Night flight operations at Darbhanga airport soon: Jha

Patna: Night flight operations at Darbhanga airport are likely to begin soon, JD(U) national working president and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Kumar Jha said on Friday after meeting defence minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi.Jha said the Union minister assured him of all possible support to facilitate the commencement of night flight services from the airport.“We discussed in detail the matters related to the effective operation of the night landing facility at Darbhanga airport. I also handed over a letter requesting the provision of additional Air Force personnel and technical assistance necessary for operating night flights. I am deeply grateful to the Defence Minister for his positive response and assurance of necessary initiatives in this regard,” Jha said.He added that the central govt had already granted in-principle approval to declare Darbhanga airport an international airport.At present, around 18 flights operate daily from Darbhanga airport. Sanjay said the passenger load at the airport had been increasing steadily and several airlines were seeking additional flight slots beyond 5 pm.However, due to limited air traffic control (ATC) watch hours, additional slots are currently not being allotted, he added.