Karipur to Mangaluru: Tragic plane crash in Nepal sparks safety concerns over table-top runways

Kathmandu (Nepal): Discussion over the risks associated with table-top runways has resurfaced following a tragic plane crash in Nepal that claimed the lives of 18 people on Wednesday.

Table-top runways are situated at an elevated level compared to the surrounding terrain, resulting in steep drops on one or more sides of the runway. This design leaves very little room for error for pilots.

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In India, five airports boast of table-top runways — Karipur (Kozhikode), Mangaluru, Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), Lengpui (Mizoram), and Pakyong (Sikkim). Among them, both Kozhikode and Mangaluru airports have witnessed major accidents in the past.

Karipur Airport saw a devastating incident on August 7, 2020, when an Air India Express flight from Dubai crashed upon landing, claiming the lives of two pilots and 19 passengers. The flight was part of the Vande Bharat mission aimed at repatriating Indians during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Similarly, on May 22, 2010, Air India Express Flight 812 from Dubai crashed at Mangalore Airport during landing, resulting in the tragic loss of 158 passengers and six crew members. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation conducts regular inspections at airports with table-top runways to ensure passenger safety.

Nepal has also witnessed accidents on its table-top runways. Notably, on May 27, 2017, a cargo plane crashed at Tenzing-Hilary Airport in Solukhumbhu.

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