However, the communication between the aircraft and the Air Traffic Controller, which is recorded by the communications wing, has been replayed for the inquiry officer. As for the Garuda-Air Lanka incident, no inquiry has been ordered as yet. However, the senior aerodrome officer who was on duty at the time has been removed from area control duty and is to be placed either at the tower, briefing unit or the coordination wingtill the inquiry is complete. Sources say, she will also be charged with suppression of facts. One reason for the present state of affairs could be that the National Airports Division at the airport is sharply divided, with no love lost between the communications wing and the aerodrome wing.
Charges fly fast and thick.
There is absolutely no chance of equipment failure. Thiruvananthapuram airport has the most modern equipment among the major airports. The VCCS helps the Air Traffic Controller staff to select the desired frequency. The Air Traffic Controller staff dismiss charges of inefficiency and point out the high stress level under whichthey work and hurl their own set of accusations against the communications wing. High Frequency Radio Telephone, which is the only means of communication now over the high seas, is undependable.