Union Minister for Civil Aviation K Rammohan Naidu today announced that the long-awaited revival of Warangal's Mamnoor airport had got official clearance, with construction expected to be completed within two-and-a-half years following the necessary land acquisition.
Addressing the media at the Central Government Complex in Kavadiguda, Hyderabad, alongside Union minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy, Naidu expressed satisfaction for being able to "fulfill" the aspirations of the people of Telangana for enhanced regional connectivity.
Reddy said that the Central government was committed to the project's timely completion.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has prepared a master plan for the airport's development, contingent upon the Telangana government's completion of land acquisition. The State has sanctioned Rs 205 crore for acquiring an additional 280.3 acres to facilitate the airport's expansion, including extending the runway to accommodate larger aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and the Boeing 737.
Mamnoor airport, established in 1930 by the last Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan, was once the largest (spanning approximately 1,875 acres) airport in pre-independence India. It remained operational until 1981, serving both cargo and passenger flights.
The revival of the airport is expected to enhance Warangal's connectivity, stimulate tourism and create employment opportunities, aligning with the central government's UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme to promote regional air travel.