Survey completed for expansion of Hubli airport

Hubli, June 10: The preliminary joint survey for expansion of Hubli airport to facilitate landing of bigger aircraft has been completed, Karnataka Revenue Minister Jagadish Shettar said here today.

Speaking to reporters at the airport, in the presence of Airports Authority of India officials, he said a report would be submitted to AAI along with a revised plan for the expansion of the runway to enable landing of bigger aircraft like Airbus and Boeing.

''AAI has sought about 380 acres of land and we had appealed them to minimise the acquisition of residential area,'' Mr Shettar said.

Replying to a question, the minister said the aviation ministry has already released Rs 15 crore for extension of the runway and airport building. For acquision of land another Rs 20 crore was needed.

The work on night landing facility had been completed and flights could land during night from next month, he added.

AAI officials said proposed airports at Gulbarga, Hassan and Shimoga were technically feasible and submitted the report in this regard.

UNI