DGCA Orders Closure Of Nanded Airport After Finding Runway Potholes, No Power Backup And Fire Safety Gaps

A recent decision by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has alarmed thousands of pilgrims and travellers. The aviation regulatory body found safety lapses at Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Airport in Nanded, Maharashtra. These findings led to an immediate closure of the airport. These lapses were so critical that they were classified as Level 1 (L1) violations, the most dangerous category.

Nanded Airport Shut Down After DGCA Finds Serious Safety Issues

During its inspection, the DGCA identified four major problems. There were large potholes on the runway that directly threatened the safety of planes landing or taking off. Additionally, there is no power backup at the airport, so critical systems would not function in the event of a power outage, as per the Hindustan Times reports. The inadequate fire tender puts a question mark on the airport’s ability to fight fires in an emergency.

Reportedly, the airport still uses Doppler VOR, an Outdated navigation system, which is less reliable compared to modern satellite-based navigation. Each of these issues alone is serious, but together they make the airport unsafe for flight operations. That is why the DGCA wasted no time in ordering an immediate shutdown.

Nanded is an important religious destination for Sikhs, with thousands of devotees travelling here every year. It makes the airport a vital link for religious tourism. Currently, the airport operates only for seven hours a day and is served by Star Air, the only airline flying in and out of Nanded.

The airline runs 10 flights daily, carrying around 5,000 passengers every week. Because of the large number of pilgrims, Star Air had already sold 1.8 lakh advance tickets for the coming weeks, Hindustan Times reported. With the sudden closure, all these passengers have been left in a fix.

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Impact On Passengers And Airlines

Star Air’s senior officials have already met with the aviation ministry to explain how badly the closure is hurting them. The airline pointed out that not only will thousands of passengers be affected, but also their own operations and revenue will take a big hit. According to the Hindustan Times, the Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Airport is managed by the Maharashtra Airport Development Company Ltd (MADC). The company has not issued any response so far, raising questions about basic safety lapses.

Yes, the closure has caused inconvenience for the airlines, airport staff, and regular travellers. But according to experts, the DGCA made the right decision. Potholes in the runway, a lack of emergency systems, and other issues found at the airport are too dangerous to overlook when it comes to aircraft safety.

Cover Image Courtesy: Nanded Airport/Website