BIAL airport launch deferred by a day

The launch of the new Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL) has been delayed for the third time- this time by another 24 hours. The civil aviation ministry in a notification issued on Wednesday said, “The Central Government hereby notifies that the Bengaluru International airport at Devanahalli would be commissioned with effect from 0001 hours of May 24, 2008, instead of with effect from 0001 hours of May 23, 2008, as notified earlier.” The switchover to the new airport would now take place at midnight of May 23-24. The delay is on the Election Commission’s suggestion that the airport be launched after completion of the poll process in Karnataka. Sources said that the delay is due to inadequate security personnel at the airport since a major chunk of security forces are stationed in north Karnataka for elections.

Albert Brunner, CEO, BIAL said, “We are taken by surprise. However, there is nothing we can do at this point. All our efforts are now towards minimising passenger and airline inconvenience owing to this postponement.”

GMR last quarter profit up 4.48%

Mumbai: GMR Infrastructure Ltd, dealing in airports, energy, roads and urban infrastructure, on Wednesday posted Rs 41.28 crore as profit after tax for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, up 4.48 per cent, against Rs 39.51 crore in the previous fiscal. The profit growth has moderated due to adjustment for exceptional losses and expenditure.