AAI team inspects site for Vellore airport

Speaking to DT Next, Sreekumar said the team inspected a proposed site about 20 km from Vellore on the Andhra Pradesh border, which was suggested as being suitable for a green airport. “However, we found the site unsuitable and so we have decided to develop the existing World War II vintage airport at Abdullapuram.” 

Sreekumar added, “The existing 800 metres runway is enough to accommodate 9-seater aircraft, but that an additional 600 metres is necessary to enable 20-seater flights to land. We will talk to the state on acquiring land for the additional length needed for the runway.” 

“Commercial operations can begin only after the needed additional land is procured and the runway is completed,” he said. 

It may be recalled that Civil Aviation Secretary RN Choubey visited Chennai some time ago in this connection and held discussions with state officials on acquiring additional land for seven airports in the state including Puducherry. Sreekumar’s visit is a follow up exercise to Choubey visit.