Civil enclave

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A Civil Enclave is an area allotted at an airport belonging to the armed forces, for the usage of civil aircraft and civil aviation related services.

Civil enclaves are common in countries like India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan where a part of an Air force base, almost invariably a legacy of World War II vintage, is allotted for domestic air traffic instead of building a new civilian airport. They are rare in the United States where the term joint use is applied. These airports usually have a curfew (mostly after sunset) during which civil aircraft are not permitted to operate. Many reserve morning hours for military flight training. Some civil enclaves adopt an altitude restriction i.e. one below which a civilian aircraft cannot descend while over-flying the enclave. The curfew system results in airport congestion (and higher air fares) while the altitude restriction results in long detours (and greater fuel consumption). Both constitute economic waste which is acceptable on security grounds provided the latter is not exaggerated. The Air Traffic Control at civil enclaves is usually entrusted to the armed forces while security is often the responsibility of paramilitary personnel. It is generally accepted that the military receives revenues from ATC services. However it is not clear as to whether capital expenditure such as for runway expansion is for the account of the military or civilian authorities.[1]

Goa's Dabolim Airport is an example of the interface between civilian and military operations at an airbase. Meanwhile Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is an example of the obverse of a civil enclave, namely a military enclave at an airport.