Question : Development of Airports in Madhya Pradesh

(a) the names of the airports being developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for which land has been provided by the Government of Madhya Pradesh and the current status of work on those airports;

(b) whether the Government of Madhya Pradesh has been demanded extra land from AAI for these airports;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) the total number of airports in the Madhya Pradesh which comes under AAI;

(e) the number of airports out of those proposed to be upgraded to international standards along with the action taken in this regard and the airports which have been upgraded to international standards by expanding them; and

(f) the time by which international flights are likely to be started from these airports?

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Jayant Sinha)

(a): Government of Madhya Pradesh has provided land to Airports Authority of India (AAI) for development of Bhopal, Indore, Khajuraho and Jabalpur airports. Bhopal, Indore and Khajuraho airports have been upgraded to International standards with New Integrated Terminal Buildings. AAI has commenced work for extension of existing runway, construction of new terminal building, new control tower cum technical block, car park, fire station, installation of ILS, Cat-I approach lights and new apron to accommodate 4 numbers of A-320 type of aircraft at Jabalpur airport.;
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(b) & (c): Madhya Pradesh Government has requested for 4.23 acres of land for expansion of State Hangar at Bhopal airport. The transfer of land at Bhopal airport is subject to signing of MoU by the Madhya Pradesh Government.
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(d): AAI owns & maintains 8 airports in Madhya Pradesh including a Civil Enclave at Gwalior. ;
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(e): Development and up-gradation of airports to international standards is a continuous process and is undertaken by AAI from time to time depending upon commercial viability, traffic demand, availability of land etc. Bhopal, Indore and Khajuraho airports have already been upgraded to International Standards with New Integrated Terminal Buildings and other associated work.;
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(f): Indian carriers are free to mount services from any point in India to foreign destinations as per the respective bilateral air service agreements. However, actual operations are always guided by traffic demands and commercial judgement of airlines.