From next month,one runway less could mean more delays,fewer flights

The Mumbai airport spokesperson confirmed the closure,though he did not agree that flight schedules would be affected. Airport officials,however,estimate that the closure will increase air traffic congestion by 20 per cent.

“There is no alternative to rebuilding of the runway because it’s in very bad shape,its maintenance having been neglected for years. However,we cannot deny the fact that airline schedules will be affected and the secondary runway’s closure will increase air congestion,” said a senior airport official.

“All departures will have to be accommodated on the main runway. This will mean that the average traffic movements in the winter schedule will have to be redrawn,which could lead to fewer slots than what we have in the current season,” said the official.

Flight movements increase in mid-October,the beginning of the winter season. The winter schedule is considered the peak season with international arrivals rising significantly.

The 2,925-m secondary runway sees about 200 departures a day. The predicted 20 per cent rise in air traffic congestion implies that 120 flights are expected to be affected everyday. The airport sees an average 630 flight movements daily.

Another worry is that at times,when the runway becomes non-functional due to poor visibility or an incident,no alternative would remain. “In those circumstances all operations will have to be halted,” said the official.

The upgrade of airside runway facilities,such as rapid exit taxiways to increase capacity and cater to traffic growth,is one of the key aspects of the overall masterplan.