Table of Contents
- Key Highlights - Agatti Airport
- History of Agatti Airport
- Airport Infrastructure and Facilities and Expansion Plans
- Flights from Agatti Airport
- Facilities and Amenities at Agatti Airport
- Airport Statistics
- Importance and Role in Lakshadweep's Development
- Challenges and Considerations
- Conclusion
- Faq's
Agatti Airport, located on the southern tip of Agatti Island in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, India, is the sole airstrip serving the picturesque archipelago. Nestled 459 km (285 miles) off the western coast of the Indian mainland, the Union Territory of Lakshadweep is a true tropical oasis, renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and laid-back island lifestyle. At the heart of this picturesque archipelago lies Agatti Airport, the sole airstrip serving the region and the primary entry point for visitors to this remote island chain.
The airport's history dates back to 1987-1988, prior to this, the islands were only accessible by sea, with passenger ships operating between Lakshadweep and the mainland port city of Kochi.
Over the years, Agatti Airport has undergone a series of expansions and modernization projects to enhance its capabilities and accommodate growing air traffic. In the mid-2000s, construction of a new terminal building, air traffic control tower, and other supporting infrastructure commenced, marking a significant milestone in the airport's development.
Today, Agatti Airport serves as the primary gateway to Lakshadweep, handling a total of 89,000 passengers in the 2021-22 fiscal year, including 44,000 arrivals and 45,000 departures. The airport's peak traffic is typically recorded during the October to March tourist season, when the weather is most favorable for visiting the islands.
As the sole airstrip serving this remote archipelago, Agatti Airport plays a crucial role in the development and economic growth of Lakshadweep. By facilitating both passenger and cargo transportation, the airport serves as a vital lifeline, ensuring the well-being and progress of the local population while also supporting the region's growing tourism industry.
Agatti Airport, Source: Wikipedia
Key Highlights - Agatti Airport
Key Highlights | |
Location | Southern end of Agatti Island, Lakshadweep, India |
Operator | Airports Authority of India |
Opened | 16 April 1988 |
Agatti Airport Code | AGX |
Runway Surface | Asphalt, 1,291 m (4,235 ft) in length |
Passenger Handling Capacity | 50 passengers |
Annual Passengers | 48,485 passengers |
Aircraft Movements | 1,990 movements |
Cargo Tonnage | 48 tonnes |
Address | R5HH+6PV, Airport Rd, Agatti, Lakshadweep 682553 |
History of Agatti Airport
Agatti Airport Airstrip
The Agatti Airport airstrip was first constructed between 1987-1988 to accommodate Dornier 228 aircraft. Prior to this, the islands were only accessible by sea, with passenger ships operating between Lakshadweep and the mainland port city of Kochi. The initial terminal building was a small, temporary structure.
In the mid-2000s, the airport underwent a major expansion and modernisation project.
Construction of a new terminal building, air traffic control tower, and other supporting infrastructure commenced in 2006. However, the terminal building project was temporarily halted due to plans to extend the runway.
The runway resurfacing was completed in November 2010, allowing Air India Regional (now Alliance Air) to begin operating ATR-42 aircraft connecting Agatti to Kochi. This was a significant milestone, as it improved accessibility and allowed for larger aircraft to serve the island.
The next phase of development, which is currently underway, involves a more ambitious expansion plan. In 2013, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) received environmental clearance to extend the runway by constructing a 1,500-foot bridge over the sea. This extension will enable the airport to handle larger ATR-72 aircraft as well as Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 planes, without payload restrictions.
The expanded terminal building, scheduled for completion in the coming years, will be able to accommodate 150 passengers at a time, with dedicated arrival and departure areas. Other upgrades include a new apron, taxiway, navigational aids, and parking facilities. These enhancements will significantly improve the airport's capacity and operational efficiency, catering to the growing number of visitors to Lakshadweep.
Airport Infrastructure and Facilities and Expansion Plans
Agatti Airport Infrastructure and Expansion Plans
Agatti Airport is spread across 18.56 hectares (45.9 acres) on the southern end of Agatti Island. It currently has a single asphalt runway, oriented 04/22, measuring 1,204 meters (3,950 feet) in length and 30 meters (98 feet) in width.
The existing terminal building can handle up to 50 passengers during peak hours. Navigational aids at the airport include a DME (Distance Measuring Equipment) and NDB (Non-Directional Beacon). The airport is operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
As part of the ongoing expansion project, the runway will be extended by 336 meters (1,102 feet) towards the southwest, over the lagoon. This will create a runway length of 1,540 meters (5,052 feet), allowing for the operation of larger aircraft like the ATR-72, Airbus A320, and Boeing 737.
The new terminal building, scheduled to cover an area of 2,250 square meters (24,200 square feet), will be able to accommodate 150 passengers at a time (75 arriving and 75 departing). It will be fully air-conditioned and equipped with modern amenities. The existing control tower, fire station, and terminal building will be demolished to make way for the expanded facilities.
Other infrastructure upgrades include a new 118x62-meter (387x203-foot) apron capable of parking two ATR-72 aircraft, a 73-meter (240-foot) taxiway, a 60x90-meter (197x295-foot) Runway End Safety Area (RESA), and a 60x30-meter (197x98-foot) blast pad/overrun area. A 2,000-square-meter (21,500-square-foot) car parking lot will also be constructed.
To enhance navigation, a new DVOR (Doppler VHF Omnidirectional Range) and NDB will be installed on the neighboring Kalpati Island. These upgrades will significantly improve the airport's operational capabilities and safety standards.
Flights from Agatti Airport
Agatti Airport currently serves flights operated by three airlines:
Alliance Air: Connects Agatti to Kochi and Bangalore
Fly91: Operates flights between Agatti and Goa-Mopa
IndiGo: Connects Agatti to Kochi, Bangalore, and Kozhikode
Alliance Air, a subsidiary of Air India, is the primary airline serving Agatti, operating ATR-72 turboprop aircraft on the Kochi and Bangalore routes. Fly91 and IndiGo also provide connectivity to the mainland, further enhancing the accessibility of Lakshadweep.
Facilities and Amenities at Agatti Airport
Amenities at Agatti Airport
Agatti Airport, the sole airstrip serving the Lakshadweep archipelago, offers a range of facilities and amenities to ensure a comfortable and seamless travel experience for passengers:
Terminal Building
The compact terminal building spans 566 square meters, efficiently utilizing space without compromising essential facilities.
It can accommodate 50 passengers at a time, considering both arrivals and departures, providing a personalized and comfortable experience.
Check-in and Security
The airport has a single dedicated check-in counter, ensuring streamlined check-in procedures.
There is one security checkpoint that adheres to international aviation standards, prioritizing passenger safety.
Parking
Agatti Airport offers both short-term and long-term parking options to cater to different passenger needs.
Information Desk
The information desk, staffed with knowledgeable personnel, assists passengers by providing quick and easy answers to their questions.
Cafeteria
The airport's cafeteria serves a variety of basic food items, including beverages and snacks, to accommodate diverse tastes.
Baggage Assistance
Dedicated baggage assistance counters allow passengers to report any baggage-related issues for quick resolution.
Waiting Lounge
The exquisite waiting lounge at Agatti Airport provides a comfortable space for passengers to relax before their flights.
These facilities and amenities contribute to a smooth and enjoyable travel experience for passengers visiting the Lakshadweep Islands through Agatti Airport.
Airport Statistics
Conclusion
Agatti Airport, the sole airstrip serving the Lakshadweep archipelago, is a vital transportation hub that has transformed the accessibility and development of these remote tropical islands. Its ongoing expansion and modernization project, which aims to enhance the airport's capacity and operational capabilities, will play a crucial role in supporting Lakshadweep's growing tourism industry and improving the overall connectivity and well-being of the local population.
As Agatti Airport continues to evolve, it must balance the need for improved infrastructure and accessibility with the imperative of environmental protection and sustainable development. By navigating these challenges, the airport can ensure that Lakshadweep's unique natural and cultural heritage is preserved, while also unlocking the islands' full potential as a premier tourist destination and thriving community.
Importance and Role in Lakshadweep's Development
Agatti Airport serves as the primary gateway to the Lakshadweep archipelago, which comprises 36 islands spread across an area of just 32 square kilometers. As the sole airstrip in the union territory, it plays a crucial role in connecting these remote islands to the Indian mainland, facilitating both passenger and cargo transportation.
Prior to the airport's establishment, Lakshadweep was accessible only by sea, with passenger ships operating between Kochi and the islands. The introduction of air connectivity has significantly improved the islands' accessibility, reducing travel time and making it more convenient for visitors, residents, and essential supplies to reach the archipelago.
The airport's expansion and upgrades are crucial for supporting Lakshadweep's growing tourism industry, which is a key driver of the local economy. The improved infrastructure and ability to handle larger aircraft will allow more visitors to experience the islands' stunning natural beauty, including their pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and unique cultural heritage.
Beyond tourism, Agatti Airport also plays a vital role in the transportation of essential goods and services to the islands, such as food, medical supplies, and construction materials. This connectivity is particularly important given the remote and isolated nature of Lakshadweep, ensuring the well-being and development of the local population.
Challenges and Considerations
The development of Agatti Airport and Lakshadweep's air connectivity has not been without its challenges. The remote location, fragile ecosystem, and environmental sensitivity of the islands have required careful planning and consideration to ensure sustainable development.
One of the key challenges faced during the airport's expansion was the initial plan to construct a bridge between Agatti and the neighboring uninhabited Kalpati Island to extend the runway. This proposal was ultimately rejected on environmental grounds, as the bridge would have disrupted a turtle colony and required the leveling of Kalpati Island.
The revised expansion plan, which involves extending the runway over the lagoon without connecting the islands, addresses these environmental concerns. However, the construction of the runway extension and other infrastructure on the lagoon still requires meticulous environmental impact assessments and mitigation measures to protect the delicate marine ecosystem.
Another consideration is the airport's vulnerability to the effects of climate change, particularly rising sea levels and the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Ensuring the long-term resilience of the airport's infrastructure and operations is crucial, as any disruptions could have significant consequences for the islands' connectivity and development.
Conclusion
Agatti Airport, the sole airstrip serving the Lakshadweep archipelago, is a vital transportation hub that has transformed the accessibility and development of these remote tropical islands. Its ongoing expansion and modernization project, which aims to enhance the airport's capacity and operational capabilities, will play a crucial role in supporting Lakshadweep's growing tourism industry and improving the overall connectivity and well-being of the local population.
As Agatti Airport continues to evolve, it must balance the need for improved infrastructure and accessibility with the imperative of environmental protection and sustainable development. By navigating these challenges, the airport can ensure that Lakshadweep's unique natural and cultural heritage is preserved, while also unlocking the islands' full potential as a premier tourist destination and thriving community.
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