Indian Cabinet grants international designation to five airports

India's Ministry of Civil Aviation announced (04-Oct-2012) the Indian Cabinet approved the declaration of airports in Lucknow, Varanasi, Tiruchirapalli, Mangalore, and Coimbatore as international facilities. The Ministry stated the declarations will fulfill the demands of state governments to offer improved international connectivity and wider choice of services for travellers.

• Lucknow: Airport capable of handling aircraft up to A300 size. The existing apron capable of parking 14 aircraft. Operations limited to domestic flights at present;
• Varanasi: Capable of operating narrowbody equipment, with apron parking for nine aircraft. International flights already in operation at the airport;
• Tiruchirapalli: Capable of operating narrowbody equipment, in all weather conditions. Night operations are permitted. Domestic and international flights already operated;
• Mangalore: Capable of handling aircraft up to A310 size in all weather conditions. Night operations are permitted and domestic and international flights are already operating;
• Coimbatore: Already handling limited international operations with aircraft up to Boeing 767 in size. The airport is equipped with navigational and visual aids including CAT-l Instrument Landing System (ILS). [more - original PR]