UlanBatori wrote:So why did this make it into the media? If all they did was refuel, they could have just landed and pulled up to the fueling station, whatever. Where was the need for the big black SUV with the blacked-out windows, in a convoy of 4 vehicles including 2 Army Jeeps and one other SUV obviously containing armed RAW personnel? Plus the extreme secrecy where they pulled a closed ladder up to the plane, pulled the vehicles close around the gate, and had several people armed with machine guns facing OUTWARD from the plane while they were doing whatever? And the convoys sped away within 10 minutes.
Ok, curious enough for me.
this says blanket bsns was taken off, dont recall anything escalating to airspace closure after this and PIA has obviously been using the flexibility in routine operations:
It’s best practice to avoid whiskey routes in your flight-planning process. W (“Whiskey”) airways in India are strictly for domestic carriers and use. However, when there’s no viable alternative between city pairs, these routings can occasionally be approved for use by non-Indian-registered aircraft. Also, keep in mind that you can operate through Indian airspace without an overflight permit, as long as you’re not crossing over the landmass.
Due to disputes between India and Pakistan, only one airway is available from eastern Pakistan into India. No airways are available over Kashmir, a disputed region between India and Pakistan, so you will not be able to overfly this airspace. Another thing to keep in mind is that operating minimums can vary between government and military-run airfields. You may be able to land at a civilian airfield with 1,000-foot visibility, but the military airport may tell you not to land unless visibility is 3,700 feet.
Pakistan-registered aircraft can operate into India only at Mumbai (VABB) and Delhi (VIDP). All aircraft flying into Kashmir must be on designated and approved air routes. However, all aircraft entering into military-controlled airfields, or overflying, are to be in positive contact with Point Alpha and Northern Control. It’s also important to note that any aircraft having air drop capability must be pre-approved through the Ministry of External Affairs.
Lucknow is stones throw from Delhi, where obviously IGIA, Palam domestic, and Hindon are all better choices. So, based on routine procedures, this doesnt add up. Why announce it then? Was it seen/imaged, where is the chatter? Bad sharif is in china, good sharif in arabia. Were they taking musharraf to singapore? What did they drop off? Who did a favor to whom? What aircraft was it, why is the type not public?
edit-- Rawalpindi-chittagong is well within the range of a cn235. LKO would also likely not be in the a normal flight path unless routed that way. LKO is definitely too close for needing refueling. What gives? Why are the cn235s flying this route to begin with.
There is a large cultural gay/trans undercurrent in India. AFAIK they may all not be WKKs 
Esp. where RAA is involved. 
