Proposed privatization of Amausi airport fails to attract bidders

LUCKNOW: The proposed privatization of Amausi airport hangs in balance with not many private companies showing interest, apparently due to low profit margins given the less aircraft movement at the airport. But the civil aviation department is still hopeful of sailing through the process in the new year. The department has once again invited bids from private parties by January 7. This, despite strong opposition from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) employees and the standing committee of the Rajya Sabha which has criticized the move while accusing the government of doing "disservice by using public property for private profits".

Sources said there are only 40 aircraft movements (take off plus landing count as one movement) in 24 hours at Amausi airport, in comparison to four movements per minute at airports like Delhi and Mumbai. "This makes the profit margins relatively lesser for any private party. That has been the reason the companies have been citing with the civil aviation ministry in the past," a senior AAI official told TOI.
Read News In Full Dec 17, 2013,Times of india