Call it post 26/11 jitters, but an quick reacting flight attendant and under-cover commandos caused a security flap and high drama at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport.

An Air India Airbus A320-200, IC-401 from New Delhi to Kolkata with 104 people on board, was lined up awaiting clearance for take-off when a woman passenger, an off duty flight attendant for another airline, alerted cabin crew of the suspicious behaviour of three fellow passengers travelling together, after she observed one of them reading a book about Air Disasters.

When she questioned them they were dismissive claiming the book had nothing to do with her. Her suspicions raised the off-duty flight attendant passenger alerted the Air India cabin crew. The three suspect passengers refused to answer questions about the book to the on-duty crew and also did not identify themselves.

The quick reacting Air India flight attendant informed the captain, who, following procedure decided to return to the gate.

The alert created high drama. As the airplane returned to the gate, security forces cordoned off the airplane and interrogated the three suspect passengers, who turned out to be three commandos of the elite Special Protection Group,which is entrusted with protecting amongst others, the Prime Minister of India.

The book they were reading was a training manual. For obvious reasons SPG commandos are expected not to reveal their identity, so no action could be taken against the commando for failing to clear the air at the outset. The airplane was finally able to depart after a delay of two hours.

Talk about the ultimate anti-climax.

What is your view of this incident? Post a comment.

Hat tip to Simon Hradecky for the tip.

A Jetlite Boeing 737-800, registration VT-SJH performing flight S2-320 from Kolkata to New Delhi with 140 persons on board, was forced to make three landing attempts due to weather and a fault Instrument Landing System at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport.

The flight was on approach to New Delhi's runway 29, when a thunderstorm went into its final approach and landing path. The crew aborted the landing and requested for a different runway.

Air Traffic Control (ATC) vectored the aircraft for an ILS approach to runway 11 (the opposite side of runway 29). However, when the crew attempted to intercept the ILS localizer on runway 11, the ILS was found to be malfunctioning.

Air Traffic Control then instructed the pilots to swing over to runway 10. However, while the airplane manoeuvred to align with runway 10, Air Traffic Control reported that the ILS on runway 11 was now working.

The airplane finally landed on runway 11 on the third approach 20 minutes after the first approach attempt.

JetLite refused to answer my queries if they have lodged any complaint or protest about the malfunctions with either the Airports Authority of India (AAI) whose controllers operate the ATC or with the airport operator Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL). They issued me this statement

"Due to weather detected on the aircraft weather radar S2 320 requested a runway change from R/W 29 to R/W 11. While the aircraft was being vectored for an approach to R/W 11, non-availability of the ILS (Instrument Landing System) of R/W 11 necessitated the change of the approach to R/W10. However, during the approach to R/W 10 a downgrade of the R/W10 ILS and subsequent availability of R/W 11 ILS resulted in the approach and landing being made on R/W 11. The changes in the approaches did not result in any go-arounds."

METARS:
VIDP 291300Z 00000KT 3500 HZ SCT035 FEW040CB BKN090 23/19 Q1010 TEMPO TSRA
VIDP 291230Z 18005KT 3500 HZ SCT035 FEW040CB BKN100 23/19 Q1009 TEMPO TSRA
VIDP 291200Z 18006KT 3500 -DZ SCT035 FEW040CB BKN100 23/18 Q1009 TEMPO TSRA
VIDP 291100Z 18005KT 3500 HZ SCT035 FEW040CB BKN100 26/17 Q1009 NOSIG
VIDP 291030Z 20005KT 3500 HZ SCT035 FEW040CB BKN100 26/17 Q1009 NOSIG
VIDP 290930Z 31005KT 2800 TS SCT035 FEW040CB BKN100 27/17 Q1010 BECMG 3000
VIDP 290900Z 28003KT 2800 HZ SCT035 FEW040CB BKN100 28/17 Q1010 NOSIG
VIDP 290830Z 01005KT 2600 HZ FEW035 FEW040CB BKN100 28/17 Q1010 NOSIG
VIDP 290730Z 32005KT 2800 HZ FEW035 FEW040CB BKN100 27/18 Q1010 BECMG 3000
VIDP 290700Z 34005KT 2800 HZ FEW035 FEW040CB BKN100 27/18 Q1011 NOSIG

Thanks to Simon Hradecky at Aviation Herald for the tip.

The new domestic departure terminal 1D at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) at New Delhi will commence operations in two phases from April 11 and April 18.

With the exception of Go Air, all airlines from the old departure terminal 1B will move to terminal 1D, along with Kingfisher Airlines who will shift from terminal 1A. Go Air will shift to terminal 1A. State carrier Air India will remain in terminal 1A.

On April 11, only Jet Airways and and its low cost subsidiary Jetlite will move to the new terminal, since they are the dominant private airline at IGIA. A week later, on April 18, after these two airlines would have settled down in the new terminal, the operations of all other airlines from terminal 1B like SpiceJet and IndiGo, along with Kingfisher will be shifted.

To provide for time to shift, the last departure from the old terminals is planned around 22:30 (10.30 pm) local on April 10 and April 17 respectively. The operations will recommence at terminal 1D at 05:00 the following mornings.

IGIA airport operator Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has taken the help of a team from Munich airport to assist in the shift and also conduct the operational readiness and airport transfer (ORAT).

The airport operators at Delhi and Mumbai airports have a mantra as far us passengers go. "Heads I win, tails you lose"

After a messy process, in May 2006, the Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) was handed over to the Delhi International Airport Ltd. (DIAL) consortium led by the GMR group, for modernising, handling and management. GMR won the bid for by promising to share 46% of the airport’s top-line revenue with the current owner Airports Authority of India (AAI).

DIAL estimates for their master plan was Rs 8,975 crore ($1.8 billion). Funds were to be raised by a combination of equity, borrowings and Rs. 2,739 crore ($476 million) refundable security deposits on commercial property development of what was called a “hospitality district”.


Through the middle of 2006 till the latter half of 2007, DIAL tried, what can only be charitably described as a very devious method, to reduce the revenue paid to AAI as part of their 46% revenue share. In short, DIAL demanded astronomical deposits upfront from bidders for the real estate project, in return for a reduction in long term rent, and then contended these deposits were not income, and therefore need not be shared with AAI. For full and gory details I refer you to Sunil Jain’s article “Mr. 20 per cent” in the Business Standard. Since this scheme would have cut AAI’s revenue share by almost half, it confronted DIAL and forced the consortium to put its plans on hold.

This delay cost DIAL dearly. By the time all disputes were settled in late 2007, the property market collapsed, and along with it the grandiose plans of raising the required Rs. 2,739 crore from security deposits, without which the bankers would not lend any more money.

Hanging the upcoming 2010 Commonwealth Games as a Damocles sword, DIAL quickly ran to their friends in the Indian Civil Aviation ministry for help, and help they did.

On February 10, the government approved a levy of an "Airport Development Fee" (ADF) by DIAL. From March 1, we passengers are forced to pay ADF at the rate of Rs 200 per domestic passenger and Rs 1,300 per passenger travelling abroad, totalling a whopping Rs. 1827 crores ($366 million) over three years. This, keep in mind, is on top of a recent 10% increase in fees the airport charges airlines, which is ultimately passed on to us passengers.

In a "me-too" move, fellow brown-field airport operator, GVK led Mumbai International Airport Ltd. (MIAL), seized the opportunity to gain a bonanza, and has obtained approval for levy of an ADF, again, on top of a recent hike of airport charges levied on airlines, which, by the way, was used by DIAL as justification for demanding a hike.

In a totally unjustified move, the government today approved levying an ADF at Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA). Rs. 100 will be charged from every outbound domestic passenger and Rs. 600 from each international passenger, effective April 1, 2009, totalling Rs. 1,543 crores ($309 million) over the next four years.

Forget the fact that MIAL is facing no "commonwealth games" type deadline, or that they have till date, spent less than one-third of what DIAL has already spent on developing the airport.

Unfortunately, this is a slippery slope the Government put itself and us passengers on, when they approved ADF for DIAL. They have no grounds for refusing MIAL's demands.

The justification offered by DIAL, MIAL, and their friends in the ministry, is the ADF will be used to develop aeronautical assets which will be transferred back to AAI upon completion of the lease. Never mind that the lease is for 58 years, and passengers are being asked to pay for future assets that they may not use, and this asset creation is precisely what the property development concession rights were meant to cover ???

When both these airport operators bid for the respective airports, there was no condition or plan for the levy of ADF. It was never part of the initial bidding conditions, process or bid documents.

Had the property market not collapsed, DIAL and MIAL would have made a killing on the property development. In such a scenario would DIAL and MIAL have paid an amount equal to the ADF back to passengers as they share of gain? If the economic tide has turned, it a business risk and ultimately DIAL's and MIAL's problem.

It all boils down to DIAL and MIAL raising the collateral money insisted by the banks who have agreed to lend the remaining amount. Unfortunately the shareholders of DIAL and MIAL do not have the financial strength to do.

They have a means to raise the funds, like any other company in the world. They can sell their shares and raise equity. So DIAL and MIAL can sell shares to us passengers against the ADF.

If airport operators want us passengers to bear their share of the risks, it is only fair that we be given our share in the rewards.

The new domestic departure terminal T1D at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) was inaugurated today by Mr. Praful Patel India's Civil Aviation minister.

The new terminal is located between the existing Domestic Arrival T1C and Domestic Departure T1A, and will raise the capacity of domestic departures to 10 million passengers per annum.

The terminal is a dual level terminal with departures at the upper level. It features eight entry gates, and a four layer in-line baggage X-ray system which will free passengers from having to get their check in bags scanned prior to check-in. There are 72 check-in counters and 16 self check-in kiosks spread across 8 rows. The terminal features the CUTE or Common Use Terminal Equipment system, which allows dynamic allocation of counters to airlines depending on need.

Hopefully the CISF would man all 16 channels of the security check to ensure quick and smooth passage for travellers.

The large departure lounge features food and beverage outlets, lounges and retail areas spread across 2 levels.

The airport operator DIAL has announced availability of Wi-fi internet connectivity, but details are not provided.

Flight boarding will take place at the lower level via coach bus to the aircraft via 16 boarding gates. Again it remains to be seen, how many of these gates are operated in parallel by the CISF.

In addition, a special ‘Contact Zone’ service will be available near the terminal entrance to provide facilities for passengers with special needs - passing through the Airport. These would include wheel-chair assistance for physically challenged passengers, assistance for unaccompanied minors amongst others.

The Government has approved the levy of Development Fee (DF) by the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) @ Rs.1300/- per departing international passenger and @ Rs.200/- per departing domestic passenger with effect from 1 March, 2009. The DF which is being levied purely on an adhoc basis, is inclusive of all applicable taxes and is for a period of 36 months only.

This approval shall be reviewed specifically upon the following milestones:

• DIAL will submit final project cost estimates within 6 months of the commencement of the levy of DF, i.e. latest by 31 August, 2009. The project cost so submitted, including amount of contingencies, and their utilization shall be audited by an independent technical auditor to be appointed by Airport Authority of India (AAI) or as the Regulator / Government may decide.
• DIAL will undertake a review of the bidding process in respect of the hospitality district. They may approach the Government with the outcome of the review within 6 months of the commencement of the levy, i.e. latest by 31 August, 2009.

The approval is subject to the following conditions:-

• The final determination of levy may be made by the Government/Regulator upon compliance of the above two milestones.
• Following procedure monitoring mechanism shall be followed:
1. DF receipts would be deposited in a separate Escrow Account. Modalities of the Escrow Account may be decided by DIAL, with the approval of the AAI, atleast one week before the commencement of levy.
2. AAI and the Central Government would have supervening powers in respect of Escrow Account to ensure that all receipts are properly accounted for and are utilized only for permitted purposes. These powers may include stoppage of withdrawal by DIAL.
3. Presently, other capital receipts like equity and debt funds are channelized through another Escrow Account of DIAL as per OMDA requirements. The Independent Auditor appointed by AAI, presently verifies only the revenue as defined in Article 1.1. of OMDA and not the receipts of capital nature and utilization thereof. As a condition of this approval, DIAL would be required to subject such capital receipts and expenditure also to AAI supervision.
4. All accounting and auditing practices, as would have been applicable to AAI, will be applicable to DF receipts and expenditure by DIAL. The modalities in this respect should be worked out between AAI and DIAL, atleast one week before the commencement of levy.
5. The compliance in respect of the above issues will be furnished by AAI and DIAL to the Central Government on event basis as well as on a periodical monthly basis.

• It will be ensured that DF is utilized for the development of such “Aeronautical Assets” only, which are “Transfer Assets” in terms of OMDA.
• DIAL should report the collection and usage of DF on a monthly basis to Central Government / Regulator through AAI.
• The levy will be reviewed 6 months after commencement by the Regulator/Central Government and thereafter at such intervals as the Regulator/Central Government may decide.
• At the stage of final determination, Regulator/Central Government will ensure adequate consultation with the users.
• The amount collected through DF would not in any case exceed the ceiling of Rs.1827/- crores (NPV as on 1.3.2009). The ceiling amount would be exclusive of taxes, if any.
• The balance amount of Rs.1250 crores received as shareholders advance (i.e., Rs.1750 crores net of Rs.500 crores to be appropriated towards equity) would be retained by DIAL. Any escalations of cost would be met from the amount so retained. In case the cost escalation is less than the retained amount, the ceiling amount of Rs.1827 crores would be reduced by an amount which is equal to the difference between the retained amount of Rs.1250 crores and the amount representing project cost escalation beyond Rs.8975 crores.
• Rate and tenure of levy are premised upon the traffic projections and other estimates. In case due to actual figures being different than those estimated, the collections during levy period exceed the amount of Rs.1827 crores (NPV as on 1.3.2009) or any other amount which the Regulator/Central Government may determine, the excess amount so collected shall not be utilized, for any purpose whatsoever, without the prior approval of the Regulator/Central Government.

The Delhi International Airport Private Limited (DIAL) are undertaking modernization, development and upgradation of IGI Airport, New Delhi as per the approved Master Plan. DIAL had estimated that the Master Plan will be implemented at an estimated cost of Rs. 8975 crores. Requisite funds were to be raised through Rupee Term Loan, External Commercial Borrowings (ECB), Base Equity, Internal Accruals and Refundable Security Deposits (RSD) from Hospitality District (commercial property development). However, it has now been brought to the notice of the Central Government that DIAL are unable to raise Refundable Security Deposits to the extent anticipated and a substantial short fall is expected. It has also been stated that the lenders have not agreed to extend any further debt as the existing debt arrangement takes into account all possible revenue streams and have suggested that levy in the nature of capital receipts to leverage any additional debt. The shareholders have brought in shareholders’ advances to the extent of Rs. 1250 crores and are not in a position to take additional equity exposure beyond Rs. 1200 crores. Further, the present declining air traffic scenario has adversely impacted the revenue streams of DIAL and the Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR). Accordingly, DIAL have proposed a levy of DF under Section 22A of the AAI Act, 1994 @ Rs. 350/- per departing domestic passenger and @ Rs. 1000 per departing international passenger for a period of 39 months.

The proposal of DIAL was examined by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in consultation with the Ministry of Law and Airports Authority of India. The Government also engaged M/s KPMG Advisory Services Pvt. Ltd. to undertake diligence and verification of the proposal submitted by DIAL. Government has been advised that DIAL can levy DF under Section 22A read with Section 12A of the AAI Act for the purposes mentioned in clause (a) of Section 22A. Further, the completion of project by March 2010, i.e., in time for Common Wealth Games 2010 was of utmost importance. Keeping in view the position that all other funding options appeared to have been exhausted, there was no option but to levy a pre-funding charge as contemplated under Section 22A so as to ensure timely completion of the project. Such pre-funding charges are accepted by ICAO subject to compliance with laid down guidelines/principles.

The Central Government have, accordingly, approved the levy of DF by DIAL @ Rs. 1300 per departing international passenger and @ Rs. 200 per departing domestic passenger w.e.f. 1.03.2009 for a period of 36 months, inclusive of all applicable taxes, purely on an ad-hoc basis, to fund an estimated short fall of Rs. 1827 crores. This approval is subject to review after 6 months when DIAL is expected to furnish the final project cost, which will be audited by an Independent Technical Auditor. DIAL have also been advised to review the bidding process of the Hospitality District to explore the possibility of raising further resources therefrom. A detailed accounting/monitoring mechanism is required to be put in place, inter-alia, including deposit of all DF receipts in a separate Escrow Account where AAI and the Central Government will have supervening powers; the account will be maintained as per accounting and audit procedures followed by AAI etc. AAI will play a critical role in the monitoring of levy and usage of DF and keep the Ministry apprised. The DF receipts shall be utilized only for construction of such “aeronautical assets” as are required to be “transferred” to AAI by DIAL upon expiry of the lease of IGI airport. The shareholders advances amounting to Rs. 1250 crores shall be retained in the project to fund expected increase in project costs.

Source : Press Information Bureau, Government of India

Contact Zone, a first of its kind service at Indian Airports, has been established near Gate 1 of Terminal 2 (International) at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) for catering to passengers with special needs, like physically challenged passengers, and unaccompanied minors amongst others.

Currently, facilitation for passengers requiring special assistance is coordinated directly by the airline. However, security rules prevent those accompanying the passengers inside the terminal creating difficulty for the passengers. The ‘Contact Zone’ is aimed at bridging this gap by facilitating the coordination between the airlines and the traveller.

Two parking slots are reserved in the Contact Zone for passengers requiring Wheel Chair assistance, and the airport operator, DIAL's Customer Service Executives and porters have been deputed for coordination and facilitation.

While the passengers wait in the special area provided, the Executive posted at the Contact Zone will in turn contact the concerned airline for deputing their staff for help complete the departure formalities. DIAL has requested the airlines to depute staff to frequently visit the drop off area.

At present the 'Contact Zone' will cater only to international passengers, but it expected to be extended to the new domestic departure terminals, but a time frame has not been provided.

While not much to write home about, this is a step in the right direction. Indian aviation has a very poor track record when it comes to catering to the special needs passenger.

In his weekly column "Rational Expectations", Sunil Jain has written an excellent article titled "Mr. 20 per cent" highlighting the financial shenanigans played by the operator of Indira Gandhi International Airport, GMR promoted Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), and the resultant negative impact not just on Airports Authority of India (AAI), but also on DIAL itself.

His postscript says it all

If DIAL hadn’t tried to shortchange AAI and had its plans thwarted last year, it could have given 46 per cent of the deposits to AAI and still kept Rs 9,500 crore (54 per cent of Rs 17,590 crore) — if prices fall by half now, it gets to keep just Rs 4,475 crore! Playing by the book helps.

It is important to remember, the owners of GMR are rumoured to be "close" to various politicians of the ruling United Progressive Alliance, as well as the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the parent of AAI.

Read the full article.

At a time when airport authorities in Singapore, Thailand, Korea, and Taiwan, are reducing their airport charges to stimulate air travel, travellers flying from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA), Mumbai will pay more soon.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has recently sent a letter to the GVK promoted, Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), allowing the airport operator to increase aeronautical charges by ten per cent which in turn will be passed on to the passengers.

Aeronautical charges comprise Passenger Service Fee (PSF) currently at Rs. 225, and aircraft landing and parking charges. According to a report in Economic Times, certain sources informed that MoCA has allowed MIAL to increase aeronautical charges by ten per cent effective January 1, 2009. MIAL has already issued a circular in this regard to airlines. A ten per cent increase in airport charges will add to about Rs 35 crore to the airport’s total annual revenue.

Passengers can expect a similar hike at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport operator, GMR promoted, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL).

Heavy fog today hit air and train traffic at New Delhi, with about 20 flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport here being delayed and two cancelled while over 25 Delhi-bound trains running late by upto 11 hours.

Dense fog enveloped the airport around 11.30 am with runway visibility dropping to 600 metres which forced the airport authorities to implement the low visibility procedures.

The runway visibility continued to deteriorate and drop to 75 metres forcing some airlines to divert their flights to Jaipur and Mumbai.

While most airlines press relations claimed "near normal operations", on the ground, however, passengers had a different story to tell.

Real time flight arrival and departure information can be found here. Airport and airline call centre numbers and other details can be found in articles on New Delhi airport.

For other cities, please see the right sidebar. For Delhi flight arrival and departure information from the airport's website click here.

Flight information is provided by FlightStats, and is subject to the FlightStats Terms of Use.

An Express News Service report that the third runway at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, installed with Category III-B Instrument Landing System (ILS), was finally commissioned on Friday for low-visibility air traffic operations during dense fog days, brings much cheer to harried passengers.

“The certification was given following an inspection by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) after taking into consideration elements involved in facilitating aircraft operations under 50-metre (near zero) visibility conditions (Category III-B Operations),” an official from the Delhi International Airport (DIAL), the airport operator said.

Airport Authority of India (AAI) has installed and commissioned the secondary Surface Movement Radar (SMR) at the third runway with a separate Air Traffic Control (ATC) display at the control tower, which forms part of the existing Automation Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (ASMGCS).

“This display will facilitate air traffic controllers to identify the radar data from detected targets on the runway as well as the related taxiway before entering the international or domestic apron even under near-zero visibility conditions,” an official said.

The low-visibility procedures (LVP) have also been worked out and are in place for the third runway. The Met department has installed and commissioned the required Runway Visual Range (RVR) measurement equipment, which will give instantaneous runway visibility reading at the control tower. This helps in effecting low-visibility procedures in case runway visibility falls to near-zero.

The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has installed and commissioned Category III-B runway and taxiway lighting system for permitting low-visibility operations. Together with the second runway, which is fit for Category III-B operations, the third runway is now ready to be utilised for low-visibility operations, and to share the air traffic load during adverse visibility conditions and avoid air traffic diversions.

“Utilisation of these two runways for Category IIIB operations will also depend on pilots who are trained and rated for carrying out low-visibility landings and takeoffs,” said an official.

The DGCA has directed all airlines to ensure that CAT III compliant aircraft and pilots are on their rolls for operating at the Delhi Airport. “This will be strictly monitored by the DGCA on a day-to-day basis,” an official said.

Currently, the National Aviation Company of India Ltd (NACIL) has the maximum number of CAT II and III trained pilots; Air India has a fleet of 95 pilots and 69 co-pilots with CAT III training, while Indian has 148 pilots and 94 co-pilots trained.

Among the private players, Jet Airways has 102 pilots and 58 co-pilots similarly trained; Kingfisher has 93 pilots and 53 co-pilots; whereas Indigo has 33 pilots and 24 co-pilots trained in CAT III operations.

Just about 24 hours earlier, DIAL the operators of New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) were proudly drumming their success of zero impact of fog on the early morning of 10th December.

On 11th December, fifteen flights were delayed after a thick blanket of fog engulfed the capital, reducing the Runway Visibility Range (RVR) to 400 meters. This against an RVR of 850 meters on Wednesday when DIAL claimed 111 flight operations with zeo impact.

The airliners had to reschedule a number of flights to several domestic destinations, airport sources said. Also, a Spice Jet flight from Mumbai to Delhi was diverted to Jaipur.

The airport authorities had to initiate No Visibility Procedure at 6.54 a.m. as the RVR was very low, the sources said.

Contradicting earlier claims in a press release by the airport operator Delhi International Airport Ltd. (DIAL), about a dozen flights were delayed yesterday also due to the fog.

Meanwhile, the Met department has predicted more fog for the next two days.

I went back and checked the IGIA website and the press release has been removed.

New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) met its first fog challenge on 10th December, with zero impact on flights. As per a DIAL release there were zero diversions, re-schedules, or cancellations.

As per procedure, Safeguard procedures were initiated when Runway Visual Range (RVR) fell below 1,500 meters, at 0458 local on morning of 10 December. Low Visibility Procedure (LVP) was implemented when RVR fell to 850 meters at 0703 hours. 3 hours and 42 minutes later the LVP was terminated when RVR improved to 1,200 meters.

Runway 28-10 was used for both landing and take-off operations.

The technical details for aviation buffs like me:

• Runway in use: 28/10 (Arrivals and Departures)
• Safeguard procedure initiated: 0458 hrs, 10/Dec/2008 (RVR 1500m)
• LVP implemented: 0703 hrs, 10/Dec/2008 (RVR 850 m)
• LVP terminated: 1045 hrs, 10/Dec/2008 (RVR 1200 m) (Duration: 3 hrs 42 min.)
• Safeguard procedure terminated: 1140 hrs, 10/Dec/2008 (RVR 1500m)
• Total flights operated during LVP: 111 (96 domestic and 15 international flights)
• Total Number of flights diverted: NIL
• Flights rescheduled today: NIL
• Flights cancelled today: NIL

Delhi International Airport Ltd. (DIAL) the airport operator has taken steps to minimise the impact of fog and low visibility on flight operations and enhance passenger experience :

• The temporary kerbside extension of Terminal 1B has been replaced with a permanent structure and provided with heating, Additional seating ,and flight information display system. An additional seating area is also being provided for those seeing off their friends and family.
• A parallel wing now houses more space for check – in and baggage X-ray for passengers. This extension has been added to the Low Cost Carrier Wing of Terminal 1B.
• DIAL has also deployed specially trained Customer Service Staff to provide assistance & information to passengers. Additional car parking facility has been provided at IGI airport.
• The domestic arrival terminal has also been renovated and expanded. A portion of the renovated area has already been opened along with a large canopy for friends and family. In addition separate exit routes have been provided for the benefit of passengers availing pre-paid taxis.
• A brand new wing in the Security Hold Area of Terminal 1B was commissioned. The new seating area has 150 seats which are sufficient to cater to the load of one complete flight Additional F&B outlets have opened across the passenger terminals. These outlets are operated by leading F&B brands.
• An increased number of payphones and coin operated booths have been added at IGI Airport to help passengers.
• 55 aircraft parking bays have been provided with CAT III compatible lighting systems. Additions carried out over the last year have provided additional number taxi routings to smoothen aircraft movement and prioritize the movement of CAT III enabled aircraft.
• IGI Airport has augmented it’s call centre (+91 11 2566-1080) which will share the updated flight information and airlines’ contacts numbers.
• Special booklets with information on fog and do’s and don’ts for passengers and airline numbers are also being circulated.

All the major airports across India have been turned in to fortresses following perceived threats.

The jitters created a security scare at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International airport in the early hours of Friday, and triggered panic among passengers and sent security officials into a tizzy.

The chaos began when a sound similar to gunshots were reportedly heard from the facility.

The control room of the CISF received a call at around 1.10 am IST from passengers that they heard sound of gunshots from the vicinity of Gate 4 of international departure lounge of the airport.

The security was immediately stepped up but police could not ascertain the cause and the nature of firing. "We received a call that some passengers heard a sound similar to two gunshots, but there were no eyewitnesses. No evidence has so far come up to suggest that it was a firing and we cannot confirm it as a gunshot," DIG, CISF Udayan Banerjee said.

There is speculation that the initial "cracks" heard could have been a plastic bottle or tetra-pak coming under the wheels of some vehicle.

Post the 26/11 carnage, some pranksters are taking cheap thrills by attempting panic amongst an already jittery public.

But to re-iterate, everything at Delhi and across India is normal. Do not give in to "FUD".

-- Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt.

Images courtesy AP

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.

The Mint reports that Delhi International Airport Pvt. Ltd (DIAL), the operator running New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) has sought relaxations on taxes from the Union government and permission to levy a new airport development fee (also called User Development Fee or UDF) on passengers that will together amount to a potential benefit of around Rs. 2,000 crore.

If the request receives government approval, it will help the GMR Infrastructure Ltd., led consortium to meet a gap it is facing in its capital expenditure plans for the airport.

DIAL is readying the Delhi airport at an estimated cost of Rs. 8,890 crore ahead of the Commonwealth Games in 2010 with the construction of a new passenger terminal, a new runway and hotels at the airport site, complemented by a metro rail link connecting the airport with Connaught Place, a central business district in the Capital, to be developed by Delhi Metro Railways Corp. Ltd (DMRC).

According to an estimate in 2006, when the airport was privatized, the development of the Delhi airport was to cost Rs7,961 crore. This however, has increased now by around Rs1,000 crore or nearly equal to the cost of creating three new airports such as the ones commissioned at Bangalore and Hyderabad this year.

DIAL also wants the government to pitch in funds for construction of the metro link to the airport, according to a senior government official familiar with the process, who did not want to be named.

It wants to levy Rs300 as a so-called airport development fee on each outbound domestic passenger from the Capital besides Rs1,000 each on those flying international routes for a period starting January 2009 until December 2011. Such a passenger fee alone will likely result in revenues of over Rs1,400 crore for the operator.

DIAL, which had earlier agreed to pay partly for the metro link from the city as long as the payment was taken as part of the capital expenditure of the airport project, now wants the government to pay Rs350 crore to DMRC for constructing the 22.7km link. DMRC earlier this year had awarded the contract to Reliance-Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group’s Reliance Energy Ltd that had bid for the project in collaboration with Spain’s CAF to construct the link.

Among other waivers requested by DIAL are a Rs100 crore in value added tax or VAT exemption and Rs200 crore in customs duty exemption taking the total to Rs2,050 crore.

The government official quoted earlier said the airport operator also wants changes in the land use norms at the 5,000-acre airport site but did not specify details.

A civil aviation ministry official, who too declined to be identified, said the ministry cannot allow for measures that conflict with those in the operations management and development agreement signed between DIAL and state-run Airports Authority of India, or AAI.

“We cannot allow anything that affects the bidding parameters,” this official said. “Within the agreement, we can look into what can be done.”

The impact of slowdown in air passenger traffic is showing up at airports in India as well—nearly 1,200 weekly flights have been cut from March bringing the number down to 10,922 in November, the aviation ministry said recently.

“New airports and airport modernization (has been) severely affected,” the ministry said in its presentation, a copy of which was reviewed by Mint, to the cabinet secretary K.M. Chandrasekhar earlier this month adding that there was a “30% shortfall against projected passenger traffic at Delhi and 32% in Mumbai airports.”

An analyst said the government should look for broader solutions. “There are two things to it—the airlines are seeing a downturn and are primary sufferers, while all airports are also looking at a downturn and are secondary sufferers,” said Robey Lal, former country head of industry grouping International Air Transport Association (IATA) in India and an ex-AAI board member.

In such circumstances, Lal suggested the government increase an existing passenger service fee of Rs. 225 on each ticket countrywide, which is used to fund security as also development of airports. This way, he argued, all airports in the country would benefit and not just DIAL or another private operator. About Rs. 130 from this Rs. 225 fee is used to pay for security, Rs. 25 is service tax, and the rest is used for operations and development of airports by the airport operator.

New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is gearing up for the oncoming winter season and possible disruption of flights due to fog and low visibility. In consultation with Airlines, and other bodies Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), the airport operator, has drawn up a strategy to provide additional facilities to passengers during the fog season. These activities include:

City Side

• The temporary kerbside extension of Terminal 1B has been replaced with a permanent structure and provided with heating. Additional seating has also been provided, along with food and beverage kiosks. An extensive flight information display system is being provided in the extension area to regularly update the passengers. An additional seating area is also being provided for those seeing off their friends and family.
• A parallel wing now houses more space for check – in and baggage X-ray for passengers. This extension has been added to the Low Cost Carrier Wing of Terminal 1B and would benefit passengers traveling by Kingfisher Red, Spicejet, Indigo & Go Air.
• DIAL has also deployed specially trained Customer Service Staff to provide assistance & information to passengers. A park and ride parking service has also been provided to ensure additional car parking availability at IGI the airport.
• The domestic arrival terminal has also been renovated and expanded. A portion of the renovated area has already been opened along with a large canopy for friends and family. In addition separate exit routes have been provided for the benefit of passengers availing pre-paid taxis.

Passenger Terminals

• A brand new wing in the Security Hold Area of Terminal 1B has been recently commissioned. The new seating area has 150 seats which are sufficient to cater to the load of one complete flight. In addition, an extra bus gate is being commissioned to facilitate direct access from the extension area to the aircraft.
• Additional F&B outlets have opened across the passenger terminals. These outlets are operated by leading F&B brands such as Café Coffee Day, Costa Coffee, Café Ritazza, Nirula’s and Flavours.
• An increased number of payphones and coin operated booths have been added at IGI Airport to help passengers stay in touch with their friends and relatives.

Airside

• With the recent inauguration of the new runway 11-29, IGIA is equipped with two parallel runways with Category IIIB Instrument Landing System. IGIA is the only airport in the India to feature CAT IIIB ILS which allows compatible aircraft and trained pilots to land even when the runway visibility is up to 50 meters.
• 55 parking bays at the domestic aircraft apron have been provided with CAT III compatible lighting systems. Additions carried out over the last year have provided additional number taxi routings to smoothen aircraft movement and prioritize the movement of CAT III enabled aircraft.
• A special leaflet is being distributed among airside drivers with tips on safe operations during low visibility conditions.
• To co-ordinate the operations during the fog period, a centralised Emergency Response & Interactive Centre (ERIC) will be set up. The Meteorological Department of India will also be providing latest fog updates to the ERIC.

Other Initiatives

• IGIA has augmented it’s helpline which will share the updated flight information and airlines’ contacts numbers.
• A link of the FIDS (Flight Information Display System) has been provided on DIAL website for real-time flight arrival and departure information, the benefit of passengers.
• Special booklets with information on fog and do’s and don’ts for passengers and airline numbers are also being circulated.

Please feel free to post your comments and experiences as a feedback to fellow passengers on the effectiveness of these new actions.

DIAL has dedicated a "Child Play Area" at the Security Hold Area (SHA) of Terminal 1A of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA).

IGIA is perhaps the first Airport in India to open a Child Play Area, which is free of cost.

The Child Play Area has been professionally designed with safe climbing structures, swings, balls, and other play equipment. Children can use simple, movable gear to play a variety of games. Airport related themes are displayed in the flooring & carpets. The theme of Child Play Area will keep changing from time to time to keep the interest of children alive.

As per DIAL, the Child Play Area is being appreciated by passengers traveling with small children, and positive feedback has been received.

One of the passengers of Air India, Ms. Neharika Singh, was pleasantly surprised to see the Child Play Area open at the terminal . “The play area is providing exciting and safe play equipment for kids. I have twins. My little daughter was delighted to see the soft toys at the child care lounge and my little son was delighted to see the play equipment here”, said Ms. Singh.

Earlier, DIAL had set up child care lounges at the Check-in areas of terminals 1A and IB. Child friendly equipment, such as a cupboard full of soft toys, baby cots, highchairs and sofas have been placed at the lounges. In addition nappy changing counters have been provided with the application of joyful, coloured cartoon characters in the surroundings.

India can boast of having the second largest airport terminal in the world when the third terminal building at the Indira Gandhi International airport (IGIA) here comes up in 2010.

The terminal building alone will come up on 20 acres of land, with the entire seven-storey structure providing a total space of about 5,20,000 square metres and having a capacity of handling 34 million passengers a year.

The Terminal-3 or T3 of IGIA would be the second largest after the new terminal T3 at the Beijing Capital International airport (BCIA), constructed before the recent Olympics, which has a total floor area of 9,86,000 square metres.

Giving details of the mega project underway at the Delhi airport, CEO (Airport Development) of Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) Prabhakar Rao said: "Our focus is on three Ms -- men, material and machinery. That is helping us giving shape to this major project."

In an interview to PTI, he said several factories were functioning at the project site, producing materials ranging from concrete and steel pipes to air-conditioning ducts. "Almost a thousand trucks bring in bulk materials like steel, stones and bricks every night to the site, without disturbing traffic anywhere on the near by national highway."

Deadline challenges

Maintaining that it was a "challenge" for DIAL to complete the mega project in the stipulated time of 37 months, Rao said major airports like Changi in Singapore took 76 months for completion, while Heathrow's T5 and Beijing's new terminal took 60 months. IGIA's T3, which would be able to handle the largest aircraft Airbus A-380, is expected to be completed by March 2010, ahead of the Commonwealth Games. About 24,000 workers belonging to 44 contractors are working day and night to build the integrated terminal which will cater to 34 million domestic and international passengers every year. Also, on the 24x7 job are about 100 foreign experts, who are racing against time to meet the deadline.

Maintaining that Delhi fell in the high damage risk or Zone IV of quake-prone area, the DIAL airport CEO said "Keeping in mind the occurrence of earthquakes here, we are constructing the building to meet the requirements of a higher risk level, that of Zone V or very high damage risk." He said the new steel and glass terminal would be an environment-friendly "green building", which would have complete natural lighting, an intelligent air conditioning system and efficient waste-water treatment facility.

The building needs a massive 2,50,000 square metres of air-conditioning ducts, which when kept in a straight line would cover a distance of 500 kilometres, Rao said.

As various aspects of the construction process were going on parallel in order to save on time, "we have asked the selected bidder, ETA of Dubai, to set up a plant in the country." And "now India's largest air-conditioning duct manufacturing plant is functional at the site," Rao said, adding that the chillers were being imported from the US.

78 aerobridges, 168 check in counters

The four piers of the terminal building would have 78 aerobridges, six exclusively for big planes such as Airbus A-380, for boarding and disembarking. Each pier would be about 1.2 kilometres long but the passengers would not need to walk as they can reach their boarding gate by any of the 98 travelators, Rao said.

Also for the convenience of the passengers, there would be 168 check-in counters, 49 immigration counters, 48 emigration counters and a 61-room hotel, apart from various lounges.

The terminal would also have an intelligent car parking facility for 15,000 cars -- 6,000 at Multi-level car parking (MLCP) and 9,000 at surface level.

The MLCP would be a fully automated one, from generation of parking slip to allotment of slot, no person would be required but still people could park their vehicle without a hassle, the DIAL CEO said.

Ambitious growth plans


Video from wdp4 on YouTube.

The promoters DIAL have chalked out very ambitious growth plans for the airport, calling for new terminals T4, T5, and T6 over the next 20 years. As per the IGIA website the time-table for the airport is :

New Terminal Building (T3)

T3 Project (New Runway and Associated Taxiways Completion by 15th August, 2008)

1.Construction of new code F(A380 Compatible) Runway (11R/29L) of length 4430 mt with CAT IIIB Airfield lighting
2.A Parallel taxiway two cross field taxiways
3. 10 No. Additional remote stands for T2

Phase 1B
T3 Project (New Integrated Passenger Terminal Building and associated works Completion by 31-Mar-2010)

1.Construction of New Terminal building of capacity 27 MPPA, area of 4.4 Million Sq.Ft ,55 Contact stands,16 remote stands, piers, fixed links and aerobridges.
2.Aircraft parking stands for contact and remote stands.
3.Cargo expansion
4.Additional maintenance hangars
5.New GSE areas
6.Fuel farm expansion
7.Expansion of the existing Sewerage treatment plan
8.Providing a Multi level & surface car park
9.Metro Connectivity
10.New landside roads & up gradation of existing road system
11.Expansion of the existing Catering facilities
12.Provision for GA facilities

Phase 2 (2012)
1.Additional remote stands near T3
2.Cargo expansion
3.New flight forwarders area near cargo
4.Additional parking stands for cargo
5.New central transportation corridor
6.Catering facility expansion
7.Additional MRO

Phase 3 (2016)
1.New terminal T4
2.Expansion of T3 including piers
3.Contact stands for T4
4.New runway (11L/29R)
5.Parking facilities in front of T4
6.New ATC tower and complex
7.Cargo expansion
8.Fuel farm expansion
9.GSE area expansion
10.MRO expansion
11.Catering facilities expansion

Phase 4 (2021)
1.New Terminal T5 (Low cost)
2.Expansion of T3 and T4 piers and concourses
3.Remote stands for T5
4.New straightened runway 09/27
5.Cargo facilities at north (relocated)
6.Additional GA facilities·
7.Additional MRO·
8.New fire station·
9.Catering facility expansion·
10.Landside developments in front of T4 & T5 including parking
11.New metro station
12.Fuel farm expansion
13.GSE expansion

Saturation phase (2026)
1.New Terminal T6·
2.New pier for T5 & contact stands
3.Additional MRO
4.Catering facilities expansion
5.GSE expansion
6.Cargo expansion