The Civil Aviation Director General has identified eleven airports in the country which are considered to be critical airports from the flight operations point of view.

This information was given in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today by the Minister of Civil Aviation, Mr. Vayalar Ravi.

The critical airports are: Leh, Kullu, Shimla, Port Blair, Agartala, Lengpui, Calicut, Mangalore, Jammu, Patna and Latur.

The Minister said as a part of safety reassurance drive, the airport systems, facilities and procedures were thoroughly reviewed by Director General to enhance the safety of aircraft operations at these airports.

He said several suggestions made in the inspection report have been implemented to enhance the safety at aerodromes by the aerodrome operators.

A proposal by foreign airlines to allow Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Domestic Airlines is under examination of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion.

This information was given in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today by the Minister of Civil Aviation, Mr. Vayalar Ravi.

He said as per extant FDI policy, no foreign airlines would be allowed to participate directly or indirectly in the equity of an Air Transport Undertaking engaged in operating Scheduled and Non-Scheduled Air Transport Services except Cargo airlines.