Voicing concern over the proposed runway re-carpeting work by Dabolim (Goa) International Airport authorities during peak tourists season, domestic airlines' lobby the Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) today sought postponement of the work by four months.
Contending that the move would adversely impact all the stakeholders including the airlines and passengers, the FIA, in a letter, has also urged the Civil Aviation Ministry to take up the issue with the Defence Ministry.
"FIA on behalf of its member airlines would request you to advise the Ministry of Defence to defer this proposed re-carpeting work from April 15, and give a 120-days notice period to the stakeholders before commencing the same," the FIA said.
Government-run Airports Authority of India operates the civilian enclave of the Indian Navy's airbase at Dabolim.
The airport authorities plan to carry out the runway re-carpeting work from April 15.
To facilitate the work, which is expected to be completed by May 30, the authorities have restricted the use of the runway during this period.
The airlines body, which has representation from Jet Airways, SpiceJet, GoAir and IndiGo, has also requested the civil aviation ministry to advice the Dabolim Airport authorities to carry out work during the night to minimise the impact.
Pointing out that available infrastructure would not be sufficient to accommodate all operations bunching up between the restricted operations period, from 0500 hours to 1100 hours, the FIA said providing such a short window for civil operations would have huge impact on the airlines as well as the passengers.
FIA estimates that the proposed runway closure during the peak travel period could effect around 9-12 lakh passengers including the international travellers.
"The combined financial losses to all the stakeholders would be staggering due to the move as it will also affect the hotel bookings as well as the other subsidiary businesses," the FIA said.
