The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has accorded in-principle approval for runway expansion at Juhu airport in Mumbai. However, the proposal is subject to approval from the Union Government.

The proposed plan includes extending the runway length, construction of a small terminal building with passenger and baggage handling facility. The project will entail investment of about Rs 2,000 crore and is expected to be developed through PPP model.

In a pre-feasibility report prepared by consulting firm KPMG, the current runway length of 1,143 mtrs is proposed to be extended to 2,020 mtrs. The runway is likely to be extended into the sea, cutting through Juhu beach and the arterial Juhu-Tara road, so an underpass tunnel will need to be constructed below the runway for road traffic. According to the proposal, the runway will be built on stilts for maintaining smooth flow of water.

The area of Juhu Airport is around 385 acre of which around 70 acre is under water logging and slum encroachment. Around 280 acre will be needed for aeronautical development, while the remaining area cleared of water logging and encroachment can be used for commercial development by the operator.

Post expansion, AAI is likely to shift movement of business and executive jets and small aircraft up to ATR 72, out of Shivaji International Airport to Juhu.

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