What Happened at Mizoram’s Lengpui Airport? Potholes Lead to Flight Cancellations!
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Synopsis
Mizoram's Lengpui Airport faces significant operational challenges after the discovery of potholes on its runway, leading to flight cancellations and diversions. As emergency repairs commence, the airport's future operations hinge on swift resolutions to safety concerns. Discover the implications for travelers and the airport's security enhancements.
Key Takeaways
- Potholes on the runway led to the suspension of flight operations.
- Emergency repairs are underway to restore normal operations.
- The CISF has assumed security responsibilities at the airport.
- Safety measures are being enhanced to protect passengers.
- Lengpui Airport is a critical hub for regional connectivity.
Aizawl, Oct 3 (NationPress) Operations at Mizoram’s only airport, Lengpui, were suspended on Friday after officials discovered at least two potholes on the runway. This situation led to the cancellation and diversion of four flights.
An official reported that upon identifying these potholes, flights at Lengpui airport were immediately halted. Two flights were redirected to Agartala, while one each from Kolkata and Guwahati had to abort their landing attempts.
“In light of safety concerns, scheduled flights from Kolkata, Delhi, and other locations intending to land at Lengpui were cancelled,” the official stated. Emergency repairs are currently underway, and it is anticipated that normal operations will resume shortly after the runway is repaired.
This issue with the runway at Lengpui Airport is not unprecedented; similar damages have been observed before on this tabletop runway. Located just 30 km north of Aizawl, Lengpui Airport is a key hub, connecting flights to Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Imphal, and Shillong.
At an elevation of 1,228 feet above sea level, Lengpui Airport was constructed by a state government in 1998. Recently, in April of this year, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) assumed responsibility for security at Lengpui Airport.
This deployment signifies a major advancement as it marks the establishment of the first CISF unit in the northeastern state of Mizoram.
“The Force brings over 25 years of aviation security experience, significantly boosting the safety framework of this strategically important airport,” an official noted.
Furthermore, the decision to station CISF personnel at Lengpui Airport aligns with the Government of India's initiative to enhance security across civil aviation facilities nationally.
In addition to their primary security duties, CISF personnel will collaborate with local authorities and other stakeholders to develop and implement advanced security measures that are both effective and user-friendly.
These enhancements are designed to ensure a secure and seamless travel experience for passengers while proactively addressing emerging threats such as terrorism, smuggling, and other illegal activities.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize that safety should always be the top priority in aviation. The issues at Lengpui Airport highlight the ongoing challenges faced by regional airports in maintaining infrastructure. The collaboration between the CISF and local authorities is a positive step towards enhancing security and ensuring that travel remains safe and efficient for all passengers. We must continue to advocate for improvements in airport facilities to prevent such incidents in the future.
NationPress
03/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were flights cancelled at Lengpui Airport?
Flights were cancelled due to the discovery of potholes on the runway, raising safety concerns for incoming flights.
How many flights were affected?
Four flights were either cancelled or diverted due to the runway issues at Lengpui Airport.
What measures are being taken to address the runway problem?
Emergency repair work is currently underway to fix the potholes and ensure the runway is safe for operations.
What is the role of the CISF at Lengpui Airport?
The CISF is responsible for enhancing security measures at Lengpui Airport, ensuring the safety of passengers and airport operations.
What airports does Lengpui connect to?
Lengpui Airport connects to major cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Imphal, and Shillong.
