There is more than one stumbling block for the Calicut international airport at Karipur to be chosen the sole embarkation point for Haj pilgrims from Kerala and Lakshadweep this time as the airport will be partially closed for repairing and recarpeting work for 15 months starting this June 1.
Meanwhile, the Airports Authority of India has communicated that wide-bodied aircraft will not be allowed to operate from here from May 1 considering safety aspects.
The airport has been the embarkation point for Haj pilgrims from the State for the past several years. “This time, however, we are not sure about it,” Kottumala T.M. Bapu Musliar, chairman of the State Haj Committee, told The Hindu on Thursday.
Usually big aircraft such as Airbus 330, 747, and B777, with large capacity, are used for Haj services. Now there will be restrictions for wide-bodied aircraft to operate from the airport owing to the scheduled repairing work and only smaller flights will be allowed during the period.
Tenders invited
The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation nevertheless has already invited tenders from designated airline companies for undertaking this year’s Haj services from all the 21 embarkations points, including the Calicut airport.
Considering the restrictions expected at the airport, the Ministry has stipulated that only Boeing 767s be pressed into service from the airport.
To upset plans
If only smaller flights can be used for the Haj services from the airport it will upset the plans of the Haj Committee since it will be forced to prolong the number of annual Haj camp days from the present 15.
“Even 30 days won’t be enough to send all pilgrims since the capacity of such flights will be very less,” Mr. Bapu Musliar said.
Jeddah curbs
Moreover, the Jeddah international airport, which is one of busiest airports in the world during the Haj season, need not give “slots” for landing smaller flights during the season. “Usually smaller aircraft are not entertained there during the Haj season,” he said.
Considering these factors, the State Haj Committee also has its reservations about choosing the Calicut airport as the embarkation point from the State.
“We will meet on March 21 to take a decision,” Mr. Bapu Musliar said. According to him, the Cochin airport at Nedumbassery is being considered as a second option.
Airport to be partially closed for repairs for 15 months
Haj panel meet on March 21 to take
a decision
