Fly into Taj city from global destinations

Global tourists may finally be able to fly directly into Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal that attracts millions every year.
While the civil aviation ministry has moved to identify land for an international airport, the existing airport at Kheria is also being upgraded to cater to global visitors - with an eye on the tourism season from September, say officials.
Divisional commissioner Amrit Abhijat says the civil aviation ministry has asked him to identify land for the airport and start land acquisition proceedings.
But since this project could take a little time, given the recent protests by farmers against land acquisition, efforts are on to upgrade facilities at the existing Kheria airport, currently under the Indian Air Force.
"The existing Kheria airport will be upgraded and developed," Abhijat said, briefing senior officials and civil society leaders.
The Uttar Pradesh tourism department will shortly send a formal proposal to the union civil aviation ministry to grant international status to Kheria airport, officials said, adding efforts are on to speed up the process so that flights can bring in visitors this tourist season beginning in September.
25/08/11 Times of India

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Categories: airports aug 2011