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Ahead of assembly elections in Bihar, Aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed all chartered flight operators to strictly follow norms and ensure that normal airline operations are not hit at Patna airport, which has less landing and parking capacity, said sources.
During election time, the number of politicians, and VIPs and VVIPs, opting for chartered flights is usually high, and Bihar has only one operational airport. Elections in Bihar would be held in five phases between October 12 and November 5.
According to sources, in a meeting with Non-Scheduled Operator Permit (NSOP) holders, the regulator asked them to ensure that all regulations, including those related to carrying VIPs, are strictly followed while flying to Bihar.
"We have asked NSOP holders to ensure that movement of their planes are very well coordinated and does not infringe upon normal flight operations at Patna airport," said sources. They have also been asked to make sure that landing of helicopters are not be too close to the venue.
Sources say that such operators have also been told to report about any emergency landings in case of bad weather to the DGCA and no punitive action would be initiated against them in such instances.
The Patna airport sees about 26 movements in a day. Landing and takeoff of flights is considered as two separate movements and on that basis, 26 movements would translate to 13 flights per day.
Chartered flight operators have been specifically directed to strictly follow guidelines while carrying VIPs and VVIPs. As per norms, such people should travel only in a two-engine plane and two pilots are needed in the flight.