Six idle airports to be activated

Chennai: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has embarked on an "idle airports activation programme" in the Southern region.
The airports in Tuticorin, Vellore, Pondicherry, Salem, Rajahmundry, and Vijayawada will be covered.
The Vagaikulam airstrip in Tuticorin became operational on April 1 this year with the commencement of Air Deccan flights. There is a 2,600-ft runway and a terminal building designed to handle 50 to 60 passengers.
The Vellore airport's 2,600-ft runway is on kutcha land and fit for casual operations.The airport is 5 km away from the town.
Jagson airlines will soon commence regular flights between Chennai and Pondicherry. At present, Orient Flight School is using the airport at Lawspet located 7 km away from the city and is suitable for ATR operations with load penalty.
AAI has received a requisition from Air Deccan for activating the full-fledged airfield in Salem to accommodate Boeing jet operations.
Rajahmundry airport's 5,830-ft runway is suitable for ATR class operations.
The AAI has commissioned night landing facility at Hubli airport.
17/08/06 T.S. Shankar/The Hindu

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