Question : Renaming of Airports

(a) the number of airports which have been renamed during the last five years;

(b) whether the Government is considering a proposal to rename airports and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has identified airports for this purpose and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government would consult State Governments before arriving at any decision in this regard;

(e) if so, the details thereof along with the time by which a decision is likely to be taken in this regard; and

(f) whether Delhi International Airport Ltd. (DIAL) has
sought approval for expansion plan including fourth runway at Delhi airport and whether environmental clearance has been given for the same and if so, the details thereof?

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Jayant Sinha)

(a): During the last five years, only two airports, viz. Mana Airport at Raipur and Bangalore International Airport, Bengaluru have been renamed as "Swami Vivekananda Airport, Raipur" and "Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru" on 17.02.2012 and 25.07.2013 respectively.;
;;
(b): Due to lack of any firm and explicit instructions/guidelines for naming/renaming of airports in the country and considering the convenience of passengers in general and especially foreign tourists who are not familiar with the local history of the area, a consensus view has emerged to name the airports by the name of the city in which they are located/served and the terminals of the airports after eminent personalities in honour of their memory.;
;
(c): No, Madam.;
;
(d) & (e): The proposals for naming/renaming of airports/terminal buildings are generally considered based on the recommendations of the concerned State Governments expressed by way of a resolution passed in the respective State Legislative Assemblies.
;
(f): Delhi International Airport Ltd. (DIAL) has applied for environmental clearance to Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change for its expansion plan including the fourth runway at Delhi Airport. MoEF&CC has granted Terms of Reference for Environment Impact Assessment.