Click it and Unblock the Notifications
The potential development of Hosur Airport, a private airstrip owned and operated by Taneja Aerospace and Aviation Limited (TAAL), has been a topic of discussion in the Lok Sabha. This facility's future remains tied to complex agreements and policies surrounding the aviation industry in the region. Here is an overview of the situation as clarified by the government during the Lok Sabha session, in response to a starred question raised by Shri Matheswaran V S.
Why Hosur Airport Was Excluded from Development
The government confirmed that the Hosur airstrip is owned by TAAL and operates as a private airstrip. During the first round of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN, Turbo Aviation Private Limited submitted a bid for the Chennai-Hosur-Chennai route. However, the route was not awarded due to a concession agreement between the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Bangalore International Airport Ltd. (BIAL).
This agreement prohibits the development or upgradation of any new or existing airports into domestic or international airports within a 150-kilometer radius of Bengaluru Airport until May 24, 2033, marking the 25th anniversary of Bengaluru Airport's opening. Hosur Airport fell within this exclusion zone, leading to its omission from subsequent rounds of UDAN bidding.
Salem Airport Expansion
While Hosur Airport faces constraints, the government also addressed the development of Salem Airport. Currently, Salem Airport is operational for ATR-72 type aircraft under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). To upgrade it for A-321 type aircraft and extend the runway to 3,200 meters, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has projected a requirement of 460 acres of land in three phases.
In the first phase, 177 acres of land are needed to enable Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations for ATR-72 aircraft. Under the National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016, state governments are responsible for providing land free of cost and without encumbrances for airport projects. The timeline for these projects depends on factors like land acquisition, regulatory clearances, and financial arrangements.
Public Complaints
The government revealed that 11 complaints regarding Hosur Airport were received by the Airports Authority of India. These complaints have been addressed, showcasing the government's commitment to transparency and addressing public concerns.
While the development of Hosur Airport remains restricted due to legal and contractual obligations, the government continues to explore opportunities for regional aviation growth. The Salem Airport expansion plan reflects ongoing efforts to improve connectivity in Tamil Nadu. However, land acquisition and other hurdles must be resolved to achieve these objectives. The government's responses highlight the complexities of infrastructure development in the aviation sector while addressing public expectations for better connectivity.
