Bengaluru: The ambitious Hosur Airport project has suffered a major setback after the Ministry of Defence reportedly rejected the Tamil Nadu government’s
request to approve land in Hosur for the proposed airport. According to a media report, the ministry declined clearance for the site, dealing a blow not only to Tamil Nadu but also to residents of South Bengaluru, who were hoping for an alternative to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). Reacting to the development, Biocon chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw on Monday expressed disappointment, saying the proposed Kanakapura site now offers some hope. “That’s a big disappointment to south Bangalore residents. Hope this gets compensated by the proposed Kanakapura site,” she said while reacting to a report by The Hindu on X (formerly Twitter).
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Why South Bengaluru Residents Were Banking on Hosur Airport
The Hosur Airport proposal had been widely welcomed by residents, cab drivers and transport operators, as it promised to significantly cut travel time to an airport. The Karnataka State Travel Operators’ Association (KSTOA), along with other taxi unions, had supported the plan, noting that commuters from eastern and southern Bengaluru currently spend over two hours reaching KIA.
Key Challenges for Hosur Airport
A major hurdle for the project is the need for clearance from the Ministry of Defence, as the airspace around Hosur is controlled by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). “The ministry communicated in a letter last week that HAL needed the airspace and denied the request. Now, the state government will evaluate its options and the further course of action,” The Hindu quoted a source as saying. The airport’s proximity to HAL is believed to be a key reason for the rejection.
Additionally, the project faces another significant obstacle: an existing agreement between Bangalore International Airport Limited and the Ministry of Civil Aviation that restricts the construction of a new airport within a 150-km aerial radius of Kempegowda International Airport.
