Nanded has restored its air connectivity as operations at the Guru Gobind Singh Ji Airport resumed this week, just 20 days after safety lapses forced a temporary suspension of flights. The swift completion of runway repairs and reinforcement of emergency systems has allowed flights to six destinations to restart, marking a crucial step in reconnecting the region with major Indian cities.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had flagged serious issues during a recent audit, including potholes on the runway, inadequate fire safety arrangements and the absence of reliable power backup. In line with the regulator’s recommendations, the Maharashtra Airport Development Corporation (MADC) accelerated corrective work despite challenging weather conditions in the Marathwada region. According to officials, the entire runway was repaired and upgraded within record time to meet safety compliance standards. Star Air, the sole scheduled operator from Nanded, has reinstated services to Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Delhi and Belagavi. Officials from the airline highlighted that the collaborative response between DGCA and MADC not only ensured the runway was restored but also introduced comprehensive safety checks aligned with international benchmarks. Industry experts note that this rapid intervention prevented long-term disruption in connectivity for Nanded, which plays a vital role in supporting regional trade, tourism and pilgrimage traffic.
Civic and aviation officials acknowledged that the closure had raised questions over infrastructure maintenance in smaller airports. However, they stressed that the resumption reflects the state’s intent to strengthen regional air links as part of the national UDAN scheme, which aims to enhance affordable air travel to tier-two and tier-three cities. Experts argue that sustainable upkeep of such airports is essential for equitable regional growth and to reduce dependency on road and rail transport, thereby cutting overall carbon emissions. The MADC has stated that it took control of the airport operations only recently and that completing critical works within 20 days, despite rain and floods in Nanded, reflects both urgency and commitment. Aviation analysts observe that with more resilient infrastructure and consistent oversight, regional airports like Nanded can become a reliable part of India’s green mobility future, particularly if powered by clean energy and sustainable ground operations.
For passengers, the immediate relief is the return of direct connectivity to business hubs and metros. Yet for policymakers, the real test lies in ensuring that this restoration is not a temporary fix but part of a long-term strategy to deliver safe, sustainable and future-ready aviation infrastructure across the country.
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