VELLORE: In a good news for the district, the Centre has given approval to start air services using small aircraft from the Abdullapuram airport here. According to sources, the flight service will begin from March 2018 onwards. The small airport which came up in 1934 is spread across 46 hectares. Abandoned for a long period, the airport was once used to land trainer aircraft and helicopters. However, this was also stopped several years back.
Recently, there were demands from various quarters, including industrialists, businessmen and public, to revamp the unused airport and start services to Chennai and Bengaluru. Subsequently, Airport Authority of India and other departments concerned conducted an inspection of the airport in June 2017. The current approval from the Central government is based on this review.
A few days back, a team of officials from Airport Authority of India’s south zone inspected the airport and confirmed the Centre’s approval. “Initially air services will start with small aircrafts with a seating capacity of nine. The length of existing runway will also be extended to 1,000 metres from the present 750 metres. Air services will start to big cities once the revamping is over,” officials at Abdullapuram airport said.
Meanwhile, Collector S A Raman visited the airport on Tuesday and held discussions with the district officials to widen the airport road to six feet. Revenue officials and Highways department officials were present.
Used for training
The small airport which came up in 1934 is spread across 46 hectares. Abandoned for a long period, the airport was once used to land trainer aircraft and helicopters