Question : Setting up of Small Airports

(a) the status of progress made in operationalizing the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) set up by the Government to make flying affordable and the details of small airports set up in the country, State/ UT-wise;

(b) the details and salient features of the scheme and the proposed manner of funding the scheme;

(c) whether the Government plans to revive currently unserved airports for the implementation of the scheme, if so, the details thereof along with the list of airports that have been earmarked/earmarked in this regard;and

(d) whether any operators have expressed interest to participate in the scheme, if so, the details thereof?

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION
(Dr Mahesh Sharma)

(a) and (b): Government of India has drafted National Civil Aviation Policy which is to be finalized. It provides for a Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) by way of::
i) Revival of un-served or under-served aerodromes and airstrips.
ii) Concessions by different stakeholders:
iii) Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for scheduled commuter airlines
iv) Cost-effective security solutions by BCAS and State Governments.

(c): The draft National Civil Aviation Policy provides for the revivial of air strips as no-frills airports mostly through Airports Authority of India (AAI) depending on demand,. AAI has undertaken works at five locations namely Hubely and Belgaum in Karnataka, Kishangarh in Rajasthan, Jhansuguda in Orissa and Teju in Arunachal Pradesh.

(d) No, Madam.