Airports Closed in India: Impacts and Implications
In recent times, several airports across India have faced closures or operational disruptions due to various reasons, including security concerns, infrastructure issues, and natural events. These closures have significant implications for travelers, airlines, and the economy.
Warangal Airport, Telangana
Warangal Airport, located in Telangana, ceased operations in 1981. Despite its historical significance, the airport has remained non-functional for decades. The Government of Telangana has plans to revive the airport, aiming for a reopening by 2030. The revival is part of efforts to enhance regional connectivity and boost tourism in the area.
Kailashahar Airport, Tripura
Kailashahar Airport in Tripura was shut down in the mid-1990s due to a lack of space and declining passenger traffic. In recent years, there have been discussions about reviving the airport under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme. Proposals include extending the runway and upgrading facilities to accommodate commercial flights. However, as of now, the airport remains non-operational.
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport temporarily suspended flight operations on April 21, 2024, from 4 PM to 9 PM to facilitate the ‘Painkuni Arattu’ procession at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. This bi-annual event necessitates the closure of the runway to allow the procession to pass through. Such closures are a longstanding tradition, occurring twice a year, and are planned in advance to minimize disruptions.
Srinagar International Airport, Jammu & Kashmir
Srinagar International Airport experienced a temporary halt in operations following a bomb threat on an Air Vistara flight from New Delhi. The threat led to a one-hour suspension of services as security measures were implemented. Incidents like these highlight the ongoing security challenges faced by airports in sensitive regions.
Delhi Airport Terminal 1 (T1), National Capital
On June 28, 2024, a portion of the roof at Terminal 1 of Delhi Airport collapsed due to heavy rainfall, resulting in the cancellation of over 95 flights. This incident underscored the vulnerability of airport infrastructure to weather-related events. In response, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced plans for structural inspections across airports to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Airports with No Flight Operations
Despite significant investments in airport infrastructure, several airports in India have not seen any flight operations. Airports such as Pakyong (Sikkim), Rupsi (Assam), Solapur (Maharashtra), and Hisar (Haryana) have remained non-functional due to factors like lack of demand, poor connectivity, and inadequate planning. Interestingly, Kushinagar Airport, despite being granted international status, has not witnessed any flight operations, highlighting the challenges in regional connectivity.
Conclusion
The closure or non-operation of airports in India reflects a complex interplay of factors, including security concerns, infrastructure challenges, and regional connectivity issues. While some closures are temporary and due to planned events, others highlight deeper systemic issues that need addressing. Efforts to revive and modernize airports are essential to enhance connectivity, promote tourism, and support economic growth. A comprehensive approach involving strategic planning, investment in infrastructure, and improved security measures is crucial to ensure that airports serve their intended purpose effectively.
