Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Inaugurates Amravati Airport and Announces Southeast Asia's Largest Pilot Training Institute.
National
In April 2025, Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister (CM) of Maharashtra, inaugurated Amravati Airport in Belora, Vidarbha, Maharashtra. The airport is now operated by Alliance Air, marking a significant milestone for regional air connectivity in the state.
- During the inauguration event, CM Fadnavis flagged off the first flight from Amravati to Mumbai under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) - Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN). This initiative aims to make air travel more affordable and accessible for the common man.
- The inauguration was attended by key dignitaries, including Union Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Union Minister of State (MOS) Murlidhar Mohol, MoCA, and Deputy Chief Ministers (DCMs) of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. Their presence highlighted the importance of this project.
- So far, Maharashtra has identified 160 routes under the UDAN scheme, with 105 of them already operational. The state's efforts to enhance regional connectivity through air travel were showcased during the event, reinforcing the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure.
Main Point :- (i) Originally developed by the Public Works Department (PWD) in 1992, Amravati Airport had remained non-functional for years. Its revival was spearheaded by the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC), which undertook significant infrastructure upgrades, including an extended runway and acquiring the necessary operating license from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
(ii) During the event, CM Fadnavis also announced the establishment of Southeast Asia’s largest pilot training institute in Amravati. The Flying Training Organisation (FTO) will open in the next six months, with 34 training aircraft. The institute aims to train 180 pilots annually, positioning India as a leader in aviation education.
(iii) Union Minister Rammohan Naidu highlighted the 40% increase in air passenger traffic over the last five years. He also pointed out the growth in India's airport infrastructure, with the number of airports in the country increasing from 74 in 2014 to 159 in 2025, further emphasizing the importance of the UDAN scheme and regional connectivity.
About Maharashtra
Chief Minister (CM) : Eknath Shinde
Governor : CP Radhakrishnan
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