(a) whether a Central team has visited the non-operational
Cooch Behar and Balurghat Airports recently;
(b) if so, the findings of the team in this regard; and
(c) the time by which the said airports are likely to become operational?
(a) whether a Central team has visited the non-operational
Cooch Behar and Balurghat Airports recently;
(b) if so, the findings of the team in this regard; and
(c) the time by which the said airports are likely to become operational?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION(SHRI PRAFUL PATEL)
(a) The Technical Team of M/s. RITES Ltd., appointed by
Airports Authority of India (AAI) inspected Balurghat
airport as one of the non-operational airports of AAI to be
examined for the viability of revival to facilitate
commercial operations. Cooch Behar airport is an operational
airport w.e.f. 15th November, 2007. However, no airline
operator has shown interest to operate to/ from Cooch Behar
airport.
(b) & (c) M/s. RITES has submitted its report in December,
2008, wherein it is indicated that there is not much scope/
potential for development of Balurghat airport. In
addition, no airline operator has shown its commitment/
interest to operate to/ from this airport. Therefore, AAI
has no plan to develop this airport at present.