SHILLONG: More than the length of the runway, it is the obstacle to seamless working of the instrument landing system (ILS) that is keeping bigger aircraft from operating out of Umroi airport , which is connected by only an ATR 40 flight to and from Kolkata.
According to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, the hills in the vicinity of the airport come in the way of efficient working of the ILS.
“The main problem is not the expansion of the runway but the obstacle to the ILS,” he said adding that its inability to work properly is keeping bigger aircraft away from the airport.
An ILS operates as a ground-based instrument approach system that provides precision lateral and vertical guidance to an aircraft approaching and landing on a runway, using a combination of radio signals and, in many cases, high-intensity lighting arrays to enable a safe landing during instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), such as low ceilings or reduced visibility due to fog or rain.
Sangma also made it clear that the big hills cannot just be cut down due to financial constraints and environmental concerns, but expressed hope some flights can be operated from the existing runways.
According to reports, a whopping Rs 7000 crore would be required to cut down the hills
“ In future, we can explore ways to operate bigger aircraft from the airport,” he said
Meanwhile, however, a smaller hill near the airport has been cut down while new boundary walls have also been constructed in the airport. The approach road with its many potholes though leaves much to be desired.
According to sources, the airport is ready for operation of ATR 72-600 and Bombardier-Q400 aircraft which can operate between Umroi and Delhi. The apron space is sufficient for parking of a Bombardier-Q400 and an ATR 72-600 aircraft.
The High Court of Meghalaya is monitoring the development work of the airport.
Earlier, Zoom Air had conveyed its willingness to start a Delhi-Umroi flight, but commercial viability is still a concern.
