NAMO Airport, Daman
Why in News?
The newly constructed NAMO Airport in Daman is in the news because the first-ever scheduled commercial flight officially commenced operations.
Key Infrastructure & Specifications
- Dual-Purpose Facility: The airport operates out of the existing Indian Coast Guard Air Station (ICGAS) in Daman.
- Project Cost: Developed by the UT Administration at a total cost of ₹124 crore, with the Ministry of Civil Aviation providing a reimbursement support of ₹88 crore.
- Terminal Size: The modern civil terminal building spans 3,700 square metres across a 25-acre site.
- Capacity: Built to handle 14 ATR flights daily and serve approximately 3.67 lakh passengers annually.
- Passenger Amenities: Equipped with 12 check-in counters, passenger lounges, retail zones, and dining spaces.
- Current Runway: Employs an 1,800-metre runway suitable for regional ATR-type turboprop aircraft.
- The Route: Regular flights are scheduled to fly on the Daman–Delhi–Daman route every Monday and Wednesday.
- Operator: The flights are exclusively managed by the government-owned regional carrier Alliance Air.
- UDAN Scheme Funding: The project was executed under the central government’s regional connectivity UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme.
- Industrial Benefit: Offers logistical ease for over 7,000 industries in the UT and another 15,000+ businesses in neighbouring Vapi and Valsad industrial belts.
- Boost to Tourism: Facilitates easier weekend and commercial travel for nearly 20 lakh tourists visiting Daman's coastal destination every year.
- Blue Economy: Expected to give a direct logistical boost to Daman’s local fisheries, marine products, and pharmaceutical sectors by linking them directly to national markets.
- Runway Extension: Plans are underway to lengthen the runway to accommodate larger commercial aircraft like the Airbus A320.
- More Destinations: The Ministry of Civil Aviation intends to expand future direct flights from NAMO airport to other key hubs like Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Surat, and Patna.
