DGCA Announces Launch of Neyveli-Chennai Commercial Flights Under UDAN Scheme!
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has announced that commercial flights will soon begin from Neyveli Airport to Chennai Airport under the Union government’s UDAN scheme. The Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed to Congress MP MK Vishnu Prasad that operations will start with nine-seater air taxis once the airport is ready.
Neyveli Airport, owned by Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) and located in the Cuddalore district, is undergoing development for Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) flights. Rs 15.38 crore has been allocated for this project, with Rs 14.98 crore already spent as of June.
Before the airport becomes operational, it must undergo DGCA inspection and licensing. The current development is for the Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) 2B category, suitable for small aircraft. Future upgrades for ATR aircraft will depend on NLC, the airport`s owner.
MP Vishnu Prasad noted that Neyveli Airport was commercially functional nearly 15 years ago but operations were halted due to non-viability. Following discussions with the Union Minister of Civil Aviation, permission was granted for nine-seater flights. A Bengaluru-based airline is expected to handle the operations, with the Tamil Nadu government taking responsibility for airport security.
