Centre approves Greenfield airports' policy

New Delhi, Apr 25 : The Central Government on Friday approved the policy for Greenfield airports.

Mandatory approval of the Central Government for setting up of any Greenfield airports has been dispensed with.

A Steering Committee would be set up under the chairmanship of Secretary (Civil Aviation) to coordinate and monitor the clearances required from various agencies for setting up an airport, said a government release.

A Greenfield airport to be set up by the Airport Authority of India (AAI) or an Airport Company that is in compliance of the guidelines and is beyond 150 km of an existing civilian airport would not require prior approval of the Central Government. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) would be competent to grant license for operating of the airport as per existing Rules and Notifications.

A Greenfield airport to be set up by the AAI or an Airport Company that is beyond 150 kilometers of an existing civilian airport but seeks redemption/ relaxation from any other guideline or existing Rule/Policy, would be considered by the Steering Committee.

The Committee's recommendation would be forwarded to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. In case of the Committee not being able to reach consensus, the proposal would be placed before the Union Cabinet for a decision. The DGCA would consider such proposals for grant of license only after the approval of the Central Government.

In case of an application by the AAI or an Airport Company to set up an airport within 150 km of an existing airport, the application shall be considered by the Steering Committee.

ANI