Telangana: Warangal’s Mamnoor Airport Set For Expansion As Centre Clears NOC After One-Time Exclusivity Clause Waiver

In a significant boost to regional air connectivity, Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu has approved a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the expansion of Mamnoor Airport in Warangal, Telangana, reported The Hindu.

This move follows a one-time waiver of the exclusivity clause in the Concession Agreement for Hyderabad International Airport, effectively paving the way for the long-awaited development of the airport in Warangal.

Exclusivity Clause Waived for Mamnoor Airport

The approval comes after GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL) granted its NOC, allowing for Mamnoor Airport’s expansion.

The Concession Agreement signed in December 2004 between GHIAL and the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation contained an exclusivity clause (Clause 5.2), which prohibited the development of any new or existing airport within 150 km of Hyderabad International Airport for 25 years. 

With this special waiver, Mamnoor Airport has now been granted an exception—though the waiver will not apply to any other airport projects within the exclusivity zone, according to the Civil Aviation Ministry.

Expressing confidence in Warangal’s potential, Minister Naidu stated, "Warangal has immense potential to become a major regional hub. We are committed to ensuring this project moves swiftly, bringing new opportunities for trade, tourism, and local employment.", quoted as saying by The Hindu.

Telangana Government’s Push for Mamnoor Airport

The Telangana government has been actively advocating for the airport’s revival, particularly under the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) regional connectivity scheme.

In a letter dated 5 November 2024, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the airport’s development in collaboration with the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

The Chief Minister Revanth Reddy led state government has already initiated land acquisition, setting aside Rs 205 crore for 280.30 acres to ensure the airport is capable of handling Airbus 320 and Boeing 737 category aircraft.

This development is expected to enhance air connectivity in Telangana and drive economic growth in the region.

Since assuming office, Ram Mohan Naidu has prioritised expanding aviation infrastructure across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. 

He has reiterated the need for more airports in Telangana while ensuring that the Bhogapuram airport in Andhra Pradesh will be operational by December 2025.

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