DGCA urged to relocate Begumpet airport to Dundigal, citing safety and urban congestion concerns

The Cantonment Vikas Manch, an NGO based out of the Secunderabad Cantonment area, has urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to consider relocating Hyderabad’s Begumpet Airport to Dundigal, citing safety, security, and urban congestion concerns. 

The proposal was submitted along with objections and suggestions in response to gazette notification released on June 18 by the Ministry of Civil Aviation with regards to Aircraft (Demolition of obstructions caused by Buildings and Trees etc.) Rules, 2025.

The NGO raised multiple issues regarding the current location of Begumpet Airport, which is situated in the heart of the city, arguing that its continued operation in such a densely populated area poses risks not only to aviation safety but also to public security. Highlighting recent aviation incidents such as the Air India 171 crash in Ahmedabad, the NGO stated that proactive steps must be taken to prevent such tragedies in densely populated urban areas. They stressed that modern cities must adopt forward-thinking infrastructure planning, especially when it comes to air travel safety.

Key concerns

In its submission, the NGO pointed out that Begumpet airport currently operates on a limited scale, primarily for VIP chartered flights and operations by the Indian Air Force (IAF), making it an underutilised asset. They argued that shifting operations to Dundigal airport would lead to more efficient and expansive use of aviation infrastructure.

“The Begumpet land, if freed up, could be handed over to the Telangana government for public projects, including affordable housing for local communities. Shifting the airport to Dundigal would reduce the risk of air accidents impacting residential areas and also ease road traffic in the city,” said Sanki Ravinder Babu, General Secretary, Cantonment Vikas Manch.

“The relocation is not just a matter of efficiency but a necessary step toward ensuring public safety and smart urban planning,” said Mr. Ravinder Babu.