The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Begumpet airport hums with activity

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Mar 20, 2009
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Begumpet airport hums with activity

M. Srinivas

Politicians are increasingly using it as a base to fly to different parts of the State

Apart from politicians, top industrialists prefer to land at Begumpet Airport
They are desperate to avoid traffic gridlocks while travelling to and from Shamshabad

— Photo: Satish H.

Short lease of life: The movement of six private jets and helicopters are now registered daily at the old airport.

HYDERABAD: The Begumpet Airport may have lost its sheen after shifting of commercial operations to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Shamshabad last year. But, these days, thanks to the airport’s proximity and the ensuing elections, politicians are increasingly using it as a base to fly to different parts of the State for campaigning.

The Central government’s decision to permit the movement of chartered aircraft from Begumpet Airport has proved to be a boon for politicians. Cutting across party lines, prominent leaders now directly use the Begumpet Airport to board private jets and helicopters for “Road shows” in the districts instead of going to Shamshabad.

Increased traffic

At least, the movement of six private jets and helicopters are now registered daily at the old airport as against two such movements before the announcement of the poll schedule. The helicopter movements are likely to increase during the next few days with the party presidents planning to conduct election meetings across the State, officials say.

Apart from politicians, top industrialists from various parts of the country prefer to land at the Begumpet Airport in their private jets. “They are desperate to avoid the endless traffic gridlocks while travelling to and from Shamshabad. For them, time is of immense importance and that’s why they prefer the old airport,” officials explain.

Even Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy tours different parts of the State with a helicopter stationed at Begumpet Airport. In addition to this, Air Force planes and trainee aircraft fly from here.

Prior information

Aircraft landing at Begumpet will have to give prior information on route, speed, destination and time. The Air Traffic Control (ATC) authorities of Begumpet coordinate with the pilot with a separate call-in sign to avoid confusion with ATC of Shamshabad airport to ensure that the planes land and take off safely.

When contacted, Begumpet Airport Director R.K. Singla confirms that the flight and helicopter movements have increased in the last few days. “Applicable charges are collected for utilising the airport,” he adds.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Andhra Pradesh