IAF closing its Tezpur airfield for civil aviation

Shillong, Aug 9 (UNI) The Indian Air Force will close its Tezpur airfield for civil aviation for about a year starting from October one for repair and resurfing of the runway, IAF spokesman Wing Commander Binoy Chongtham said here today.

Tezpur Airfield was one of the oldest airfields in the North Eastern India.

Over a period of time, the runway condition had significantly deteriorated which might adversely affect the safety of aircraft, including that of civil aviation.

In the larger interest of the public and keeping in view the stipulated safety of the aircraft, resurfacing of the runway and allied works were operationally inescapable, WC Chongtham said.

Therefore, he said the IAF starting from October this year would undertake the repair work.

It would be of great inconvenience to the air travellers flying in and out of this airfield. However, after repair the airfield would become safer, more effective and reliable and would also allow increased activity of bigger and more sophisticated aircraft for the benefit of everyone.

The work could not be carried out in bits and pieces as this would delay the repair process, he said adding the inconvenience caused was temporary which needed to be borne with or tolerated keeping in mind the future benefit.

UNI