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The State
Government of Karnataka has requested for permission to operate civil flights
of AB-320 type of aircraft at the proposed new airport associated with project
Seabird at Karwar of Indian Navy. This
information was given by Shri Praful Patel, Minister for Civil Aviation in the Parliament today.
The Indian
Navy had asked for additional land from the State Government for extending
the runway for operation of civil commercial flights of AB-320 aircraft. At the request of the State Government, Airports
Authority of India (AAI) had carried out the site inspection and given suggestions
regarding orientation/location of runway and extent of additional land required
for extension of the proposed runway to 2500m.
The State
Government has informed that an additional 75 Ha of land is required to expand
the naval airport at Karwar to facilitate operation of Civilian Commercial
Flights. The cost of acquisition is
estimated to be Rs. 20 crores. The
State Government has requested that this cost be borne by the Central Government.
Establishment
of a Civilian Enclave on Naval Airfield at Karwar depends on the airlines
showing interest to fly through this airport and the State Government giving
land to AAI free of cost.
MC/GK
(Release ID :23471)