Kite, Viswakarma Puja, Flight
The latter had asked the tourism department, which is organising the fest, to change the venue as the Eco Park is located within 5 km of the airport. Kolkata airport officials have also written to the North 24 Parganas district magistrate and Bidhannagar Police Commissioner, highlighting the danger that kites may pose to flight operations on Friday, if the festival is held.
Sources said pilots had also expressed concern, pointing out that kites in the vicinity of the airport pose significant hazard to aircraft operations, especially during the critical landing and take-off phase.
The Airports Authority of India issues a notice to airmen, warning pilots to exercise caution during arrival and departure due to kite flying during the day and lighted kite flying at night.
“Low-flying kites near flight paths may force air traffic controllers to alter approaches, hold flights, or issue a notice to airmen, leading to delays,” a pilot said. Large kites and strong synthetic strings can get sucked into jet engines, break compressor blades, or wrap around propellers and landing gear, causing damage comparable to a bird strike. those operating to Ahmedabad airport durnig the Uttarayan festival in Jan say it is a nightmare While pilots have not faced any kite manace in Kolkata in the past.