HC nod sought to issue notice to airlines

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 13

The Central Government sought the Punjab and High Court’s permission to issue a notice to airlines for the second closure of the Chandigarh international airport for runway repair as a public interest litigation in the matter came up for resumed hearing before the court today.

It is necessary to give two months’ advance notice to airlines so that air travellers can change their plans accordingly. The plea was, however, opposed on behalf of the airlines as the closure period is a busy session.

The airport was scheduled for second closure later during the year, but the dates were advanced, the Bench of Justice Ajay Kumar Mittal and Justice Anupinder Singh was told.

Taking up the matter, the Bench also directed the authorities concerned to clear the contractor’s bill of Rs 39 crore. The High Court had earlier directed all stakeholders to put their heads together on February 12 for deliberating the suggestions put forth by the contractor carrying out the upgrade work on the runway at the Chandigarh airport. 

The authorities had earlier claimed that the runway length was being extended from the present 9,000 ft to 10,400 ft to accommodate wide-bodied aircraft.