Bipin Shah   Self Employed
Fifty three unlicensed Indian airports will be prohibited from operating scheduled air transport services after June 30 2011 unless they upgrade and become licensed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Of a total 87 Indian airports, only 23 - 11 international and 12 domestic - are licensed.

The move also will affect the status at 22 defence airports where civil operations take place.

"In view of the large number of aerodromes to be licensed, a phased approach was taken by India where priority was given to licensing the international aerodromes first," the Ministry of Civil Aviation said.

The licensing process includes a formal application, evaluation of the airport's manual, a technical inspection assessing facilities and equipment, exemption procedures for any non-compliance, issuing the license and promoting the licensed status of an airport.
Oct 28th 2010 00:58