Karnataka wants to retain old B'lore airport

Breaking its silence on the issue of operating two airports in Bangalore, the newly elected BJP government in Karnataka has favoured resumption of commercial operations at the old HAL airport, which was closed down on May 23 following the inauguration of the international airport on the outskirts of the city.

Speaking to reporters in Bangalore on the sidelines of the Fourth India Innovation Summit-2008, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry, state IT/BT Minister Katta Subramanya Naidu said: "Industry wants two airports for Bangalore and we think it is feasible to operate the old HAL airport and new Bangalore International Airport  simultaneously."

"While short-haul flights can operate from HAL airport, international flights can be handled by BIA. The Union government should intervene and suggest HAL and Bangalore International Airport Ltd to have a dialogue on the issue," he added.

Though the IT/BT honchos in the state opposed the closure citing underestimation of capacity utilisation at the new airport and lack of proper connectivity, BIAL rejected their contention saying the move would prevent the new airport from becoming an aviation hub. The previous JD(S) government had also chosen to toe the BIAL's line even as the project is funded 26 per cent stake by the state government.

However, the BS Yeddyurappa government, which held a series of discussions with industry players over the last fortnight, has decided to address the industry's demand.

"There are many cities with two airports. There is nothing wrong in retaining the old airport in Bangalore," Naidu said on Friday. On the BIA concession agreement that prohibits operation of any airport within the 150-km radius of the new airport, he said: "There is a scope for dialogue at every moment."

Naidu urged Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel to interact with all stakeholders and work out an amicable solution at the earliest. Incidentally, the ministry had earlier told the Karnataka High Court that it would take a decision on retaining the HAL airport after a capacity assessment of BIA.