowledged that the non-conforming 'nutplate' issue is also impacting the 747, 767 and 777 production lines, some of which incorporated faulty nutplates as far back as September 2007.

Boeing claims the number of affected nutplates on the 747 and 767 models is "in the hundreds", while the 777 has around 1,500 to 2,500 affected non conforming parts.

Images courtesy Boeing