Kochi Airport Authorities Consider Compensation for Low-Flying Aircraft Damage
In response to recurring incidents of houses sustaining damage from aircraft flying at low altitudes near Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL), airport authorities are exploring the possibility of providing compensation to affected homeowners using the airport's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. This marks the third time in a year that tiled houses in the vicinity have been damaged due to the impact of low-flying aircraft.
The most recent incident occurred on Sunday morning when roof tiles from the house of K A Simon, a resident of Kattiparambil House in Nedumbassery, reportedly fell under the force of a low-flying aircraft. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will seek a report on the matter. A senior official from the DGCA air safety wing in Delhi stated, We haven't received any information about this incident yet. We will instruct DGCA officials in Kochi to submit a report immediately.
CIAL sources noted, We will conduct an inquiry into incidents of aircraft flying low causing damage to houses. Although we have no direct obligation, we will consider ways to compensate the owners on humanitarian grounds.
Explaining the complexities of seeking compensation from airlines, sources added, If a house owner seeks compensation from an airline company, it would be a long and arduous process requiring involvement from the Union government. If the aircraft belongs to a foreign airline, government-to-government interaction is necessary, involving a labyrinth of formalities. That is why we are exploring whether CIAL can provide compensation. A policy will need to be designed if the proposal is approved.
Preliminary checks by CIAL authorities indicate that it is prima facie evident that the damage to Simon's house was caused by a low-flying aircraft, possibly a foreign airline. Aluva MLA Anwar Sadath urged, The authorities should take immediate steps to provide compensation to the house owner. Measures should also be implemented to prevent such incidents in the future.
Simon, aged 80, and his wife Sosamma, aged 70, are currently staying at Simon's brother's house nearby. Sosamma remarked, We will have to rent a house until a solution is found. Cracks have also appeared on the walls of the house. The couple has filed complaints with CIAL authorities and the Nedumbassery police.
