Great Nicobar Airport Project Near Malacca Shipping Route Moves Ahead After Green Nod The Great Nicobar International Airport project has received environmental clearance, marking a significant step forward for the initiative. Designed for both civilian and military use, the airport aims to enhance connectivity and strategic presence near the Malacca Strait, with completion planned in phases up to 2075. Located on Great Nicobar Island, India’s southernmost island, the project is positioned just 180 kilometers from Sumatra, Indonesia, and sits near critical shipping routes. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has invited tenders for consultancy services to oversee the airport’s construction, a milestone in the development of one of India’s most ambitious infrastructure projects in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Environmental clearance was recently approved by the National Green Tribunal, resolving a major hurdle that had drawn attention from environmental groups and strategic planners. The airport’s master plan spans a 50-year horizon, with development divided into four phases. Each phase will expand capacity as passenger traffic grows. Traffic forecasts suggest that as development accelerates on the island, the population could reach approximately 3.25 lakh by 2040, generating an annual passenger demand of around 13.5 lakh travelers. Initially, most flights are expected to be domestic, with international routes developing gradually as tourism expands. The airfield is designed to accommodate larger international aircraft in the future, ensuring long-term adaptability. Beyond civilian connectivity, the project has a strong strategic dimension.#indian_navy #great_nicobar_airport #airports_authority_of_india #malacca_strait #great_nicobar_island
