REGISTRAR GENERAL HIGH COURT OF MEGHALAYA Vs. STATE OF MEGHALAYA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) (a) Affidavit filed on behalf of Airport Authority of India (AAI) on 15.03.2019 reveals that Umroi airport is ready for operation of ATR 72-600 aircrafts.

(2.) (a) An affidavit has also been filed on behalf of Ministry of Civil Aviation wherein, it is stated that on 13.03.2019 a meeting was convened regarding operation of ATRs from Shillong to Delhi. Representatives of M/s Inter-Globe Aviation Limited, M/s Spice Jet and AASL were also present. After detailed deliberation with the representatives of the concerned airliners, it has emerged that ATR 72 aircraft can be technically operated from Delhi to Shillong but they have to undergo huge load penalty on the said route on account of distance which will have an adverse impact on the commercial viability of operations. However, representatives of airliners informed that they would explore the possibility to operate flights from Delhi to Shillong and vice versa section based on the technical and financial viabilities.

(3.) It is quite disturbing and disgusting, after reaching to a point when Umroi airport as stated by AAI is fit for operation, airliners have reservations, this situation was not brought to the notice of the Court when the proceedings in Public Interest Litigation (PIL) were initiated. Needless to mention that initially the airport extension was with an object of making it fit for operation of Airbus from Delhi to Umroi airport a difficulty was projected regarding removal of three clusters at Umroi. All the stakeholders vide order of this Court dated 05.07.2018 were impressed upon to sit together and to suggest viable suggestions for making Umroi airport fit for operation. Affidavits were filed in terms whereof, it was assured that by removing clusters II and III, the airport will be fit for operation of ATR 42 and ATR 47. It is on that assurance further directions were issued and the Government of Meghalaya without wasting any time with all promptness took effective steps for completing that part of the work as was to be completed by them which they have successfully done.