Centre Declines Clearance for Hosur Greenfield Airport, Cites Defence Constraints

The Union government has once again declined to recommend Tamil Nadu’s proposal to establish a greenfield airport at Hosur, citing national defence considerations linked to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited operations in the region. The decision was communicated in the Rajya Sabha by Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu in response to queries raised by DMK MPs S Kalyanasundaram and Kanimozhi NVN Somu.

According to the minister, the proposal cannot be cleared at this stage as priority must be given to defence projects of national importance being carried out at the HAL airport. He stated that ensuring operational preparedness of the armed forces remains paramount, and therefore the Hosur airport project has not been recommended.

The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation had submitted the site clearance proposal in November last year. The proposal was circulated to the Airports Authority of India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Defence for their observations. However, airspace restrictions arising from HAL’s military operations and test flights have repeatedly stalled progress.

A request seeking airspace relaxation submitted in June was rejected. A renewed appeal made in January also did not receive approval, further delaying the project. The proposed airport is planned across nearly 2,979 acres in the Berigai, Bagalur and Shoolagiri region of Hosur.

The State government considers the airport critical infrastructure to support Hosur’s expanding industrial ecosystem, which includes several large manufacturing units and a strong base of MSMEs. Industry stakeholders believe enhanced air connectivity would boost exports, investments and regional employment.

The matter has gained urgency as neighbouring Andhra Pradesh advances plans for a greenfield airport at Kuppam. Pre feasibility studies have been conducted by the Airports Authority of India. Under the Greenfield Airports Policy, new airports within 150 km of an operational civilian airport require special approval, adding complexity to the Hosur proposal.