‘150 Km radius’ rule holds no good once existing airport capacity saturates: Union Minister

Visakhapatnam, Jan 4 (PTI) The '150 km aerial distance' rule, which prohibits the construction of a greenfield airport within that radius, will no longer apply if the capacity of the existing aerodrome is saturated, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said on Sunday.

Addressing the media after landing at Bhogapuram Airport near Visakhapatnam on a validation flight, the minister said the Ministry of Civil Aviation is also encouraging States to develop second airports in metro cities to meet growing demand.

On the Ahmedabad Air India plane crash, Naidu said the investigation is proceeding at its own pace in a thorough and highly professional manner, with the participation of several countries.

He also said that the Noida International Airport at Jewar is on the verge of completing all necessary licensing approvals, and the government is targeting its inauguration later this month or in early February.

"When it comes to the 150-kilometre radius policy, it is a policy that guides the initiation of airport development. Once capacity is saturated, the clause no longer applies. There is an opportunity for the State to cater to a second airport," Naidu said.

"So, the policy ensures the operational stability of the first airport, but it does not restrict the development of another airport once capacity has been saturated," he added.

As per existing rules, no greenfield airport is permitted within an aerial distance of 150 km of an existing civilian airport.

However, if a greenfield airport is proposed within 150 km of an existing civilian airport, its impact on the existing aerodrome is examined on a case-by-case basis.

The minister said there has been a concerted effort to create airports not only for current operations but also for future needs, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, island regions, and the northeastern states.

On the Ahmedabad Air India plane crash, he said all concerned countries are participating in the investigation, and it is important to adhere to global and international standards in accident investigation practices.

"This has been a priority for us, and we are doing a very good job in that regard. From the ministry to the investigation team, we are providing all necessary support to ensure there is no shortage of resources," he told PTI Videos.

Citing statistics, Naidu said China, which has a population similar to India’s, operates about 4,000 aircraft.

Replying to a query on the inauguration of Bhogapuram Airport, Naidu said it could take place in May or June, and the Andhra Pradesh government is trying to secure Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s date for the event.

On Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s proposal for a new greenfield international airport at Amaravati, the aviation minister said it reflects the CM's vision of creating a world-class, futuristic, and tech-savvy capital for the state. PTI GDK MS SSK SSK ROH