Kondotty: The past year has witnessed major developments as far as the Karipur international airport is concerned. Land acquisition, strengthening of runway, new safety equipment and other projects that will lay the foundation for future development have been implemented in 2023. 

Land acquisition and RESA upgrade

The greatest relief came with the land acquisition for the RESA (Runway end safety area) development that eliminated the concerns and uncertainties that surrounded the airport during the initial months this year. Union aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia had issued warnings that if the land was not acquired by August 1, the runway of the airport would be shortened. This would deter big airplanes from running services from the airport. 

The state government was able to acquire 12.48 acres of land and a special rehabilitation package of Rs 10 lakh was also given to the displaced families. A total of Rs 72.85 crore was paid as compensation. It is estimated that the RESA will be ready within 19 months.

In 2023, there was a ban on daytime flight services at Karipur airport for a period of 10 months. The runway was closed in this manner for re-carpeting activities. Runway recarpeting was completed at a cost of Rs 60 crore. Along with this, central line light and touchdown zone lights have also been installed to make landing safer even in adverse weather conditions.

The cargo complex at Karipur is expecting a new X-ray machine, pallet trucks, trolleys,etc. Minister P. Rajiv said in the Assembly that if more space is available, a cooling mechanism will also be installed. It is hoped that the development of the cargo complex will aid in the growth of exports from the airport.