Warangal Airport In Telangana Gets Civil Aviation Ministry's Nod For Development

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has granted approval for the development and operationalisation of Mamnoor airport in Telangana's Warangal district after Hyderabad International Airport Ltd. issued a no-objection certificate.

The decision marks a step toward reviving the non-operational airport, which is currently under the purview of the Airports Authority of India.

In a letter addressed to the AAI chairperson, Amit Kumar Jha, an undersecretary at the ministry referred to the AAI's request and communications from the Telangana government regarding the project. The letter confirmed that 253 acres of land had been allocated to the AAI for the development of the airport.

The approval required an exemption from Clause 5.2 of the concession agreement signed between the Union government and HIAL for the Hyderabad greenfield airport. The clause restricts the development or upgrading of airports within a 150-kilometre radius before the 25th anniversary of Hyderabad airport's opening.

The NOC, issued by the Hyderabad airport on Jan. 6, states that the waiver applies only to Mamnoor airport and did not set a precedent for future airport developments by the AAI or the Telangana government that may be subject to Clause 5.2 of the agreement.

The Telangana government had communicated its support for the project in letters dated Dec. 5 and Nov. 17. The aviation ministry’s approval follows these representations and is backed by the competent authority.

With this clearance, the AAI is set to move forward with the development and operationalisation of the Mamnoor airport, which is expected to improve air connectivity in the Warangal region.