Smog prevents World War-II fighter aircraft to land at Chakeri

Kanpur: The World War-II fighter aircraft, which was to arrive at Chakeri airport under Air Force jurisdiction on Monday, could not land there following haze and smog. In fact, the aircraft, which was being piloted by Matt Jones and Steve Brooks, was not allowed to take off from Kolkata.It was to land at Chakeri for refueling before proceeding on its further voyage. The two British pilots, who are on a pioneering quest to circumnavigate the globe, are piloting the original WWII fighter aircraft. They had left Goodwood Aerodrome in the United Kingdom on August 5 this year for creating a record of sorts.The aircraft has so far traveled to over 15 countries in its long voyage. The two British pilots are attempting to fly Silver Spitfire around the world to cover a distance of 43,500 km. The Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft that was used by the Royal Air Force and many other Allied countries before, during and after the Second World War. The restored plane which fought in the war has been de-militarized.When contacted, director, Chakeri Airport, BK Jha told TOI that the aircraft did not arrive at Chakeri following bad weather conditions such as haze, smog which had reduced visibility. Earlier, It was to land in Kanpur on Sunday afternoon. “At the time of landing, the visibility was poor and hence, the aircraft did not depart from Kolkata. Though it was expected to depart from Kolkata on Monday but it did not come”, the official said.