Warangal is moving closer to restoring air connectivity as redevelopment plans for the long-dormant Mamnoor Airport gather momentum, marking a major infrastructure push for northern Telangana. Authorities have progressed key approvals, land consolidation and technical preparations, bringing the project a step closer to construction and potentially transforming regional mobility and economic prospects.
Located on the outskirts of Warangal, Mamnoor Airport has a history dating back to the pre-independence era. The airstrip was originally developed during the reign of Mir Osman Ali Khan in the 1930s to support industrial activity in the region, particularly operations associated with Azanjahi Mills. During the Second World War, the facility was also used by British forces for military purposes.The airfield suffered damage during the Operation Polo, when Indian Air Force operations targeted strategic infrastructure during the integration of the princely state into the Indian Union. Despite the damage, the airstrip continued to see occasional use in the decades that followed.One notable moment came in 1959 when Jawaharlal Nehru landed at Mamnoor while visiting Warangal to inaugurate what later became National Institute of Technology Warangal. In later years, the airstrip also hosted training exercises for the National Cadet Corps and briefly handled regional flights operated by Vayudoot in the late 1980s before gradually falling into disuse.
Recent efforts to revive the airport gained traction after a technical assessment in 2023 led the state government to approve redevelopment plans. The project has since advanced through land acquisition and regulatory clearances, creating the foundation for full-scale airport development.Authorities now have nearly 950 acres available for the project. While the Airports Authority of India already controlled a substantial portion of land at the site, additional parcels were acquired from local landowners to meet the infrastructure requirements for a modern airport facility.Another key milestone was securing consent from GMR Group, which operates Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. Such approvals are necessary under aviation regulations designed to prevent conflicts between nearby airports.
According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the redevelopment plan includes a 2,500-metre runway capable of handling larger commercial aircraft, along with a passenger terminal, cargo handling infrastructure, parking areas and improved road access. The project’s estimated cost is around ₹850 crore, with construction expected to begin after completion of a detailed project report currently being prepared.Urban development specialists say the airport could significantly improve connectivity for northern Telangana districts, reducing reliance on Hyderabad for air travel. Enhanced logistics capabilities may also support agricultural exports, manufacturing supply chains and regional tourism.If implemented on schedule, passenger operations at Mamnoor Airport could begin by the end of 2027 — potentially turning Warangal into an important secondary aviation gateway and supporting more balanced regional development across Telangana.
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Warangal Airport Project Gains Momentum In Telangana
