Centre approves AP CM's proposal on Begumpet Airport

Hyderabad, July 22 (UNI) The Centre has accepted in principle Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy's proposal to utilise the Begumpet Airport for general aviation services and national and international air shows.

The Begumpet Airport was closed for civil aviation on March 23, 2008, after the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad became operational.

Interacting with officials on the overall development of the aviation sector from New Delhi today, he claimed that Hyderabad will become India's aviation hub with an international airport and an Aerospace and Precision Engineering SEZ coming up near the new airport and the Begumpet Airport becoming a centre for general aviation services and air shows.

Dr Reddy had recently written to the Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel, suggesting that the Begumpet Airport be used during any national emergency or at any time by aircraft owned or operated by IAF and other armed forces. He had also suggested that it could be used for general aviation services and air shows.

A number of international organisations, including Farnborough International Ltd, Aviation Development Australia Limited, French Aerospace Industries Association and UK Royal Air Force, had evinced interest in the proposal, Dr Reddy said.

He asked the officials concerned to expedite the works on roads connecting to the new airport and open them to the public at the earliest. New airports will be constructed at all district headquarters, he added.

UNI SM VA AK KN1940