Udan flights continue to elude Tamil Nadu airports

Two years after the subsidized Udan air services were launched by the Union Civil Aviation Ministry, Airport Authority of India is making a beginning in Tamil Nadu by attempting to operationalise the Neyveli airport.

Udan services to other destination in Tamil Nadu, Salem has also been abandoned by the civil aviation ministry. Hundreds of highly subsidized Udan flights are operating all over the country but the facility continues to elude Tamil Nadu.

As a preliminary step in operationalising the Neyveli airport, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has signed an agreement with Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) India to provide communication, navigation, surveillance and air traffic management services at Neyveli airport.

The airport, owned by NLC, is being developed under the regional connectivity scheme (Udan) to promote air connectivity between unserved and underserved regions.

Venkateshwar L, officiating regional executive director, southern region of the AAI, said the airport would be owned by NLC. The AAI will provide air traffic services for operating flights. One more agreement will be signed soon for operation and maintenance of the airport. After the agreements are signed, NLC will apply for a licence.

A small terminal building, an apron for parking planes, a taxiway and a runway are ready at the airport but the flights are yet to start. The airport is currently used to ferry union ministers from Chennai through chartered flights.