(a) the average number of flights operating from each international airport daily at present;
(b) whether heavy congestion delays the plane to take off and landing at airports; and
(c) if so, the steps being taken to lessen the congestion on major domestic/ international airports?
MINISTER OF OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS & MINISTER OF CIVIL AVIATION ( SHRI VAYALAR RAVI )
(a): Details are given at Annexure.
(b): Yes, Madam. At times when traffic density exceeds the runway handling capacity, the delays take place.
(c): The following steps are being taken to address the issues arising out of congestions and delays:
(i) ATC Automation System at Delhi is being upgraded. (ii) Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System [ASMGCS] has been installed at I.G.I, Delhi, Hyderabad and Banglore airport. At Mumbai ASMGCS is in the process of being installed. (iii) ILS CAT III B has been installed at three runways of I.G.I,Delhi, airport, which permits operation of aircraft upto Runway Visual Range of 50m. (iv) Low Visibility Take Off has been made permissible at many airports. (v) Instrument Landing System(ILS) at Kolkotta is upgraded to CAT II ILS.(vi) Slot allocation to schedule airlines is made corresponding to the traffic handling capacity of concerned airport.
(vii) Clearance Delivery System [CDS] on a dedicated channel has been implemented at Delhi & Mumbai airports, to reduce RT congestion and avoid delays to the departing aircraft. (viii) Additional ATC work positions have been opened at Delhi and Mumbai. (ix) 3NM radar separation in Approach Control area has been implemented at IGI Airport. (x) The Automatic Dependent Surveillance/Controller Pilot Data Link Communication [ADS/CPDLS] system has been installed and put into operation at Delhi & Mumbai airports to enhance the area of surveillance, reduce R/T congestion and remove the drawbacks of HF voice communications. This also provides direct controller-pilot communication link beyond the VHF coverage area. (xi) Performance Based Navigation (PBN) Procedures have been implemented at Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Chennai. (xii) To avoid delay to the aircraft procedures has been designed for multiple use of runways at Delhi. (xiii) New ATS automation system for 38 other airports is under implementation. (xiv) Datalink based Clearance Delivery is under implementation which will reduce controller work load and enhance efficiency.