In major relief for Sindhudurg residents and boost to Konkan’s tourism sector, the state cabinet on Wednesday approved resumption of operations at the Chipi airport, which had remained non-operational
in recent weeks due to technical challenges. The Chipi airport, located in Parule-Chipi village of Sindhudurg district, was inaugurated with the promise of connecting the picturesque Konkan region with major cities. However, the suspension of flights had forced both locals and tourists to fall back on road travel or rely on airports in neighbouring Goa, causing inconvenience and hampering regional tourism. With the cabinet’s approval, the services will now restart under the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) model, ensuring sustained operations and solutions for night-landing facilities. “The resumption of services at Chipi Airport will benefit not just Sindhudurg but the entire Konkan region. Tourists from Maharashtra and outside will find it easier to access our beautiful coastline. We are making every effort to resume flights before Ganeshotsav,” said Minister Nitesh Rane who represents Konkan region in the state assembly. He also thanked Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the cabinet for prioritising this decision. For years, Konkan’s connectivity has been a challenge. While the region is a magnet for tourists, with its pristine beaches, temples, forts, and world-famous Malvani cuisine, the lack of direct air access limited its growth. Tourists from Mumbai, Pune, and even other states had to either embark on long, exhausting road trips or fly into Goa’s Dabolim and Mopa airports before making the onward journey into Maharashtra’s Konkan. With Chipi airport set to resume operations, that extra travel burden will finally be lifted. This decision is also timely, with the upcoming Ganeshotsav festival, when thousands of Mumbaikars and Maharashtrians travel to their native towns and villages in Konkan. Until now, overcrowded trains, long traffic jams, and limited alternatives made the journey a stressful experience. The reopening of Chipi airport is expected to transform this scenario, offering faster and more convenient travel for devotees heading home for the festival. Economically, the airport’s revival is expected to be a game-changer. Local businesses – from hotels and homestays to transport operators, handicraft sellers, and small eateries – stand to gain from the surge in tourist arrivals. Direct air connectivity will not only attract domestic travellers, but also pave the way for international charter flights in the future, giving Konkan’s tourism sector a much-needed boost. The airport will also open new opportunities for local youth in terms of employment in aviation-linked services, hospitality, and tourism. With VGF support resolving critical operational gaps, the Chipi airport could finally emerge as a reliable hub for air travel in Maharashtra’s coastal belt. For Sindhudurg and the Konkan region, the cabinet nod is not just about reopening an airport, it is about unlocking the region’s potential and ensuring that its beauty and culture are accessible to the world.
