Varanasi airport terminal set for November launch

Airport officials said the new terminal will have simplified baggage check-in and boarding systems and spacious departure and arrival lounges. The double-storey building of the new terminal has come up on 26,500 sq mt area.

The new extended apron has a capacity to accommodate 22 aircraft. A new parking lot has been also been developed.

“The terminal building was completed about a month back. We are going to make it operational in November,” said K K Singh,General Manager (Projects),Airport Authority of India.

The preparations are in full swing to start the terminal operations at the earliest,said Mohammad Tausif Ali Usmani,officer on special duty to the airport director.

Officials said that the existing terminal building has capacity to handle only 200 passengers at a given time,lacks in amenities and is not air-conditioned. It was built in 1953 and its area is less than half of the new terminal building.

“Once the the new terminal building is in operation and entire set up is shifted here,the existing terminal building will be turned into a cargo facility,” Singh said.

Authorities said as many as 35 domestic and international flights operate from the existing terminal every week. While international flights from here are available here for Bangkok,Colombo and Kathmandu,the domestic flights are available for Lucknow,Delhi,Mumbai and Khajuraho. Usmani said the new terminal will facilitate operation of more flights.

Hyderabad-based Lanco Infratech Ltd was awarded the terminal project in 2007 and was originally planned to be completed in November 2008.