Govt clears plan for two military airfields in Lakshadweep

The government has approved plans to construct two military airfields in Lakshadweep islands, in a move that will expand the reach of the armed forces in the region.

The tri-services proposal, that got clearance, is to build an airbase in Minicoy and extend the existing facility on the Agatti island.

These airfields can be used both by the military and civil airliners to boost tourism in the island chain.


The Minicoy airfield will come up at naval base 'INS Jatayu' in the Lakshadweep islands that was commissioned in March. It is the nearest major military installation to the Maldives.

The closest land to Minicoy is Thuraakunu Island in Maldives, which is located at a distance of about 100 km to the south, across the Vangaaru Channel.