The Ministry of Civil Aviation has approved the construction and redevelopment of two new airports in Telangana at Warangal and Adilabad to enhance regional connectivity. Union Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu announced on April 16, 2026, that the Warangal facility, known as the Mamnoor airport, will be developed at a cost of ₹850 crore. The foundation stone for this project is expected to be laid in June 2026, signaling a major push for aviation infrastructure in the northern districts of the state.
Boosting Regional Aviation in Telangana
The development of the Warangal and Adilabad airports is part of a broader strategy to decentralize air travel in Telangana and provide faster access to industrial and tourist hubs. Currently, the state relies heavily on the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad, which handles the vast majority of its passenger traffic. By establishing new commercial enclaves in the northern and eastern regions, the government aims to reduce travel time and stimulate local economic activity.
This approval follows a high-level meeting in New Delhi, where state representatives and union officials discussed the land acquisition progress and technical feasibility. The Airports Authority of India (AAI), established in 1995, will lead the technical execution and management of these projects. These initiatives are expected to support the growth of the manufacturing and service sectors in regions that have historically lacked direct air links.
Restoring the Historic Mamnoor Airport in Warangal
The Mamnoor airport in Warangal holds significant historical value, having been constructed in the 1930s by Mir Osman Ali Khan, the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad. At the time of its creation, it was one of the largest airfields in pre-independence India, designed to facilitate movement for local industries. During World War II, the facility served as a base for the British Royal Air Force, and it later played a role during the 1962 war with China.
However, commercial operations at the airport were halted in the 1980s, and the site has largely been used for training activities by the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and for glider operations. The revival of Mamnoor has been a long-standing demand for the region, which is a major educational and textile center. The project received a major boost after the Telangana government completed the acquisition of over 950 acres of land, ensuring that the AAI could proceed with the modernization plan.
Technical and Infrastructure Features
The redevelopment project for Warangal is estimated at ₹850 crore, which will be entirely funded by the AAI. The primary objective is to upgrade the facility to handle Airbus A320-type aircraft, which requires significant structural improvements. The plan includes the construction of a 2,500-metre runway, a new passenger terminal, and a modern Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower.
In addition to passenger services, the airport is expected to function as a regional hub for pilot training. This dual purpose will help address the national shortage of trained aviation personnel. The project is expected to take approximately two years to complete once the foundation stone is laid, bringing Warangal back onto the national aviation map.
Adilabad Airport: A Civil-Military Aviation Hub
The development of the Adilabad airport follows a joint-use model, combining military training requirements with civilian commercial needs. Under this arrangement, the Ministry of Defence will lead the construction of the primary airfield infrastructure to support its training establishments. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the AAI will develop the civil enclave, which includes the passenger terminal and commercial operations area.
A joint survey involving officials from the state government, the Ministry of Defence, and the AAI was scheduled for April 17, 2026. This survey aims to finalize the runway orientation and assess the need for an additional 450 acres of land beyond the existing 360 acres already held by the defence ministry. The establishment of this airport is crucial for the northernmost district of Telangana, which currently lacks easy access to any major aviation facility.
Regional Connectivity Under the UDAN Framework
The expansion of these airports is being carried out under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN), which stands for Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik. Launched in 2016, the scheme provides financial incentives and infrastructure support to airlines to operate flights to unserved and underserved airports. For the Warangal project, the central government granted a special exemption from the rule that prohibits new airports within 150 kilometres of an existing one, given its proximity to Hyderabad.
This investment is expected to generate significant employment and boost the tourism potential of districts like Warangal, which is home to UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Ramappa Temple. By improving air travel access, the government aims to integrate remote agricultural and industrial regions into the national supply chain, contributing to the state’s economic resilience.
Institutional Roles in Airport Development
The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), established in 1947, serves as the national nodal agency for formulating policies and regulating the civil aviation sector in India. It oversees the Airports Authority of India (AAI), which was formed on April 1, 1995, through the merger of the International Airports Authority of India and the National Airports Authority. The AAI is responsible for managing over 100 airports across the country, providing air traffic management and navigational services.
In the case of the Telangana projects, the MoCA works closely with the Ministry of Defence to ensure that dual-use facilities like Adilabad meet stringent safety and operational standards. The coordination between central ministries and the state government is essential for clearing regulatory hurdles, such as the Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) surveys, which determine the safety zones around runways. These institutional efforts ensure that the new airports will be capable of supporting modern jet aircraft while maintaining high-security standards.
Key Takeaways
- The Ministry of Civil Aviation approved the development of two new airports in Telangana at Warangal (Mamnoor) and Adilabad.
- The revival of the Mamnoor airport, originally built in the 1930s by the seventh Nizam, is estimated to cost ₹850 crore.
- The foundation stone for the Warangal airport is expected to be laid in June 2026, with a completion timeline of approximately two years.
- The Adilabad airport will be developed as a joint-use terminal, serving both civilian passengers and military training needs.
- The Airports Authority of India (AAI), established in 1995, will execute the projects under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN).
- The initiatives aim to integrate northern Telangana into the national aviation network and boost local economic hubs.
