Plans for 6th international airport in Kerala by NRI investors

Global Indian Association plans new airport in the South Indian state of Kerala. A group of Non Resident Indians have announced their ambitious plan for a new international airport in Konni, Pathanamthitta, sprawling 1,000 acres with an investment of [Indian] Rs2,000 crores.

Some civil aviation professionals working in various airlines are also associated with the new project in Central Kerala. Rajeev Joseph, an NRI who worked in the UAE about a decade ago, has come back to the UAE with his dream project.

The NRIs had informal consultation with Kerala Chief Minister Oomen Chandy and their plan is to build the airport on 1000 acres of land currently under the control of the government of Kerala and give 51 per cent stake in the project to the state government. They plan to source funds from overseas Indian investors.

The proposal for this new airport comes close on the heels of a similar plan for another international airport in Aranmula, which is currently facing stiff opposition from locals and politicians alike, who are against the acquisition of land for the airport and the project violating environmental rules.

“Expatraites from Central Travancore have to travel four to six hours after landing at any of the two airports. The new airport will make it easier for expats,” said Rajeev.

Addressing a press conference in Dubai to announce details of the new airport project, Rajeev said a new company, Indo Heritage International Aeropolis Pvt Ltd, has been formed to construct and commission the airport as well as to launch a low-cost airline service.

Rajeev added that the Kerala government should either give land for the airport project or should allow the new company to buy and develop the airport.