‘Shift Indian Air Force’s Helicopter Base From Bengaluru’s Yehalanka To Mysuru Airport’: H D Kumaraswamy

Karnataka's Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy has requested that the helicopter training division of the Indian Air Force (IAF) be shifted from Yelahanka in Bengaluru to Mysuru airport, reports The Hindu.

Kumaraswamy in a meeting with Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu also reportedly requested the Centre to develop Mysuru airport along the lines of Pune, Srinagar and Chandigarh airports for civil and military purposes.

The request for developing Mysuru airport and providing all facilities has been made to ease the pressure on Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru.

Prior to Kumaraswamy urging Airports Authority of India (AAI) to permit the shifting of IAF’s helicopter base, the government of Karnataka issued a no-objection certificate for the purpos for the same.

Meanwhile, The Hindu quoted its AAI sources as being reluctant to do so as they are awaiting acquisition of 248 acres of land for expansion of Mysuru airport.

The Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board, which has been directed by the State government to acquire land, is in the process of doing so. Presently, only short-haul 70-seater flights can operate from the airport, and the extension of the runway is necessary to operate long-haul flights.