AAI to manage 35 non-metro airports

MODERNISATION: Heeding to the demands of Left parties and trade unions, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel has made it clear that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) would continue to manage the 35 non-metro airports which have been shortlisted for upgradation and modernisation.

Describing as "absolutely misleading" reports that AAI would not take the lead role and go for private sector participation in these airports, he told Karan Thapar's 'Devil's Advocate' programme that the 35 airports "will be modernised with AAI playing the lead role".

"There will be a joint venture in each of these 35 airports for non-aeronautical development, that means development of retail, hotels, car parks etc. The Airports Authority will run these airports", Patel was quoted as saying in a release issued by programme producer ITV.

He said all these airports were being designed by global competition and not in-house. "The entire projects are going to be turnkey projects, so they will be made in time with quality specifications".

In Delhi and Mumbai airports, Patel said he had spoken to the unions and the Left parties and claimed there would be "no confrontation" and the two airports would be handed over to the joint venture companies. (PTI)