Monday, 10 July 2023

Airport in Lakshadweep



Lakshadweep is a group of islands located about 200 to 440 kilometers off the south western coast of India in the Laccadive Sea. It occupies an area of about 32 square kilometers making it the smallest union territory of India. It’s geographical features like atolls, coral reefs, banks and water body and flora and fauna have made it more suitable for the development of tourism than industries on this small island. Tourists can engage themselves in water sports activities such as scuba diving, wind surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, sport fishingyachting and night-voyages on the sea. With the establishment of Agatti Aerodrome, Lakshadweep is accessible via airways.

Agatti Airport serves the Agatti Island of the Lakshadweep Union Territory. The Airport was established back in the year 1988. It is the sole airstrip in the archipelago, which lies off the west coast of India. The airport is constructed on an area of 45.9 acres of land. Agatti airport features a single runway measuring 1204 m in length and 30 m in width. The Airport terminal building can handle 150 passengers during peak hours. Navigational aids include a DME and NDB. It is managed and operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).The airport has direct flights from Kochi and Bangalore, and via these cities, it is also linked to most parts of the country. Air India is the main airline operating the airport. At Agatti Island airport, passengers are provided with all the basic facilities.

The only airport in Lakshadweep Islands, Agatti Aerodrome ( AGX ) is situated on Agatti Island. Agatti Aerodrome is a public airport serving Agatti Island and other islands of Lakshadweep. Operated by Airports Authority of India (AAI), Agatti Aerodrome has a 1,291 metre long asphalt runway and one passenger terminal. Agatti Aerodrome is served by only two airlines, namely Indian Airlines and Kingfisher Airlines. Both these airlines operate flights between Agatti Island and Cochin. While Kingfisher Airlines offers flights between Agatti Island and Bangalore. Agatti Island is a tiny 7 km long island and it can be easily covered on foot or by bicycle.