Sources said though the IAF has cited shortage of manpower as the reason for the refusal, there are various security concerns behind the thumbs down to AAI. The IAF has its own concerns, officers have been quoted as saying.

The Civil Aviation Ministry had asked the Ministry of Defence for its nod to operate international flights throughout the night.

The Ministry of Defence, however, has agreed to extend the Air Traffic Control watch hours only up to 8 in the night.

“Night landing facilities are only for Indian Air Force aircraft. We have taken all the aspects, including security, into account and have decided not to give the permission,” said a senior IAF official.

Sources said the air base has been involved in all major operations in India since independence. Due to its geographical location the command has always been the hub of activity.

Air Officer Commanding (AOC) SRK Nair said the IAF has no reservations on international flights being operated from the base.