Parliament Question: Establishment of Aerodrome at Androth Island

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 879 ( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 23rd July 2026 ) ESTABLISHMENT OF AERODROME AT ANDROTH ISLAND 879. SHRI MUHAMMED HAMDULLAH SAYEED Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:- (a) the present status of the long-pending proposal for establishment of an aerodrome at Androth Island in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, including the reasons for the delay or non- implementation thereof; (b) whether the Government proposes to revive and expedite the said aerodrome project in view of the need to improve air connectivity, facilitate emergency medical evacuations, promote tourism and support the overall economic development of Androth Island and if so, the details thereof; and (c) whether, pending the establishment of the aerodrome at Androth Island, the Government proposes to route medical evacuation helicopters returning from Kochi via Androth to cater to the Island's population, particularly in view of the fact that such an arrangement was followed earlier and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Shri Murlidhar Mohol) (a) to (c): As per the Greenfield Airports (GFA) Policy, 2008, if any airport developer including a State Government desires to develop a Greenfield airport, they are required to identify a suitable site and get the Pre-feasibility Study conducted and submit a proposal to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) for 'Site Clearance' followed by 'In-Principle' approval. Proposal seeking 'Site Clearance' under GFA Policy for development of a Greenfield Airport at Androth Island in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep has not been received. The helicopter operations in Lakshadweep are primarily intended for air ambulance (medical evacuation) services from islands to mainland and for other administrative purposes. ******