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Key Points

The Centre has unveiled a master plan to expand Puducherry airport, including a longer runway for Airbus A320 flights. The project requires 402 acres of land, split between Puducherry and Tamil Nadu. Airlines can independently decide on new routes like Kochi and Shirdi if commercially viable. The expansion is expected to enhance tourism and economic growth in the region.

Key Points: Centre Plans Puducherry Airport Expansion for Airbus A320 Flights

  • Runway extension to 2,300m enables Airbus A320 operations
  • 402 acres needed for expansion, split between Tamil Nadu and Puducherry
  • Airlines free to add Kochi and Shirdi flights if viable
  • Project aims to boost tourism and regional economic growth
2 min read

Centre unveils expansion plan for Puducherry airport

Puducherry airport to get a 2,300-metre runway for Airbus A320 operations, boosting regional connectivity and tourism.

"Airlines are free to initiate services to any city if found viable – Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu"

Puducherry, July 24

The Union Government on Thursday announced that a comprehensive master plan has been prepared for expanding Puducherry airport, with provisions to enable operations of larger aircraft and the potential introduction of new flight routes based on commercial viability.

Responding to a question in the Lok Sabha from Puducherry MP and Pradesh Congress Committee president V. Vaithilingam, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu said that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has formulated a proposal to upgrade the airport's infrastructure.

The plan includes extending the runway to 2,300 metres in length and 45 metres in width, which would allow operations of Airbus A320 aircraft, commonly used for domestic commercial aviation.

To facilitate this expansion, a total of 402 acres of land will be required - 217 acres in Tamil Nadu and 185 acres within the Union Territory of Puducherry.

The proposal has already been shared with the Puducherry government for further action, the Union Minister said.

Currently, the airport operates limited services, offering flights only to Bangalore and Hyderabad. MP Vaithilingam had specifically inquired whether steps were being taken to commence new flights to Kochi and Shirdi.

In response, Union Minister Naidu clarified that the aviation sector in India is deregulated, following the repeal of the Air Corporation Act in 1994.

As a result, airlines have full autonomy to select their destinations and routes based on commercial and operational considerations.

"The Ministry of Civil Aviation does not regulate routes or destinations. Airlines are free to initiate services to any city, including Kochi and Shirdi, if found viable. The government only facilitates infrastructure and regulatory frameworks," he said.

The Puducherry Airport has long faced limitations due to the short length of its existing runway and land constraints, restricting its operations to smaller aircraft. The proposed expansion is expected to be a game-changer for the region, enabling better connectivity, boosting tourism, and enhancing economic development in and around Puducherry.

Officials from Puducherry and Tamil Nadu are expected to work closely with the Centre to address land acquisition and related logistical challenges as the project moves forward.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
As a frequent traveler from Chennai, this is great! But I hope they consider environmental impact too. The land acquisition must be done properly without harming local farmers and ecosystems. Development should be sustainable.
A
Arjun K
Good initiative but implementation is key. Our airports need world-class facilities, not just longer runways. Hope they improve passenger amenities, cleanliness and efficiency too. The current airport feels like a bus stand!
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Priya S
As a Puducherry resident, I'm excited but worried about land acquisition issues. Hope the government compensates landowners fairly. Also, direct flights to Delhi and Mumbai would be more useful than Shirdi in my opinion.
D
David E
Visiting Puducherry last year was amazing but the airport experience was terrible. This expansion is much needed to attract more international tourists. Hope they maintain the French colonial charm while modernizing facilities.
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Karthik V
Instead of focusing only on tourism routes, they should consider business connectivity too. Many IT professionals travel between Bangalore and Puducherry. A direct flight would save so much time compared to the 6-hour drive!

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