Table-top runways are situated on a higher elevation than the terrain that surrounds them. This suggests a steep drop on one or more sides of the runway.
Rescue operations underway at the site of a plane crash at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, on July 24. According to a statement by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), a Saurya Airlines aircraft heading from Kathmandu to the resort town of Pokhara and carrying 19 people crashed during take off at Tribhuvan International Airport. (Photo: PTI)
New Delhi: As many as 18 people died after a plane crashed during take-off at Kathmandu airport in Nepal on Wednesday. The terrifying crash has once again raised concerns about flight operations on table-top runways. Some of these runaways have been the site of horrifying accidents.
What are table-top runways?
Table-top runways are situated on a higher elevation than the terrain that surrounds them. This suggests a steep drop on one or more sides of the runway. This allows little room for the pilot to commit any error, as overshooting the runway could cause a dangerous crash.
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Due to the undulating terrain and space constraints, these runways call for extra skill and caution while operating the flight as the hazard of undershooting and overshooting, in particular, is tremendous.
Which are the table-top runways in India?
India has some such table-top runways, which pose risk and have an inherent danger during flight operations. Shimla, Calicut, Kozhikode, Mangalore, Lengpui (Mizoram), and Pakyong (Sikkim) are among the most tough runways as they have limited space and are a challenge for the pilots. Some of them have witnessed the worst aircraft accidents.
It was on May 22, 2010 that Air India Express Flight 812 from Dubai to Mangalore went down during landing. As many as 158 passengers and six crew members died in the crash. A court of enquiry report by a former Indian Air Force chief Air Marshal BN Gokhale highlighted the risk of “undershooting” and “overshooting” which can lead to grave situations.
On August 7, 2020, 19 passengers and both pilots died after the Air India Express flight from Dubai to Kozhikode skidded off on the runway and crashed. The runways at Kozhikode’s Karipur are located atop plateau or a hill and are smaller in size than the usual ones. Similarly, the runway at Mangalore is also located atop a plateau or hill. The runway at Shimla airport in Jubberhatti is one of the most hazardous ones, not just in India but across the world.
There have been incidents of overshooting and skidding in Jammu airport as well in the past. The runway at Lakshadweep are also dangerous as it is located amid the ocean. The runways at Kullu and Leh airports have limited space for flights to operate. Mizoram’s Lengpui airport is equally risky. The Lilabari airport also qualifies as one of the riskiest table-top runways.
Some of these table-top runways also face challenges regarding access roads surrounding the airfield. These access roads may be necessary to be used in case of aircraft accidents.
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