Salem Airport (India)

Salem airport was constructed in April 1993 at a cost of Rs. 6 Crore, covering a sprawling 136 acres extensively donated by local traders and industrialists. A total of Rs. 49 lakh, including Rs. 30 lakh by Salem Steel Plant. Originally planned for Vayudoot services using small aircraft and conceived with a 1,350-metre runway, it was expanded by another 600 meters to accommodate bigger planes. Initially, NEPC Airlines operated flights on the Chennai–Salem–Coimbatore–Chennai sector using Fokker F-27 aircraft. however, the airline withdrew the service after three months citing ‘non-viability’ as it's the main reason.[5] The Salem airport lay in disuse since then as no airline was willing to invest in this sector. Although the Airports Authority of India (AAI) had spruced up the airport and made it ready for operation, airlines did not show interest to fly, fearing low patronage. In 2006, Air Deccan agreed to kickstart its Salem operations but only if the local industry deposited at least Rs 90 lakh or gave a commitment for 50% bookings. Meanwhile, Air Deccan merged with Kingfisher Airlines.[6] Kingfisher Airlines did provide a service from Chennai, but terminated the service in 2012 owing to its financial problems.

After a 3-year wait and prolonged negotiations, Kingfisher airlines commenced daily flights to Chennai using its ATR aircraft on 15 November 2009. The service was withdrawn on 28 October 2011, again citing poor patronage.[7]

Atlast, flight service commenced again from Salem airport under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) of the Ministry of Civil Aviation from March, 2018 by Trujet.

G.K. Chaukiyal, Executive Director (RCS) at Airports Authority of India (AAI), in an e-mail message to president of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Salem, has said that the Hyderabad-based Turbo Megha Airways Private Limited has intimated the AAI of commencing the flight service from Salem airport in the first week of December. Air Odisha is likely to commence its operation from Salem airport by the middle of February next year. It may be recalled that the AAI has already signed MoUs with these flight operators.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation had changed the status of Salem Airport to “served airport” from “underserved and unserved” status, to enable the introduction of flight service.[8]

Salem Airport has one runway, oriented 040/220 degrees, 6000 feet long. Its 100 by 75-meter apron is capable of handling 2 ATR aircraft, while its terminal building can cater to 100 passengers. Navigational facilities at Salem include VHF radio, PAPI and an NDB.[9]

The excellent conditions prevailing at Salem Airport are highly suitable for flight training. Salem Airport is now the hotspot for the establishment of flight training and pilot training centers in southern India. Given the state of the art infrastructure available here, it is an ideal training airport and base for aspiring pilots. The reputed air charter operator based in Salem (Salem Air) has started pilot training services. Salem Aviation Services and the Salem Flying Club operate from Salem airport. Its already home to two flying schools based at Salem.[7]