Parliament Question: Operationalisation of Moradabad Airport

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 887 ( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 23rd July 2026 ) OPERATIONALISATION OF MORADABAD AIRPORT 887. MRS RUCHI VIRA Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government is aware that despite the completion of Moradabad Airport, regular commercial flight operations and cargo services have not yet been commenced therefrom, causing considerable inconvenience to exporters and if so, the reasons therefor; (b) the present status of providing air connectivity from Moradabad to major commercial centres such as Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata under the UDAN Scheme; (c) whether the Government proposes to establish a dedicated Air Cargo Complex at Moradabad Airport for speedy export of brass handicrafts and if so, the details thereof; and (d) the time-bound plan/scheme of the Government to develop an aero-city in the nearby areas of the airport for generating employment opportunities for local youth? ANSWER Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Shri Murlidhar Mohol) (a) to (d): Moradabad Airport was identified and developed under the UDAN Scheme and is licensed for 2B-VFR operations. M/s Flybig has novated its contractual rights and obligations under the RCS to M/s Skyhop for the operation of the Moradabad to Lucknow route and other RCS routes connecting Kanpur, Hindon, Saharanpur and Dehradun. Under the next phase of the initiative, the Government has recently approved the next phase of the UDAN Scheme to connect 120 new destinations and facilitate travel for 4 crore passengers over the next ten years. Routes connecting Moradabad airport may be considered in the forthcoming bidding round under the modified UDAN Scheme, if any airline submits valid bids for the same.The development of cargo infrastructure at airports is a continuous process which is undertaken in a phased and demand-driven manner, aligned with actual cargo volumes, traffic potential and commercial viability. As per the provisions of UDAN scheme, airports developed under the scheme are no-frills airports with minimal infrastructure and facilities necessary to make them operational. The primary objective is to reduce construction and operational costs, thereby promoting regional connectivity to smaller towns and cities. The modernisation and further development of airport infrastructure is undertaken by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) or the respective airport operators based on traffic demand, commercial feasibility, and operational requirements. ******