Minicoy Island is the second-largest and southernmost island in Lakshadweep. The airfield will not only serve as a hub for travellers coming to Lakshadweep for vacation but also be used to operate military aircraft.
- The Indian govt is moving ahead with the plan to construct a new airport in Lakshadweep’s Minicoy Island
- The plan entails a dual-purpose airfield for civilian and military planes
- India plans to strengthen surveillance capabilities over Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean
The Indian government is progressing with the initiative to construct a new airport at Minicoy Island in Lakshadweep. The proposed airport would accommodate both military and civilian aircraft. ( details for information purpose only)
The plan entails a dual-purpose airfield capable of operating fighter jets, other military planes, and commercial aircraft, according to government sources who told India Today. Previously, proposals for the development of a new airfield in Minicoy Island were submitted to the government. The proposal, now revived, has been presented to the government again, with the intention of joint usage.
Currently, Lakshadweep has only one airstrip serving all the islands, located on Agatti Island. The Agatti Airport, managed by the Airports Authority of India, has been the gateway to the archipelago since 2010. However, due to having only one airstrip, the types of aircraft that can operate from the airport are limited. The sole commercial flight reaching Agatti Airport is an Air India plane from Kochi.
While limited flights currently operate from Lakshadweep, ships and ferries play a significant role in transporting tourists to the island, with most of these vessels operating from Kochi. The proposed Minicoy airport aims to increase the accessibility of Lakshadweep by air.
Lakshadweep is poised to become one of India’s most popular tourist destinations. Its potential as a tropical getaway has captured attention lately, leading the government to enhance travel to the union territory by introducing a new airport on Lakshadweep’s Minicoy Island. ( details for information purpose only)