The central government is opposed to the idea of retaining the HAL airport in Bangalore and the Begumpet airport in Hyderabad once the international airports in the two cities become operational later this month.Two days ago, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport and Tourism had recommended the retention of the HAL airport and Begumpet airport.Civil Aviation Secretary Ashok Chawla today said it is not possible for the government to retain both the airports as separate agreements had been signed with promoters of the international airports in Bangalore and Hyderabad granting them exclusive rights over the air space. According to the agreement, the HAL airport has to be closed after March 30 once the new Bangalore international airport near Devanahalli becomes operational.A petition filed by a Bangalore-based advocate seeking to continue the operation of the HAL airport has been adjourned till March 10 by the High Court. Similarly, another petition has been filed in the Hyderabad High Court."We will respond to the petitions as per the agreement and policy. We cannot retain both the existing airports," Chawla, who was at the Bangalore International Airport to witness flight trials, said today.On the recommendation made by the Parliamentary Standing Committee, Chawla said: "The government will examine the recommendations of the committee and respond accordingly."
