Airports to gear up for Airbus super jumbo

India's international airports at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai are being geared up to accommodate the 555-seater super jumbo Airbus A-380, which will soon be put into service by several international airlines, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said Tuesday.

"Improving airport infrastructure is our biggest challenge. The airports are getting congested. We are taking steps to improve airport infrastructure, the difference will be felt in the days to come," Patel said in response to a query in the Rajya Sabha.

European aircraft manufacturer Airbus Industries unveiled the A-380 in January. Several international airlines have already placed orders for the world's biggest ever aircraft.

Airbus is likely to start delivery of the A-380 in about three years.

The Airports Authority of India has identified the four airports which will handle the super jumbos, and the necessary measures will be taken, he said.

At Mumbai airport, three parking bays have been identified for the A-380s. Two parking bays have been identified in Delhi, while another has been earmarked in Chennai, Patel said.

The upcoming airports in Bangalore and Hyderabad will also have facilities for landing, take-off and handling of the A-380s, he said.