In a landmark development for air travel in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, an Airbus A321 carrying passengers successfully landed at INS Utkrosh airfield on the evening of June 28th, 2024.
This marks the resumption of night flight operations at Port Blair after a hiatus, opening new avenues for enhanced connectivity and tourism to the region.
The achievement is the result of sustained efforts by the Indian Navy, the Andaman & Nicobar Command (ANC), and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) over recent years.
Extensive upgrades to the airfield's infrastructure, including navigational aids, runway resurfacing, and a Precision Lighting System, have transformed INS Utkrosh into a precision airfield capable of handling night operations.
In addition to the airfield upgrades, the AAI has enhanced the Instrument Landing System (ILS) to CAT-I at Veer Savarkar International Airport, the primary civilian airport in Port Blair. This upgrade, along with the modernization of the airport terminal, will accommodate the anticipated increase in passenger traffic.
While a GoAir flight had previously landed at INS Utkrosh in 2016 during nighttime hours, these services were later discontinued. The successful landing of theAirbus A321 marks the official resumption of regular night flight operations, providing greater flexibility for airlines and passengers.
The ability to operate flights during evening and night hours will significantly benefit the islands' residents, businesses, and the tourism sector. Increased air connectivity is expected to boost tourism, facilitate trade, and stimulate economic activity across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
