AAI withdraws RFQs for four airports

After much dilly-dallying, the government has withdrawn the documents inviting bids from private players for operation, management and development of four AAI-run airports.
The decision to scrap privatisation of Chennai, Kolkata, Jaipur and Ahmedabad airports was taken recently during a high level meeting that was also attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Airports Authority of India (AAI) issued Request for Qualification (RFQ) documents for developing these four airports, by roping in private players, in December 2014.
"RFQ documents for Operation, Management and Development of Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Jaipur Airports through PPP, which were issued on 30.12.2014, are cancelled as decided by the competent authority," AAI said on its website today.

Earlier, AAI had extended the deadline for submitting RFQs till August 31.
Now, private players would be roped in only for operation and maintenance activities of Jaipur and Ahmedabad airports.

A decision in this regard was taken last month during a high-level meeting that was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju and his deputy Mahesh Sharma, among others.
"The four airports, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Chennai and Kolkata, were under consideration. On a pilot basis, the two airports, Jaipur and Ahmedabad, will be taken on O&M basis. Issues of Chennai and Kolkata have been deferred," Sharma had said on Wednesday.

The modus operandi for roping in private players to carry out O&M works at Jaipur and Ahmedabad airports is going to be discussed with stakeholders, he had said.