Raphael Warjri

In a significant step towards enhancing regional air connectivity, the State Government has formally requested the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to take over the local airport on an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) basis to enable the commencement of operations for 20-seater aircraft. The move is part of a broader vision to expand the airport infrastructure to accommodate larger aircraft in the near future.

To facilitate the operationalization, the State has also proposed entering into O&M and Communications, Navigation & Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) agreements with AAI. These agreements are expected to enable the necessary groundwork for obtaining the license required to begin flight operations under the proposed category.

Looking ahead, the State Government is actively pursuing the expansion of the airport to support ATR-72 type aircraft, which will require significant infrastructure development. As part of the initial groundwork, AAI had previously submitted Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) in 2010 and 2017, based on which the State acquired 56.5 acres of additional land.

In a bid to expedite the process, the State has now offered the airport to AAI on an “as is where is” basis, urging the authority to initiate the required development and regulatory procedures. AAI, in turn, has expressed its willingness to take over the airport, contingent upon the acquisition of 125 acres of land for Phase-I operations—including the earlier acquired 56.5 acres—and an additional 115 acres earmarked for Phase-II expansion, as per their 2020 request.

The collaborative effort underscores the State's commitment to bolstering regional connectivity and aviation infrastructure, aligning with national objectives under the UDAN scheme and other air connectivity initiatives.