Aerobridges at Indore airport to become functional before GIS

The two aerobridges at Indore airport are ready to become operational before the Global Investors' Summit that begins on October 8.

"The aerobridges have been completed and should become functional before the Global Investors' Summit," Indore airport director Sanjay Chansoria told HT.

Earlier, there was doubt whether the pushback tugs that are needed to move an aircraft away from the aerobridges would be available on time. However, the airport has already awarded the contract for the pushback tugs and the same will be available in a day or two.

Last month, the Madhya Pradesh government had requested the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to speed up construction of aerobridges so that at least one of them becomes operational before the summit. "Several dignitaries from India and abroad will be coming to attend the investors' summit and modern amenities at the airport will send the right signal," a government official, who is involved in preparations for the summit, said.

Airport officials say that the aerobridge project got delayed as they were waiting for arrival of some parts from abroad. "While most of the aerobridge has been assembled, some parts had to come from abroad," an airport official said.

At present, the passengers have to wait in queue to board the buses and the aerobridge will make it easier for the passengers to board the plane. An aerobridge connects the terminal building to the aircraft allowing passengers to enter and exit directly. Although it is not mandatory for airlines to use the aerobridge, they have to look at passenger comfort.

Nearly 3,250 delegates have given their consent for taking part in the Global Investors' Summit scheduled to be held from October 8-10. While many top industrialists are expected to arrive by private jets or chartered planes, several others will be taking commercial airlines.