MIA to finish runway recarpet work on time

Mangaluru: The Mangaluru International Airport (MIA), which commenced runway 06/24 recarpeting work on January 27, will complete it as planned, without any delay, said airport officials. The deadline is set for May 31, and there is still a month left for recarpeting work.
According to officials, once the runway work is completed, the flights will operate round the clock. Currently, the runway is closed from 9.30am to 6pm. The 2,450m long and 45m wide concrete runway 06/24 was opened for traffic in May 2006. “The runway recarpet, which is a periodic maintenance work, is underway, and work is progressing as per the set schedule. There is no delay, and the airport will be open all hours for flight operations starting June 1,” said an MIA official.
However, the final schedule of flights will be released only after the airport submits the runway work completion certificate to the airlines.
An executive from a low-cost carrier said that the decision on any changes in flight timings or routes will be known after May 15.
No new flights soon
“A few airlines have shown interest in operating flights on new routes from MIA. However, it will take another six months for plans to materialise. Airlines will have to conduct surveys on planned routes and apply for the necessary permission from various competent authorities. New flights and routes may be introduced by the end of this year,” an official said. tnn