(a) the details of the criteria fixed by the Government to bring an airport into international category;
(b) the details of the Airports which are recently categorized as International Airport in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka; and
(c) whether any representation has been received by the Government for bringing Madurai Airport into International Airport category and if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
The Minister of State (IC) in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION
(Shri Hardeep Singh Puri)
(a): Declaration of an airport as an International airport depends upon the traffic potential and the demand from airlines for operation of international flights besides provision of Ground Lighting Facilities, Instrument Landing System, adequate runway length, Immigration, Health and Animal & Plant Quarantine services.;
(b): Tirupati Airport and Vijayawada Airport in Andhra Pradesh have been declared as International Airports w.e.f 12.06.2017 and 01.08.2017 respectively. No new airport has been declared/categorized as International Airport in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka recently.;
(c): Yes, Sir. Representations have been received from Tamilnadu Foodgrains Merchants Association Ltd., International Mudaliar Pillaimar Association and Tamilnadu Chamber of Commerce & Industry to declare Madurai Airport as an International Airport. However, apart from availability of infrastructure/services at airport, traffic potential and willingness of airlines to operate international flights are key factors in determination of the international status for an airport.