Devanahalli (Karnataka), Mar. 7 : Two aircraft - one of them a Kingfisher Airlines from Mumbai and the other an Air Deccan flight from Bangalore - landed and took off at the newly constructed Devanahalli International Airport just 40 kms away from Bangalore, marking a new era in Indian civil aviation history.

These landings and take offs are seen as significant in linking the Indian Silicon Valley with the rest of the world. These trials also signify a land mark beginning in Public Private Partnership (PPP) giving way for new investments.

And finally, for Bangaloreans, the operationalisation of the new international airport, is a landmark achievement in itself.

Briefing reporters, the CEO of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), Alfred Brunner, said the arrival and departure of flights from Devanahalli International Airport was a significant development and the BIAL is ready for the final countdown.

The airport is scheduled for opening on March 28. The trials take place at a time when a public interest litigation has been filed in the Karnataka High Court opposing the Centre's decision to close down the HAL Airport on grounds that it would inconvenience passengers, who are used to undertaking a shorter journey to the airport, rather than the nearly 40-km-long journey to the Devanahalli International Airport to catch a flight.

The petition is to be heard on March 10.

Meanwhile, work is on in full swing to ensure road connectivity to the new airport. Doubts have been raised about the roads being ready in time for the scheduled opening on March 28. (ANI)