Airbus A321 Lands at Defence Airfield INS Utkrosh of Andaman and Nicobar Command

Port Blair, June 28: In a major stride towards commencing night operations of civil flights at Port Blair, an Airbus A321 with passengers onboard landed at the defence airfield INS Utkrosh of Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) at 1900h on 28 Jun 24. The aircraft then proceeded to Veer Savarkar International Terminal to disembark passengers. This successful night landing marks a significant step towards enhancing air connectivity to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, benefiting islanders and boosting tourism.

This landmark event was made possible through consistent efforts by the Indian Navy, ANC and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) over the past few years. The airfield has undergone major upgrades, including navigational aids and has achieved the status of a precision airfield. Other crucial work, such as runway resurfacing and a Precision Lighting System with approach lights have also been completed. Meanwhile, AAI upgraded the Instrument Landing System (ILS) to CAT-I and created a modern Veer Savarkar International Airport to accommodate the anticipated increase in tourist inflow.

All mentioned airfield facilities have been commissioned and calibrated with the help of AAI. New approach procedures have been formulated, validated and approved for operational use by AAI. These efforts culminated in today's successful landing of the aircraft with passengers.

Earlier in the year 2016, on January 21, the Night Flight Operations at Port Blair runway had commenced with GoAir’s Airbus A-320 which landed at INS Utkrosh Airfield at 2.00 am, becoming the first flight to land in the night hours. However, the services had continued for few years and later the was stopped.