BIAL to begin operations on May 23

Bangalore, May 16 (UNI) The much awaited opening of the greenfield Bangalore International Airport near Devanahalli, 40 km from here, would become operational on May 23, the project's private promoter Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) announced here today.

"The switch to the new airport from the present HAL airport in the city will take place at midnight on May 23. All flights landing and departing after midnight will operate from the new airport and flights arriving before midnight (on May 22) and departing after midnight will also operate from the new airport", BIAL said in a release.

The Airport, inauguration of which was postponed twice, got approval from the Civil Aviation Ministry and would be formally be inaugurated on a suitable date next month.

In preparation for the launch of the new airport, the CISF has been handed over the responsibility for security, it said. Delays due to clearance for operation, demand for retaining the existing HAL airport for short haul flights and controversy over levy of user charges came in the way of inauguration of the new airport planned for March 28.

Delivering verdict on a batch of PILs, the Karnataka High Court had directed BIAL and Centre to re-negotiate the terms.

BIAL had said that keeping two airports operational was not feasible and insisted closure of HAL airport as per the concessional agreement between the private promoters and the Union government.

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