Heralding New Era: Belora Airport Decked Up For First Flight

Amravati: After overcoming multiple hurdles and long delays, Belora airport — located about 15 km south of Amravati city — is finally set to make its debut on the aviation map on April 16. The much-awaited airport, expected to boost regional connectivity and drive economic growth in Vidarbha, will be inaugurated by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in the presence of deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.Union civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu has also been invited to attend the event, which marks a significant milestone in the state's development journey.Amravati airport will become the third commercial airport managed by the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC), following Nagpur and Shirdi international airports. On Saturday, MADC vice-chairperson and managing director Swati Pandey inspected the facility ahead of its inauguration. Speaking to the media later, she said the launch of Amravati airport would herald a new era in the state's aviation sector."Receiving the aerodrome license for public use was a significant achievement. The airport was originally developed as a brownfield project in 1992, primarily for non-scheduled operations. However, with extensive redevelopment under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)–UDAN, it has been transformed into a fully operational commercial facility," Pandey stated.She announced that Alliance Air is scheduled to begin operating Mumbai–Amravati–Mumbai flights, providing vital air connectivity to the region. Additionally, the Air India Flight Training Organization (FTO), expected to be completed by the end of 2025, will be the largest in South Asia with a fleet of 34 aircraft. It is poised to become one of the country's premier pilot training institutes.Pandey emphasized that with its state-of-the-art infrastructure, sustainability-focused design, and strategic location, Amravati airport is set to become a key centre for aviation, tourism, pilot training, and industrial development. "The airport will also serve as a gateway to prominent cultural and ecological destinations such as the Melghat Wildlife Sanctuary and the Ambadevi Temple," she added.She further stated that the airport will act as a model for integrated development and a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and regional upliftment, supporting the state's vision of balanced and inclusive development.Pandey noted that Amravati has a strong base in textile and cotton production. The proposed PM-MITRA Mega Textile Park, spread across 1,000 acres in the region, is envisioned as a global hub for textile manufacturing and exports. It is expected to create numerous job opportunities, attract international investment, and strengthen India's position in the global textile market. Amravati: After overcoming multiple hurdles and long delays, Belora airport — located about 15 km south of Amravati city — is finally set to make its debut on the aviation map on April 16. The much-awaited airport, expected to boost regional connectivity and drive economic growth in Vidarbha, will be inaugurated by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in the presence of deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.Union civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu has also been invited to attend the event, which marks a significant milestone in the state's development journey.Amravati airport will become the third commercial airport managed by the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC), following Nagpur and Shirdi international airports. On Saturday, MADC vice-chairperson and managing director Swati Pandey inspected the facility ahead of its inauguration. Speaking to the media later, she said the launch of Amravati airport would herald a new era in the state's aviation sector."Receiving the aerodrome license for public use was a significant achievement. The airport was originally developed as a brownfield project in 1992, primarily for non-scheduled operations. However, with extensive redevelopment under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)–UDAN, it has been transformed into a fully operational commercial facility," Pandey stated.She announced that Alliance Air is scheduled to begin operating Mumbai–Amravati–Mumbai flights, providing vital air connectivity to the region. Additionally, the Air India Flight Training Organization (FTO), expected to be completed by the end of 2025, will be the largest in South Asia with a fleet of 34 aircraft. It is poised to become one of the country's premier pilot training institutes.Pandey emphasized that with its state-of-the-art infrastructure, sustainability-focused design, and strategic location, Amravati airport is set to become a key centre for aviation, tourism, pilot training, and industrial development. "The airport will also serve as a gateway to prominent cultural and ecological destinations such as the Melghat Wildlife Sanctuary and the Ambadevi Temple," she added.She further stated that the airport will act as a model for integrated development and a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and regional upliftment, supporting the state's vision of balanced and inclusive development.Pandey noted that Amravati has a strong base in textile and cotton production. The proposed PM-MITRA Mega Textile Park, spread across 1,000 acres in the region, is envisioned as a global hub for textile manufacturing and exports. It is expected to create numerous job opportunities, attract international investment, and strengthen India's position in the global textile market.

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