Question : UNUSED AIRPORTS

(a) the details of unused private/ public airstrips/ airports in the country at present, location - wise;

(b) whether these airports pose any threat to the security of the country;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether any assessment has been made about the vacant land and its proper use for commercial exploitation including reopening of airports in various cities including Darbhanga and Muzaffarpur in Bihar;

(e) if so, the details thereof, locationwise; and

(f) the steps taken/ schemes formulated by the Government to develop such airstrips/ airports for commercial use?

MINISTER OF OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS & MINISTER OF CIVIL AVIATION (SHRI VAYALAR RAVI)

(a) There are 455 airports/ airstrips in the country, out of which there are 107 operational airports managed by Airports Authority of India (AAI). 29 airports/ airstrips belonging to Airports Authority of India (AAI) are lying unused, which may be seen at Annexure- A. Other unused airports/ airstrips belong to the State Governments/ private parties in the country.

(b) & (c) Opeations at the unused airports/ airstrips are subject to approval/ NOC by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS)/ Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)/ Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

(d), (e) & (f) These unused/ non- operational airports/ airstrips can be considered for operationalisation only if there is a firm commitment from the airline operators for commencing scheduled flights through these airports/ airstrips subject to the transfer of additional land to AAI required for operationalisation of such airstrips free of cost and free from all encumbrances wherever necessary by the respective State Governments. However, AAI has assessed the revival of Muzaffarpur airport.