Maharashtra Pushes To Open Latur & Baramati Airports For All-Weather Flight Operations

Maharashtra Airport Development Company Ltd. (MADC) is moving to upgrade Latur and Baramati airstrips into fully operational hubs for commercial non-scheduled flights, with a focus on enabling all-weather night landings and the potential accommodation of turboprop aircraft for scheduled services.

MADC has invited expert consulting firms to oversee the transformation, from initial engineering plans and regulatory approvals to on-ground construction supervision. The project includes planning and detailing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for comprehensive modernization.

The planned modernization covers airside upgrades such as recarpeting runways, upgrading taxiways and aprons, and constructing standardized Runway End Safety Areas. The effort also encompasses new perimeter infrastructure, drainage, boundary walls with watch towers, and upgraded lighting, wind indicators, and PAPI lights to support Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations.

At Latur, the airport spans about 135.8 hectares with a 1,700-meter runway and limited terminal facilities, while Baramati covers 181 hectares with a 1,770-meter runway (extendable to 2,350 meters) and two parking aprons. The agencies propose to spend Rs 56 crore for Latur and Rs 64 crore for Baramati to complete the upgrades.

In addition to runways and safety features, the modernization plan includes expanded passenger terminals, VIP lounges, accessibility enhancements, baggage handling, and upgraded ATC towers. The programme also contemplates commercial space models within terminal areas to support revenue generation.

The upgrade is planned in two phases: six months for planning and design, followed by an 18-month construction phase under project management supervision. Once completed, the airports are expected to improve regional trade, support smoother charter services, and better connect Latur and Baramati with the national aviation network.