Ladakh: Bikers’ paradise to lose air connectivity?

Ladakh, one of the buzzing travel hubs in India that invites a huge number of visitors from across the globe, might face a drop in its tourist foot-fall soon. A recent report appeared in Economic Times suggests that the Union of Air India (domestic) pilot has asked its members not to operate flights to Leh, the only air connectivity resource to Ladakh.

Indian carriers that fly to Leh, one of the highest altitude airports in India, include Air India, Jet Airways and GoAir. The move by The Indian Commercial Pilots' Association (ICPA) came after a private airline complained against AI and other airliners for landing in Leh without meeting the minimum visibility norms.

A senior pilot, on condition of anonymity, said, "Flights to Leh almost never meet all the safety requirements as set by the directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA) and this is one of the worst kept secrets of Indian aviation. Still all pilots risk their licenses to fly there as flights are the only fast way of connecting Ladakh to rest of India and in winters the only link with the country as highways are closed. There are instances when a sick patient has to be flown out of Leh or critical supplies are required to be flown in there.”

If sources are to be believed, AI and two private airliners at the time of flying to Leh, witnessed low visibility. While one of the two private airliners decided to head back to Delhi, AI and the other private flyer landed in Leh in less than required visibility.

According to a source, "The pilots of that airline complained to the DGCA that the two other aircraft had landed there in violation of rules. The regulator's safety department summoned the four pilots (two each of AI and the private carrier) who had chosen to land there."

"That meeting turned out to be a heated one with the DGCA told that operations to Leh cannot happen in full compliance of all statutory requirements. One of the AI pilots was spoken to very harshly," he added.

Just after the episode, the DGCA was asked to present a detailed clarification to ICPA, which represents pilots of erstwhile Indian Airlines (now AI-domestic).

ICPA regional secretary Shailendra Singh also wrote to AI head of operations, saying: "As Leh being a critical airfield, requiring special clearance, in the interest of flight safety we are advising ICPA members not to undertake any Leh operation or training till all performance and technical anomalies regarding day to day operations are clarified in writing by your good office."

Singh also issued a directive to AI members, stating: "You are hereby directed not to undertake Leh flight/training. This is for your information and strict compliance. Unconfirmed members do not come under the purview of this directive."
Image: indiatimes