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National
Delhi HC Rejects PIL, Approves Closure of Old Visakhapatnam Airport
✍️ Bar and Bench
🗓 02 Sep 2026, 09:38 PM
👁 36
The Delhi High Court dismissed a public interest litigation seeking to keep the old Visakhapatnam airport operational, effectively allowing the state to proceed with its closure.
The Delhi High Court on Thursday rejected a public interest litigation that challenged the closure of the old Visakhapatnam airport in Andhra Pradesh. The court’s decision removes the legal hurdle that had been blocking the state’s plan to shut down the 70‑year‑old airstrip.
The old airport, located on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam, has been out of regular commercial use for several years. The state government has been working on a redevelopment project that would replace it with a new, modern airport facility.
In its ruling, the court noted that the PIL failed to provide sufficient evidence that the closure would adversely affect public interest. Consequently, the court allowed the closure to proceed as per the government’s schedule.
The decision is expected to accelerate the construction of the new airport and related infrastructure, potentially boosting regional connectivity and economic growth in the region.
The old airport, located on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam, has been out of regular commercial use for several years. The state government has been working on a redevelopment project that would replace it with a new, modern airport facility.
In its ruling, the court noted that the PIL failed to provide sufficient evidence that the closure would adversely affect public interest. Consequently, the court allowed the closure to proceed as per the government’s schedule.
The decision is expected to accelerate the construction of the new airport and related infrastructure, potentially boosting regional connectivity and economic growth in the region.