Bid to revive Aranmula airport project in Kerala hits hurdle as promoter backtracks
The revival of the Aranmula airport project in Kerala has stalled after promoter Abraham Kalamannil backtracked on claims of conducting a drone survey. The project faces intense scrutiny from the government and opposition from local political groups.
Why it matters
The project highlights the ongoing tension between private infrastructure development and environmental/regulatory oversight in India.
The latest attempt to revive the controversial Aranmula airport project in Kerala suffered an early setback on Monday (July 13, 2026), with its promoter and KGS Group chairman Abraham Kalamannil softening his stand in the face of official scrutiny over an unauthorised drone survey at the project site.
Addressing reporters, Mr. Kalamannil distanced himself from his earlier claim of conducting a drone survey and said his immediate objective was only to establish an airstrip capable of handling smaller aircraft. According to him, the facility would primarily serve the aviation engineering college run by his group to provide the students with practical training.
“I am even ready to hand over the project land to the State government, provided it establishes an airstrip there,” Mr. Kalamannil said.
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