Big aircraft would be operating from Patna airport at least till November 29, as the Airports Authority of India has deferred the effective date of re-notified length of runways for the fourth time.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) had issued a notice on August 3, stating that the length of the two runways here would be reduced because of obstructions on the aircraft approach funnel. But its implementation date was deferred thrice before a fresh Notice to Airmen (Notam) was issued on Monday, extending the effective date of re-notified length of runways from October 31 to November 30.

Besides extending the effective date of the revised runway length, the AAI has also applied afresh to the director-general of civil aviation (DGCA) for renewal of the operating licence of Patna airport. DGCA, the civil aviation regulator, withheld the licence of Patna airport on June 30 because of 101 obstacles along its landing approach funnel.

A senior officer at the eastern regional office of the AAI in Calcutta told The Telegraph on Thursday: “The AAI has recently submitted a fresh report to DGCA based on the work done by the state government and other agencies regarding the removal of the obstacles. It has also applied for renewal of the operating licence of Patna airport while seeking exemption for a few obstacles as permanent obstructions.”

The officer added: “AAI has served notices on the owners of the private buildings marked as obstacles.”