Aviation ministry finalises guidelines for greenfield airports

New Delhi, Oct 23 (UNI) State governments wanting to set up greenfield airports will soon be allowed to do so without involving the centre, according to new draft guidelines finalised by the Civil Aviation Ministry.

State governments can either set up greenfield airports by themselves or through designated entity or joint venture companies.

The state will consider granting land (concessional or otherwise), real estate development right, airport connectivity and fiscal concessions to such airport company.

In case a private party is to be selected, it will be through competitive bidding, according to the draft policy. Since the grant of a license for a greenfield airport involves several agencies, a steering committee is to be set up under the chairmanship of civil aviation secretary to coordinate and monitor various clearances.

The draft policy says mandatory approval of the central government for greenfield airports should be dispensed with in all cases except in those where the project proposal is not in conformity with the policy. Certain functions like air traffic services, security, customs and immigration will be reserved to be performed by the central agencies.

An airport company seeking a license will be required to obtain certain clearances from these central agencies.

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