NEW DELHI- India’s Civil Aviation Ministry has received proposals from ten state governments to rename 22 airports across the country including Shirdi Airport and Tirupati Airport.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol revealed this information in a written response to the Lok Sabha.
22 Airports Renaming Proposal
Airports are typically named after their location, but states can propose specific names. This process requires a resolution from the state legislative assembly.
The proposal then undergoes scrutiny in consultation with other ministries and departments before reaching the Union Cabinet for final approval.
Andhra Pradesh leads with proposals for three airports, including renaming Tirupati Airport to ‘Sri Venkateswara Airport’. Bihar seeks to rename Darbhanga Airport as ‘Vidyapati Airport’.
Maharashtra has put forward five proposals, notably suggesting ‘Shree Sai Baba International Airport’ for Shirdi Airport.
Karnataka follows with four airport renaming proposals, while Uttar Pradesh has submitted requests for four of its airports.
Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Punjab, and Uttarakhand have each proposed renaming one airport in their respective states.
This wave of renaming proposals reflects a growing trend among state governments to align airport names with local cultural, historical, or religious significance. The process underscores the complex interplay between state and central governments in India’s federal structure.
The renaming of airports can have significant implications for regional identity, tourism, and even political messaging. It often sparks debates about the balance between honoring local heritage and maintaining practical, location-based naming conventions for air travel.
Shirdi International Airport
Shirdi Airport (SAG), inaugurated in October 2017, has quickly become Maharashtra’s fourth busiest airport, trailing only Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur. The Maharashtra Airport Development Company Limited owns the facility, while the Airports Authority of India manages its operations.
Located in Ahmednagar district, Shirdi Airport serves as a vital transportation hub for the region, particularly catering to pilgrims visiting the famous Shirdi Temple. Its construction has significantly eased travel for devotees, boosting religious tourism in the area.
The airport currently features a single terminal, T1, spanning 2,750 square meters. This compact facility efficiently handles around 500 passengers daily. Recognizing the growing demand, airport authorities have secured approval for a new terminal expansion project, which will increase passenger capacity.
Despite its classification as one of Maharashtra’s smallest domestic airports, Shirdi International Airport maintains a robust flight schedule. It serves seven destinations through two airlines: IndiGo (6E) and SpiceJet (SG). IndiGo operates on five routes, while SpiceJet covers four, collectively offering approximately 135 domestic flights monthly.
Hyderabad emerges as the most frequent destination, with an average of 17 weekly flights. Other key routes include Bangalore, New Delhi, and Indore, enhancing connectivity between Shirdi and major Indian cities.
The airport’s strategic location and growing flight network have played a crucial role in developing Shirdi as a pilgrimage center. By providing easier access, it has contributed to the local economy and tourism sector.
Tirupati Airport
Tirupati Airport, a vital domestic aviation hub in Andhra Pradesh, serves the pilgrimage city of Tirupati. Located in Renigunta, Chittoor district, the airport occupies 312 acres.
The airport’s journey began in 2010 when then-Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh laid its foundation stone. Operations commenced in 2015, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi officiating the inauguration. Since then, it has provided crucial connectivity for devotees visiting the renowned Tirupati Balaji temple, situated about 40 kilometers and a 90-minute drive from the airport.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) jointly manage Tirupati Airport. AAI oversees passenger amenities and conducts annual maintenance and upgrades to ensure optimal functionality.
The airport features a single domestic terminal serving various Indian cities. Major airlines operating from Tirupati include Air India, IndiGo, Star India, Alliance Air, and SpiceJet. The terminal offers comprehensive facilities such as rest areas, dining options, and shopping outlets. It boasts 18 check-in counters, four immigration counters, five baggage conveyors, three baggage claim carousels, two VIP lounges, and parking for 250 vehicles.
A long-awaited expansion plan for Tirupati Airport has recently received approval. The AAI has acquired 3.40 acres of additional land, with compensation to be disbursed to affected farmers and landowners. This expansion project, allocated Rs 177 crore, will include the construction of a dedicated Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Renigunta Airport.
Darbhanga Airport
Darbhanga Airport, located on the outskirts of Darbhanga, Bihar, has emerged as a crucial domestic aviation hub and Indian Air Force Station. The airport, operating under the IATA code DBR and ICAO code VEDH, sits strategically near the NH-105 and NH-57 highways.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) manages this facility, which began its journey on December 24, 2018, when then-Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu laid its foundation stone. Commercial operations commenced on November 8, 2020, following efforts by former Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.
AAI has invested approximately ₹100 crores in developing an Interim Terminal Building, taxi track, and apron area. The runway underwent strengthening to accommodate larger aircraft like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737.
A significant milestone was reached on February 16, 2021, with the operationalization of a 167m x 62m apron, capable of hosting two B737-800/A320 aircraft simultaneously, enhancing operational efficiency.
The current terminal boasts six check-in counters and can handle 200 peak-hour passengers, with parking for 30 cars. However, expansion plans are already underway. The Bihar government has acquired and transferred 78 additional acres to AAI for further development. This expansion aims to construct a new passenger terminal, Air Traffic Control tower, and cargo facilities near NH-27.
A proposal to rename the airport as “Mahakavi Kokil Vidyapati Airport,” after the famous Maithili poet, has gained traction, with local MP Gopal Jee Thakur advocating for it at the highest levels of government.
As of March 2023, land acquisition for various improvements is progressing. The state has secured 24 acres for runway expansion, 54 acres for a new permanent terminal, and 24 acres for installing an Instrument Landing System (ILS) to enable night operations by mid-2023.
We will share more details once we get official confirmation. Stay tuned. Also, let us know your thoughts about renaming airports in the comments.
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