Latest news with #ShimlaAirport
Time of India
24-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu urges Centre to expedite civil aviation projects
Shimla: Chief minister on Wednesday urged Union minister of civil aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu to expedite pending issues related to the civil aviation sector in Himachal Pradesh. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The request was made through a formal letter following discussions held during Sukhu's recent visit to New Delhi. In the letter, the CM highlighted the proposed expansion of Kangra Airport, for which the state government is in the process of acquiring approximately 150 hectares of land. Awards amounting to over Rs 1,900 crore have been prepared, and Rs 410 crore has already been disbursed. With the statutory one-year period for land acquisition ending next month, Sukhu requested the ministry to recommend the project to the ministry of finance and the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) for special central assistance. Sukhu also raised concerns about the techno-economic feasibility report of Kangra Airport, prepared by a private firm, stating that the estimated costs were on the higher side. He urged the Airport Authority of India (AAI) to review the report to arrive at a more realistic cost assessment. He also proposed exploring a tripartite agreement involving AAI, the state government, and a private partner to facilitate the airport's expansion. The CM pointed out that Kangra Airport currently operates under visual flight rules (VFR), which require a minimum visibility of five kilometres. He recommended introducing special VFR operations to reduce the visibility requirement to 2.5 km, enabling flight operations during low-visibility conditions. Given that Kangra is the largest and busiest airport in the state, Sukhu also called for the installation of night landing facilities. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Sukhu also requested the deployment of state police for airport security at Kullu and Shimla airports, similar to the arrangement at Kangra Airport, replacing the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). He also sought an extension of watch hours at Shimla Airport from 1 pm to 4 pm to allow a broader window for flight operations. To enhance infrastructure at Shimla Airport, the CM urged the provision of a second apron suitable for ATR 42/600 aircraft, which would support increased and simultaneous flight operations. He also called for the resumption of daily flights on the Shimla-Dharamshala-Shimla sector by Alliance Air. Sukhu requested operational authorisation for heliports at Sanjauli, Rampur, Baddi, and Kangnidhar by Oct this year. He added that under the Udan (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) regional connectivity scheme's second phase, four additional heliports should be sanctioned at Jaskot in Hamirpur, Dehra in Kangra, and one each in Una and Bilaspur districts to boost air connectivity. He noted that air operators such as Heritage Aviation, Global Vectra, and Pawan Hans Ltd would be directed to operationalise their routes under the Udan scheme.
Indian Express
16-06-2025
- Indian Express
The top 10 shortest runways in the world has one from an Indian hill station
Landing a plane might seem routine in the age of modern aviation, but not when the runway is barely longer than a football field, perched on a cliffside, or carved into the side of a mountain. Around the world, some airports test the absolute limits of pilot skill and aircraft performance with terrifyingly short runways. These airstrips demand razor-sharp precision, perfect timing, and nerves of steel. From the snowy peaks of the Himalayas to beachside strips that disappear at high tide, here's a look at the world's shortest and most thrilling runways, including one high up in India's hills. 📌 Lukla Airport, Nepal Runway length: 527 meters (1,729 feet) Altitude: 9,334 ft Often dubbed the most dangerous airport in the world, Lukla is the gateway to Everest. With one end of the runway dropping off a cliff and the other ending in a mountain wall, there's zero room for error, as per Aviation A2Z. 📌 Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, Saba (Caribbean Netherlands) Runway length: 400 meters (1,312 feet) Located on the tiny island of Saba, this is the shortest commercial runway in the world, according to Aviation A2Z. The strip is surrounded by cliffs and sea, leaving no margin for overshoot. 📌 Courchevel Altiport, France Runway length: 537 meters (1,762 feet) Nestled in the French Alps, this airstrip is known for its steep slope and lack of instrument approach procedures. Only specially certified pilots are allowed to operate here. 📌 Tenzing-Hillary Airport, Phaplu, Nepal Runway length: 600 meters (1,969 feet) Often overshadowed by Lukla, this is another perilous runway in Nepal with steep terrain and high-altitude winds. 📌 Shimla Airport, India Runway length: 1,230 meters (4,035 feet) India's contribution to the list, Shimla Airport in Himachal Pradesh, is perched on a hilltop with frequent weather disruptions. Though longer than others here, the elevation (5,072 ft) and surrounding terrain make it extremely tricky. 📌 Barra Airport, Scotland Runway length: Variable (on a beach!) Barra is one of the few airports where scheduled flights land on a tidal beach. Pilots must plan landings around the tide chart and there's literally no runway at high tide. 📌 Madeira Airport, Portugal Runway length: Originally 1,600 meters (5,250 feet) Built on stilts and cliffs, the original runway was notoriously short before being extended. It still remains a challenging landing zone due to ocean winds and turbulence. 📌 Heligoland Airport, Germany (1,575 feet) Düne Island, Heligoland Archipelago The main runway (15/33) at Heligoland measures just 1,575 feet (480 meters). Despite its size, it's approved for commercial use, barely, according to AeroXplorer. The airport is located on Düne Island in the North Sea, where crosswinds and weight restrictions make every landing a precision act. Only one carrier, OFD Ostfriesischer-Flug-Dienst, operates here with Britten-Norman Islanders. 📌 Doti Airport, Nepal (1,608 feet) In Dipayal Silgadhi Doti Airport's 1,608-foot (490-meter) runway lies in Nepal's rugged hills at an elevation of 1,893 feet. Originally opened in 1973, it was only paved in 2020. Nepal Airlines began scheduled flights to Dhangadhi in 2022, using Twin Otters that are specifically designed for such challenging strips, according to AeroXplorer. 📌 St. Mary's Airport, Isles of Scilly (1,722 feet) Located in England Serving as the only air link between the Isles of Scilly and mainland UK, St Mary's Airport has a mixed asphalt/grass runway measuring 1,722 feet (525 meters), according to the AeroXplorer. Operated primarily by Isles of Scilly Skybus, only small aircraft like Twin Otters and Britten-Norman Islanders can use the airfield. Interestingly, a pedestrian footpath crosses near the end of the runway, closed briefly during landings and takeoffs using warning lights and bells.
United News of India
21-05-2025
- Climate
- United News of India
Rain, thunderstorm hit Himachal; mercury drops
Shimla, May 21 (UNI) After two consecutive days of intense heat wave, heavy rain, gusty winds and thunderstorms swept through several parts of Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday afternoon, bringing much-needed relief but also causing temporary disruption to normal life. According to the Meteorological Centre here, a strong western disturbance triggered pre-monsoon activity across the state. Between 3pm and 6pm, Shimla city and adjoining areas witnessed light rain, lightning and gusty winds reaching 30-50 kmph. The sudden change in weather brought down the mercury by 5 to 6 degrees Celsius, offering relief from the scorching heat. In other parts of the state, moderate thunderstorms accompanied by rain, strong winds (40-60 kmph) and isolated hailstorms hit Hamirpur, Mandi, Kangra and Sirmaur districts. Chamba, Kullu and Shimla districts also reported light to moderate showers and gusty winds. Light rain was reported in a few isolated areas of other districts. The weather system, while beneficial for off-season vegetable growers, also caused minor damage. A large tree was uprooted on the Shimla Airport road due to strong winds, temporarily disrupting vehicular movement. Traffic was restored promptly after the branches were cleared by local authorities. The Met Department issued advisories for the public, urging people to stay indoors during thunderstorms and to secure loose objects. It also advised horticulturists to use hail nets or caps to protect crops from potential hail damage and warned of possible damage to weak structures and standing crops due to gusty winds and lightning. Early pre-monsoon showers are considered favorable for moisture-deficient soil and help recharge groundwater levels, especially in mid-hill and low-hill areas of the state. However, authorities have also asked the public to remain alert, as occasional spells of thunderstorms and gusty winds are expected to continue intermittently over the next few days. The sudden shift in weather pattern marks the beginning of the pre-monsoon phase in Himachal Pradesh, which typically sets in by late May. Farmers and orchardists have welcomed the rain, hoping it will support the growth of off-season vegetables and early apple crops. No major damage or casualty has been reported so far. The Meteorological Centre has not issued any high-level warning but advised citizens to "be alert" and monitor updates regularly. UNI ML PRS SSP
