General aviation activities may shift to Juhu airfield in Mumbai
28 Mar 2007
New Delhi: The central government is considering a proposal to move all general aviation related activities to the Juhu airfield in an effort to decongest Mumbai airport.
"An international consultant appointed by the government has suggested that general aviation activities in Mumbai be shifted to Juhu airport. The proposal is being examined by the government, but no firm decision has yet been taken," the chairman, Airports Authority of India, K. Ramalingam, said on Monday.
According to sources, an Indian and a Swedish company has been appointed as the global technical advisors for the project. If implemented, the proposal would result in private aircraft, helicopters, charters and small cargo aircraft operating from the Juhu airfield instead of the Mumbai airport.
According to officials, small aircraft take time to clear the airfield and therefore hold up the movement of larger aircraft. The shift to Juhu would help ease the congestion.
