The Air Force is open to allowing airlines under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) to operate their flightsfrom its air base in Hindon on the outskirts of Delhi, said RN Choubey, Secretary Civil Aviation, here at a conference organised by Assocham.

This will enable RCS flights, which normally use small aircraft capable of seating up to 50 to 100 passengers, to operate from the Air Force Base in Hindon.

The Ministry will have to talk with the GMR group which manages the airport in Delhi as the current rules do not allow civil operations from an airport which is 150 km from an existing airport. This clearance is required as the Hindon air base is less than 150 km from Delhi airport.

“We have to take GMR on board. We are reasonably confident that we will be in a position to sort out the contract related issues as far as Hindon is concerned. We see some small constraints for the small aircraft which are flying under the RCS scheme,” he explained pointing out that being smaller aircraft they take a much longer time than a bigger aircraft to clear the air field.

The need for approaching the Air Force for use of Hindon air base came up as the government recognised that there was significant demand for slots to operate RCS flights from Delhi and the airport might not be in a position to provide that many slots.

The government will also be willing to talk with other Air Force airports provided the airlines indicate their readiness in flying to more such defence air bases.

“For example Purnea. If operators are keen to fly there we will take up the matter with the Air Force,” he added.

The Secretary also indicated that Mumbai airport has not been included in the second round of bidding for RCS which started earlier this month as no slots are available to operate any new flights from Mumbai airport.

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