Due to growing security concerns, the Civilian Aviation Authority (CAA) has temporarily suspended night-time operations for international and local flights at Peshawar's Bacha Khan International Airport. Both national and international flights will not operate during night-time owing to increasing security threats, says Director General Civil Aviation Authority, Air Marshal Mohammad Yousuf (Retd) while talking to media persons here on Thursday.
He, however, said steps were being taken to improve security at the Peshawar International Airport. Airport Manager Tahir Sikandar, Terminal Manager Syed Latif ul Haq, and officials were also present during the press conference. CAA DG further informed that the federal government had allocated almost Rs 6 billion for the airport's security arrangements, which were being gradually beefed up to make it foolproof. While, he said authorities were also acquiring the latest technological equipment to enhance the airport's security.
Under the comprehensive security arrangements, he said a latest instrument landing system with scanning would be installed to thwarts any untoward incident at the airport in future, which would be helpful in safe landing at day and night timing, and in any weather conditions.
With the installation of the latest system, he maintained, the communication would be improved between pilot, air traffic controller and relevant airport as the new system is 99.99 percent reliable one. CAA DG said radar communication and surveillance system would further be upgraded under the security plan, and admitted the CAA had been responsible for the airport security and other deeds. He further informed that an international airline was planned to resume its operations by October 15, but it would be bit delayed.