Before the inauguration of Noida Airport, the Additional Secretary of the Union Home Ministry took stock of the security, the possibility of getting aero drum license soon increased.

Preparations have intensified since Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the inauguration of Noida International Airport. On Tuesday, a high-level team led by Anand Swarup, Additional Secretary, Union Home Ministry, reached the airport and conducted a thorough inspection of the security arrangements. This meeting and inspection is being considered as a major step towards obtaining the ‘Aero Drum License’ which is considered the last and most important for the airport.

This important meeting took place just a day after Chief Minister Yogi’s statement in which he had said during his visit to Singapore that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Noida Airport next month. Earlier also there was speculation of inauguration in January and February, but it had to be postponed due to lack of security clearance.

Intensive investigation lasted for two and a half hours

In this meeting held on Tuesday, Additional Secretary Anand Swaroop along with Director General of Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), Director of Civil Aviation Department Ishan Pratap Singh and Noida International Airport Ltd. (NIAL) nodal officer Shailendra Bhatia and senior officials of police and other central departments were present.

NIAL Nodal Officer Shailendra Bhatia informed that the team inspected the airport premises for about two and a half hours. during this time Terminal Building, Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower, Runway And the security of the outer boundary wall of the airport was closely inspected. The officials also examined the security equipment and systems installed at the airport and discussed point by point the resolution of the objections raised earlier by BCAS.

Why is this safety clearance important?

Two major licenses are required to start commercial operations of aircraft from any airport. First, ‘Safety Clearance’ from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and second, ‘Aero Drum License’ from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). DGCA does not issue licenses without the approval of BCAS.

After Tuesday’s meeting and successful inspection, it is now expected that BCAS will soon give its safety clearance to Noida Airport. Once this is received, the process of issuing aero drum license will be completed by DGCA, after which operation of passenger aircraft and cargo services can start from here. This progress has paved the way for the inauguration of the airport next month as announced by the Chief Minister.