Ghaziabad: Cabinet Puts Brake on Hindon Airport Expansion; Reminder Sent Again

Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh: The expansion of Hindon Airport in Ghaziabad has hit a standstill as the state cabinet has not yet approved the land acquisition required for the project. Despite repeated efforts by Members of Parliament and officials from the Airport Authority of India (AAI), no significant progress has been made so far.

The Hindon Airport Authority has proposed the acquisition of 8 acres of land, which requires sanction at the Divisional Commissioner level. Surveys for the land acquisition have already been conducted twice jointly by the airport authority and local administration. However, further action is pending approval from the government. In view of the delay, the Airport Authority has sent another reminder letter to the concerned officials to expedite the process.

Parking Crunch Highlights Urgency

Currently, the airport faces a severe shortage of parking spaces. Employees, security personnel, and private airline staff struggle to find adequate parking, and the situation worsens during VIP visits. This has underscored the necessity of the airport’s expansion. Officials, from MPs to AAI representatives, have consistently lobbied for progress, but no major steps have yet been taken.

Official Statement from Hindon Airport Authority

Dr. Mahesh Chilka, Director of Hindon Airport Authority, stated, “We are actively working on the expansion from our side, but no work can proceed without government approval at the required level.”

Additional Hangar Area Still Pending

The issue of additional parking and hangar space is also unresolved. The Airport Authority has requested 34,500 square meters of land, but the Indian Air Force has raised objections due to a structure planned on the proposed site. The Authority will need to accommodate a similar structure before the Air Force can release land for the additional hangar.

The delay in approvals continues to affect operations and planning at Hindon Airport, highlighting the need for swift administrative action to support both civil aviation and strategic requirements.