Sky Lanterns and Air Balloons creating troubles for the Vizag airport

Sky lanterns and air balloons for advertising is not a new thing in Vizag. These sky lanterns are released not only during Sankranti or Diwali, but also during marriages and ceremonies and the demand for these lanterns is increasing day-by-day.

Hot air balloons hovering at various areas in the city, especially the airport area have become a matter of serious concern for the airport authorities as they maybe a cause for trouble to the planes. As per the Indian aviation rules, flying instruments like paragliders, hot balloons, drones, sky lanterns are not allowed in the approach path of airport’s runway as it is difficult to predict which direction will they move and how high will they fly.

As being said by Vizag Airport director Vinod Sharma to Deccan Chronicle, “Even as flying objects like balloons or fire lamps do create trouble for flights, we will be bringing in some restrictions for use of these flying objects to avoid safety issues. Air-port in Mumbai has faced problems due to lanterns and balloons. In Vizag, people residing close to the airport, like NAD and areas falling within a radius of 10-km need to be careful while releasing any flying objects.”

“If the sky balloon size is bigger and it is coming in the approach path of the runaways, people should take prior permission from the Airport Traffic Control officials before using them,” he added.

Vinod Sharma has specifically stressed on the need for awareness about the laws regarding flying objects like hot air balloons, drones and lanterns among the public.

Not only these flying objects, but also the laser beams which are usually flashed during parties, marriage events and other ceremonies are also causing a major trouble to the planes and distracting the ones which fly at a lower altitude.