Question : Airports in Lakshadweep

(a) whether the Government proposes to develop an airport at Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep and if so, the details thereof along with its present status;

(b) whether there is any proposal to expand airport at Agatti Island and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has taken any decision regarding night landing facility at Lakshadweep, if so, the details thereof; and

(d) whether the Government has received any complaints regarding the night landing facility and if so, the details thereof?

The Minister of State (IC) in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION
(Shri Hardeep Singh Puri)

(a): No, Sir. Presently, no proposal to develop an airport at Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep is under consideration in Ministry of Civil Aviation/Airports Authority of India.;

(b): Yes, Sir. The Public Investment Board (PIB) in its meeting held on 10.09.2018 has recommended the upgradation/expansion of Agatti Airport for operation of ATR-72 type of Aircraft.;

(c) & (d): Basic strip of 140 meter on either side of runway at Agatti Airport which is required for provision of night landing facilities is not available at the airport, owing to corals around the airport.;