The Calicut Airport is getting ready to resume the operation of wide-bodied aircraft of Air India and Emirates possibly next month.

Both the airlines had submitted reports on compatibility study, safety assessment and mitigation plans for the operation of aircraft under Code E. “However they have not received the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) till now,” Airport Director K. Srinivasa Rao told The Hindu on Saturday.

At present, Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines) is operating wide-bodied aircraft from Calicut after it secured an NOC in December for three years. Air India had conducted an assessment in August and then again in December to rectify some anomalies. Emirates completed all formalities in March.

After the approval, Mr. Rao said schedules of flights had to be worked out in consultation with the Airports Authority of India.

With Calicut airport being an embarkation point for Haj pilgrims, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has tentatively approved the schedule of the flights from Calicut to Jeddah from July 27 to August 5 in the first phase and from August 26 to September 14. A total of 9,600 pilgrims will be flying in the sector. The Ministry has approved Boeing 767, Airbus 330-300 and Boeing 777-200 Extended Range for operating Haj flights from Calicut, classified in the 4D category of airports.