Mysuru Airport Runway Upgrade Advances After Land Acquisition

The expansion and upgrading of Mysuru Airport (MYQ) is moving forward after the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) completed the majority of its required land acquisition. This development clears a significant hurdle for the project, which includes a critical runway extension designed to accommodate larger narrow-body aircraft and enhance regional connectivity in southern India. The Airport Authority of India (AAI) is now positioned to proceed with a detailed project plan once the land is formally transferred.

The project is a key component of the region's economic development strategy, aiming to attract more investment and tourism to the city of Mysuru. By upgrading the airport's infrastructure to handle aircraft like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, the city can establish direct air links to major metropolitan hubs across the country, bypassing the need for connections through larger airports.

Land Acquisition Nears Completion

The runway expansion requires a total of 240 acres of land. The KIADB (Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board), the state agency responsible for the acquisition, has successfully acquired 206.12 acres. The remainder is designated as government land. According to N C Venkatraju, Special Land Acquisition Officer for KIADB, consent was obtained from landowners for 181.12 acres of the acquired private land.

For the remaining 18 acres, the agency is pursuing a general award to provide compensation for existing structures or trees, with the funds to be deposited in court for the owners. Once this process is finalized, the land will be formally handed over to the AAI through the Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC), which serves as the project's nodal agency.

Runway and Infrastructure Upgrade Details

Mysuru Airport's existing runway measures 1,740 meters, which restricts its operations to turboprop aircraft such as the ATR-72, with a typical capacity of around 72 passengers. The expansion will be executed in two phases: the first will extend the runway to 2,300 meters, and the second will bring it to a final length of 2,750 meters.

This extension is critical for operational capability, as it will allow the airport to handle Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 family aircraft, which have seating capacities of over 180 passengers. This upgrade facilitates direct flights to more distant domestic destinations and opens potential for future international services.

In preparation, a multi-agency re-survey of the land was conducted in February, involving officials from AAI, KIADB, KSIIDC, and other state and national bodies. Mysuru Airport Director P V Usha Kumari confirmed that boundary stones have been laid based on official maps. The project also includes significant ancillary work, such as the underground cabling of power lines, construction of tunnels for irrigation canals, and a planned diversion of National Highway 766, to be managed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

Regulatory Approvals and Future Services

Primary security clearance for the associated infrastructure works has been obtained. According to Director Usha Kumari, the project is now awaiting expert clearance from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the national regulator for aviation security standards.

The airport is also seeking to re-establish its role in the central government's regional connectivity initiative. From 2017 to September 2023, Mysuru was part of the UDAN-RCS (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik - Regional Connectivity Scheme), which subsidized flights to destinations like Goa, Kochi, and Hyderabad. Airport officials have approached the Ministry of Civil Aviation for the reintroduction of these routes, which previously saw occupancy rates above 80 percent.

Currently, IndiGo operates two flights from Mysuru to Chennai and Hyderabad, reportedly with 100 percent occupancy, indicating strong underlying demand. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has also given clearance for a new carrier, Alhind Air, to begin operations. The airline is expected to launch services in September, with routes to be determined based on slot availability.

What Comes Next

Once the land is officially handed over by KSIIDC, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) will develop a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the expansion. The AAI's Master Plan for the airport was confirmed in late 2023. Following the DPR's finalization, the AAI will proceed with land development and the physical construction for the runway extension and associated upgrades.

Why This Matters

This expansion is a strategic move that aligns with India's broader push to enhance regional air travel through initiatives like the UDAN Scheme. Upgrading Mysuru Airport reduces the operational burden on Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru and establishes a viable secondary hub in Karnataka. For airlines, the ability to operate larger, more efficient narrow-body jets opens up new, commercially viable routes, potentially increasing competition and improving connectivity for both business and leisure travelers in the region.

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