Hyderabad: The Centre government on Friday, February 28, approved the development and operationalisation of Warangal Airport, waiving the exclusivity clause that restricted new airport developments within 150 km of Hyderabad International Airport.
According to an official order, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) had sought approval for the revival of Warangal’s Mamnoor Airport, referring to letters from the Telangana government confirming Hyderabad International Airport Limited (HIAL) had issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the project.
The clause 5.2 of the Concession Agreement between the Government of India (GoI) and HIAL previously barred the establishment of new domestic or international airports within a 150 km aerial radius of Hyderabad Airport for 25 years.
However, HIAL’s Board of Directors granted a one-time waiver for Mamnoor Airport, clarifying that this exemption would not apply to future airport projects by AAI or the Telangana government.
Revival of Mamnoor Airport in Warangal
The Telangana government has allocated Rs 205 crore to acquire 253 acres of land for expanding and modernizing Mamnoor Airport for Hyderabad-like growth.
The expansion plan includes:
- Extending the existing 1.8-km runway to 3.9 km to accommodate larger aircraft like Boeing 747s.
- Constructing a new terminal building.
- Establishing modern air traffic control (ATC) facilities.
- Installing advanced navigational equipment.
With the operationalization of Mamnoor Airport, Warangal is expected to attract investments, generate employment opportunities, and enhance connectivity. Improved air travel facilities will boost trade, tourism, and make the district an attractive destination for industries and businesses.
After Hyderabad, Warangal to get airport
Once operational, Mamnoor Airport will become the second functional airport in Telangana.
Currently, it is non-operational, having remained in service until 1981.
This airport, the largest pre-independence era facility in the region, was built in 1930 and commissioned by the last Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan.
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