BENGALURU: Air traffic at Kempegowda International Airport is likely to be affected for two-and-half months between February and April.
According to a NOTAM (Notice to AirMen A2039/16), the only runway of the airport will be shut down between 10.30 am and 5 pm during this period. The NOTAM says that the temporary closure of the runway will be for the purpose of constructing rapid exit taxiways along the runway. The structures are expected to ease the air traffic at the Airport.Construction activity will be taken up for a period of 70 days between February 19 and April 30.
This is the second time since the airport became operational in 2008 that the runway is being closed partially for construction work. It may be recalled that the runway was partially closed for 24 days between March 11 and April 3 in 2012, for resurfacing of the runway. The quality of the runway had declined between 2008 and 2012 and airport authorities had invoked a warrany clause against the construction company.
When contacted, representatives of the airport refused to divulge more details regarding the project. “We will be sharing comments from officials of BIAL in a short time,” the spokesperson told Express. An official statement from BIAL is expected within the next few days.
The works, according to reports, are likely to affect the movement of passengers at the third busiest airport in the country.