P. Sripathy, CEO of the GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited in Shamshabad, has opposed the suggestion by the parliamentary standing committee on civil aviation to reopen Begumpet as a second airport in the city.
Talking to this correspondent after receiving the best airport award from the prestigious Airports Council International at a function in this picturesque southern part of China, Mr Sripathy said everyone was satisfied with the facilities at Shamshabad and there was no need for a second airport.
Mr P.S.Nair, CEO of Delhi International Airport (P) Ltd also received an award for overall performance in Asia Pacific Region for Year 2009. The Delhi airport is also managed by GMR group.
“It is a moment of pride,” said Mr Nair, who worked earlier as CEO of GHIAL.
He said the new terminal of the airport will be formally inaugurated by the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on July 3 this year and formal operations of all services will begin from July 14 night. With this terminal becoming operational, Delhi will have the biggest airport in India and the fifth biggest in the world.
Passenger facilitators who will help travellers to access different amenities will also be employed once the new terminal starts operation, he said.
Mr Nair also said he only saw media reports about a new airport coming up at Noida and added that he expected the Centre to consult DIAL before considering any such proposal.
Meanwhile, the two day annual aviation conference of the Asia Pacific region concluded on Thursday with the presentation of awards.