Tamil Nadu Set to Begin Crucial Airspace Survey for Hosur Greenfield Airport

In a significant step towards the development of a greenfield airport in Hosur, the Tamil Nadu government is set to sign off a consultant to perform an Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) survey a compulsory requirement before signing off the final site The survey would commence within weeks and will take about a month to be done.

This step comes after the Airports Authority of India’s (AAI) recent survey, which identified two possible locations as feasible: one in the vicinity of the private airport owned by Taneja Aviation and Aerospace Limited (TAAL) in Belagondapalli, and the other along the Chennai-Bengaluru highway Both fall within defence-controlled airspace, requiring detailed examination.

“The next step is the OLS survey to assess the airspace at the shortlisted sites. Since the region is under the Ministry of Defence, this process is essential,” a source told Deccan Herald. The OLS survey will map a 20 km radius from the runway reference point, checking for potential obstructions using advanced instruments.

Given Bengaluru’s proximity and its strategic defense presence, including facilities operated by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, both sites are located near sensitive airspace. The Tamil Nadu government has already written to the Defence Ministry, requesting relaxation of airspace restrictions in Hosur for commercial operations. However, officials indicate that securing approval may take time due to the sensitivities involved.

“If only one site is deemed feasible after the survey, we will go with that. If both are viable, a policy decision will follow,” a second government source said.

The AAI report, submitted after evaluating five potential sites, listed the pros and cons for the final two shortlisted locations. The Tamil Nadu government is also exploring a parallel plan a joint venture with TAAL to convert its existing private facility into a commercial airport. One of the shortlisted sites lies adjacent to the TAAL premises, making it a strategic alternative.

With the OLS survey about to begin, Tamil Nadu’s Hosur airport project is edging closer to site selection and eventual clearance from defense authorities.