Multiple metro airports pose competition for private operators

New Delhi: The chances of private airport operators such as the GMR and GVK groups facing competition became stronger as the government’s plan to allow multiple airports in metros has found support from the Parliamentary consultative committee (PCC) attached to the civil aviation ministry. Members of the panel have called for a revision of the existing airport policy to allow multiple airports at metropolitan cities.
At a meeting here on Wednesday, the panel stressed that multiple airports would be required in the major cities as the civil aviation sector is booming. Members who attended the meeting include Rahul Gandhi, Rajeev Shukla and Santosh Gangwar.
The GMR group-led Delhi International Airport (DIAL) is believed to have opposed the government’s move to commission an international airport near Greater Noida, 72 km from the existing international airport serving the Capital. The proposed airport is likely to divert air traffic from the Delhi airport, denting the aeronautical and non-aeronautical revenue of DIAL. The existing guidelines require a minimum distance of 150 km between an existing airport and a new one. The distance is stipulated at 150 km in case of international projects.
15/11/07 Nirbhay Kumar/Economic Times

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Categories: Airports Nov 2007