Hosur Airport News: AAI Greenlights Hosur Airport Feasibility, Defence Approval Next

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has submitted its final feasibility report on the proposed greenfield Hosur airport to the Tamil Nadu government, The Hindu reported, citing a source in Delhi.

The DMK government has to write next to the Ministry of Defence for airspace approval.

Tamil Nadu pitched the idea of a greenfield airport at Hosur last year, responding to the city's rapid growth as an automotive and industrial centre. Plans to position Hosur as an IT hub via the "Knowledge Corridor" further underline the need for an airport.

Shortlisted Sites

During its initial survey, the AAI evaluated five potential sites in and around Hosur before narrowing the options to two locations: one immediately south of Taneja Aerospace and Aviation Limited's (TAAL) operations in Hosur taluk, and another east of Hosur and north of Shoolagiri. A draft report submitted last month indicated that constructing the airport at either site would not pose much challenges.

Following the draft, the AAI conducted an airspace study to ensure that arriving and departing flights would neither infringe upon neighbouring zones nor compromise runway utilization. "Since the Ministry of Defence controls the airspace in that region, its permission and approval are needed," the English daily quoted a source as saying.

Final Step

After getting approval from the Defence Ministry approval, the State government will select the final site and commission an Obstacle Limitation Surfaces survey to chart any potential obstructions around the runway approach paths, the report said.

However, a longstanding agreement between the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Bangalore International Airport Limited-prohibiting the development of another airport within a 150-kilometre aerial radius until 2033-remains a formidable obstacle. "Even if it takes time, it is only ideal that we at least begin to pursue it early," a senior official remarked.

S Sundariya, president of the Hosur Industries Association, said that an operational airport would add significant value to Tamil Nadu by attracting fresh investments and streamlining both passenger and cargo traffic. "People in and around Hosur and from Bengaluru, including Electronic City, Chandapura, and Attibele, may prefer to catch their flights from Hosur," Sundariya noted.

He further suggested that exports currently handled via Bengaluru Airport might shift to Hosur once it becomes operational. Sundariya urged that the airport's development proceed in tandem with the Knowledge Corridor initiative to maximize regional economic benefits.

The DMK government is planning to construct the airport in 2,000 acres which could handle up to 3 crore passengers annually. Hosur, traditionally an automotive hub, is emerging as a center for advanced manufacturing, electronics, and electric vehicles. The greenfield airport is expected to strengthen Tamil Nadu's industrial footprint and contribute to the creation of a twin-city ecosystem with Bengaluru.