Plans ready, land transfer awaited: Union Minister

Mysore Airport expansion

Mysuru: Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu has assured that the expansion and development of Mysore Airport will begin once Karnataka Government transfers required land.

Speaking to reporters after the Consultative Committee Meeting organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) at the Grand Mercure Hotel in Mysuru yesterday, the Minister gave an update on the Airport’s expansion plans.

He said coordination with the State Government was underway to secure the required land at the earliest. “The expansion process will begin immediately after the land is handed over,” he reiterated.

Naidu stressed the need for expanding Mysore Airport, with Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar attending the meeting to highlight the region’s requirements.

Facilities for narrow-body aircraft

Yaduveer urged the Ministry to fully develop the Airport and prioritise facilities for narrow-body aircraft, which are used for medium and long-distance domestic and international travel.

“Mysuru is one of the country’s most prestigious cities, the cultural capital of Karnataka with a rich historical and cultural heritage. Tourists arrive here not only from across India but also from around the world,” Naidu said.

He said Mysuru was an important destination for tourism, spirituality, art and culture, making better air connectivity a priority.

The Airport’s existing runway is suitable only for smaller aircraft. With tourists arriving from different parts of the country and abroad, expansion and modernisation has become essential. Naidu said the project would be taken up once the State Government hands over required land.

Second airport for  Bengaluru

On the proposed second airport for Bengaluru, Naidu said, “The Karnataka Government must propose the location and development plan to the Centre. We are awaiting their proposal.”

The meeting also reviewed the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagarik) Scheme. Naidu said the initiative, launched by Prime Minister Modi with a long-term vision, had been highly successful over the past decade. Several new airports have been built across States, while air connectivity has improved significantly.

He said the Centre would invest Rs. 28,840 crore over the next 10 years to strengthen India’s civil aviation sector. The meeting also discussed infrastructure upgrades, improved connectivity and more efficient airport operations and management.

The Minister said India would provide advanced training to young aspirants to produce world-class pilots. More Flight Training Organisations (FTOs) would be established and the quality of existing institutions further improved.