**Policy Summary: Proposed Mini Airport at Kadmath Island, Lakshadweep**
This document summarizes the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation's response to a parliamentary question regarding the potential construction of a mini airport at Kadmath Island, Lakshadweep. The inquiry specifically addressed the need for improved connectivity for tourists, patients, and students from northern islands, and whether the Lakshadweep Administration had submitted a proposal for such a project.
The Ministry's response indicates that while eight water aerodromes, including one at Kadmat, have been identified within Lakshadweep under the UDAN 4.0 and 4.2 schemes for seaplane operations, and the Kavaratti-Kadmat-Kavaratti route has been awarded to Spice Jet Limited, commencement of flight services is contingent on the readiness of these water aerodromes.
Furthermore, the Ministry clarifies that no proposal for 'Site Clearance' under the Greenfield Airports (GFA) Policy, 2008 has been received from the Lakshadweep Administration or any airport developer for the construction of a greenfield airport at Kadmath Island. The GFA policy dictates that any entity wishing to develop an airport must first conduct a pre-feasibility study and submit a proposal to the Central Government for site clearance, followed by 'In-Principle' approval.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Civil Aviation: The Indian government ministry responsible for the formulation and administration of rules, regulations and policies relating to civil aviation.
Shri Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed: Member of Parliament who raised the question in Lok Sabha regarding the construction of a mini airport at Kadmath Island.
Kadmath Island, Lakshadweep: An island in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, India, proposed as a site for a mini airport.
Lakshadweep Administration: The administrative body of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, India.
Shri Murlidhar Mohol: Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation who provided the answer to the Lok Sabha question.
UDAN 4.0 4.2: A regional airport development scheme of the Government of India to enhance aviation infrastructure and air connectivity in the country.
Spice Jet Limited: An Indian airline company awarded the Kavaratti-Kadmat-Kavaratti route for seaplane operations.
Greenfield Airports GFA Policy, 2008: A policy formulated by the Government of India for the development of new Greenfield airports in the country.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 4746
( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 21st August 2025 )
MINI AIRPORT AT KADMATH ISLAND
4746. SHRI MUHAMMED HAMDULLAH SAYEED
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION
be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government is considering the construction of a mini airport at Kadmath
Island to improve connectivity, particularly for tourists, patients and students from northern
islands such as Kilthan, Chetlat, Bitra and Amini and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Lakshadweep Administration has submitted any proposal in this regard and if
so, the details and status thereof;
(c) whether financial and administrative approvals have been accorded in this regard and if
so, the details thereof;
(d) whether Kadmath Island, being an attractive tourist destination, has the potential to
emerge as a major tourism spot; and
(e) if so, whether improved air access is expected to help in tapping this potential and if so,
the details thereof?
ANSWER
Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Shri Murlidhar
Mohol)
(a) to (e): In Union Territory of Lakshadweep, eight (8) water aerodromes namely Kavaratti,
Minicoy, Agatti, Kalpeni, Bitra, Kadmat, Kiltan, & Bangaram have been identified under
UDAN 4.0 & 4.2 for seaplane operation and Kavaratti-Kadmat-Kavaratti route have been
awarded to M/s Spice Jet Limited. Commencement of flight services is subject to the
readiness of the Water Aerodromes.
Government of India (GoI) has formulated a Greenfield Airports (GFA) Policy, 2008 for
development of new Greenfield airports in the country. As per the policy, if any Airport
developer including the State Government desires to develop an airport, they are required to
identify a suitable site and get the Pre-feasibility Study conducted and submit a proposal to
the Central Government for 'Site Clearance' followed by 'In-Principle' approval.
GoI has not received any proposal for 'Site Clearance' under the GFA Policy from the U.T.
Administration of Lakshadweep or any Airport Developer for construction of a Greenfield
Airport at Kadmath Island of Lakshadweep.
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