Fly move: BKIA to entertain air traffic at night

CAA officials say resumption of services hinges on security clearance

PESHAWAR: Bacha Khan International Airport (BKIA) is set to resume night operations, Civil Aviation Authority officials told The Express Tribune on Saturday.

According to details, private carriers had been pressing the CAA to allow them to fly to Peshawar during the night – a practice that had been suspended due to security concerns. Most airlines had already scheduled flights accordingly and were waiting for the authority to give the green light.

“Permission is likely to be granted,” said an official, requesting anonymity as he is not authorised to speak to the media.

He added the matter had been pursued by local airlines rather than international carriers.

“Permission entirely depends upon security clearance,” the official said.  “Moreover, the national carrier will not begin night operations even if private airlines decide to do so.

Another official said night operations were already under way. However, other officials denied the information.

When contacted, CAA Spokesperson Parvez George said night operations had not been suspended. On the contrary, airlines had been asked to carry out operations during the day for the safety of passengers hailing from rural areas.

“This decision was specifically taken keeping such passengers in mind,” he said. “Also, slots were available during the day. Most of our passengers belong to rural areas where law and order has spiralled out of control.”

The spokesperson added flights did depart from the airport but only the landing timings were changed.

On October 10, 2014, the CAA decided to temporarily suspend flight operations at night, in view of the deteriorating law and order in the provincial capital.

Security arrangements on passenger planes have become a crucial concern ever since unidentified gunmen opened fire at a PIA aeroplane on June 24, 2014 while it was landing at BKIA. The gun attack resulted in the death of a passenger while two others, including a crew member, were injured. As a result, all international airlines suspended their services at the airport, due to security concerns, which were however resumed later.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 16^th, 2015.