HYDERABAD: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has given in-principle approval for the establishment of an airport in Adilabad and indicated that it may consider setting up a training base at the site, pending land availability.
In a letter to the Telangana government, the IAF stated that it would explore the possibility of establishing a training facility if the airport is developed in Adilabad. It also advised the Airports Authority of India (AAI) officials to coordinate with the state government in acquiring land that would serve the dual purposes of civil aviation and military training operations.
Adilabad already houses a 362-acre site originally developed during the Nizam era for Air Force aircraft operations. While the existing runway and facilities could support civil aviation needs, the IAF noted that developing a training centre would require a significantly larger area—approximately 1,592 acres, according to earlier assessments by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
To accommodate such expansion, the state government would need to undertake additional land acquisition and provide supporting infrastructure, including terminal facilities and runway upgrades.
State to Conduct Review Meeting: Komatireddy Venkat Reddy
Reacting to the development, Telangana Transport and Roads Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy confirmed that the state has received the IAF’s letter of approval. He said a review meeting would soon be held with officials to discuss land acquisition, infrastructure development, and coordination with central agencies.
The state had earlier appealed to the Centre for the airport’s establishment in Adilabad. The IAF’s in-principle clearance marks a significant step forward in the project, which could bring strategic as well as commercial aviation benefits to the northern Telangana region.
