Government exploring possibilities of opening Karwar airport

The State Government of Karnataka has requested for permission to operate civil flights of AB-320 type of aircraft at the proposed new airport associated with project Seabird at Karwar of Indian Navy. This information was given by Shri Praful Patel, Minister for Civil Aviation in the Parliament today.
The Indian Navy had asked for additional land from the State Government for extending the runway for operation of civil commercial flights of AB-320 aircraft. At the request of the State Government, Airports Authority of India (AAI) had carried out the site inspection and given suggestions regarding orientation/location of runway and extent of additional land required for extension of the proposed runway to 2500m.
The State Government has informed that an additional 75 Ha of land is required to expand the naval airport at Karwar to facilitate operation of Civilian Commercial Flights. The cost of acquisition is estimated to be Rs. 20 crores. The State Government has requested that this cost be borne by the Central Government.
19/12/06 Press Information Bureau (press release)

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