The Amravati Airport, developed by the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC), has received an aerodrome license from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), officially designating it as a licensed Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) airport. This milestone is expected to significantly boost air connectivity, tourism, and economic growth in the region.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the development on social media, calling it a “new era of enhanced air connectivity, economic growth, tourism, and development opportunities for the region.” He also confirmed that flight operations will commence by the end of the month.
Initially, Alliance Air will operate flights on the Mumbai-Amravati-Mumbai route three times a week using an ATR 72 aircraft under the RCS initiative. The airport recently completed a critical step toward full operational status with the successful air calibration of its Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) system. This safety measure ensures that aircraft can land safely while adhering to international aviation standards.
The calibration was conducted by the Airports Authority of India's (AAI) Flight Inspection Unit using a Beech Air 360 ER Turboprop aircraft from Bengaluru. The flight, led by Captain Anoop Kachroo and a seven-member crew of aviation experts, tested the PAPI system from both ends of Runway 26/08. Swati Pandey, Vice Chairman and Managing Director (VCMD) of MADC, personally oversaw the calibration process.
Amravati Airport Set for Takeoff: DGCA License Granted, Flights to Begin Soon | File Photo
With key infrastructure such as the passenger terminal building and air traffic control (ATC) towers completed, only a few final security checks remain before commercial operations commence.
Officially named Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Airport, Amravati Airport is located near Belora, about 15 km south of Amravati. Its launch is expected to reduce dependency on Nagpur Airport, which is 150 km away, and provide a much-needed boost to regional air connectivity, business, and investment opportunities.
With commercial operations likely to begin by year-end, Amravati Airport is poised to play a crucial role in the region’s development.
