Madikeri: A blueprint and action plan will be prepared after experts examine the location and assess the technical requirements to establish a mini airport near Kushalnagar in Kodagu, according to Wing Commander (retd.) V.G. Kumar, who is director of the marketing wing of Bangalore-based Master Aerospace Consultants Private Limited.

Mr. Kumar was speaking at a meeting convened by Deputy Commissioner Subodh Yadav here to initiate steps needed to set up the mini airport, according to a press release.

He reviewed the facilities available such as air traffic, climatic conditions, among other details.

Wind direction was a vital factor, apart from road connectivity, drinking water, electricity and minimum required traffic to operate air services, Mr. Kumar said.

Experts would visit for spot inspection on June 9 and 10, he said. Statistics of wind directions and speed in the last five years would have to be analysed before preparing a blueprint, he said.

He said the Government had removed the restrictions of maintaining a distance of 250 km between two airports and reduced the landing fees of aircraft carrying less than 80 passengers. This was expected to aid the air traffic growth in the country. Karnataka State Investment and Infrastructure Development Corporation official, Basavaraj, who inspected the location later with Mr. Kumar, said the organisation was committed to developing tourism in Kodagu.

Mr. Yadav said that 150 acres of land had been reserved at Chikkaluvara and Doddaluvara villages in Somwarpet taluk for the purpose. Chief Executive Officer of the zilla panchayat K. Sundar Naik, office-bearers of the District Chamber of Commerce and Industry and various resorts and home stay facilities were present.

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