GoI circulates new policy guidelines for greenfield airports
14 Apr 2008
Mumbai: The ministry of civil aviation has circulated a cabinet note on a policy for greenfield airports within the country, under which mandatory approval of the central government for setting up of such airports is being sought to be dispensed with. Under the aegis of the new policy a steering committee, acting under the chairmanship of the secretary, civil aviation, will now coordinate and monitor all clearances required from various agencies for setting up an airport.
Under the new guidelines, any greenfield airport sought to be set up in compliance with existing rules and guidelines, and also beyond a 150 km radius of an existing civilian airport, would not require prior approval of the central government. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) would now be competent as an authority to grant license for operation of the airport under existing rules and notifications.
A greenfield airport that is to be set up beyond 150 km of an existing civilian airport, but seeks redemption/ relaxation from any guideline or existing rules/policy, would have its request considered by the steering committee, which would then forward its recommendation to the civil aviation ministry.
In case the committee is not able to reach consensus, the proposal would then be placed before the Union cabinet for a decision.
In case of an application to set up an airport within 150 km of an existing airport, the steering committee shall consider all relevant facts and circumstances and make suitable recommendations to the ministry of civil aviation for its approval.