Cheruvally Sabarimala Airport

Cheruvally Sabarimala Airport, previously known as the Erumely Airport project, is a proposed development to serve the city of Cheruvally, Kerala. The state government identified Cheruvally Estate as the proposed site for the new airport project, situated close to the Sabarimala Temple. A completion date has not been specified.

Mar-2023. India's Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) announced it "granted site clearance" for the Cheruvally Sabarimala Airport development project, following a review of the techno-economic feasibility survey report submitted by Kerala's Government. MoCA noted the airport will be developed on a 2250 acre site in Kottayam District, requiring an estimated investment of INR40 billion (USD487.4 million). Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) is undertaking the land acquisition process for the airport development project.

Jan-2023. India's Kerala State Government reportedly ordered the acquisition of 2570 acres of land in the Kottayam district for the construction of Cheruvally Sabarimala Airport. The land is in the Erumeli South and Manimala regions, with acquisition subject to a social impact assessment and approval from India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation and Airports Authority of India.

Jun-2020. Kerala's Government issued an order to the Kottayam District Collector to acquire 2263.2 acres at Cheruvally Estate for the development of Cheruvally Sabarimala Airport.

Dec-2019. Kerala's Government appointed V Thulasidas as special project officer (SPO) for the Cheruvally Sabarimala Airport development project. Mr Thulasidas serves as Kannur International Airport MD.

Oct-2019. Kerala's Government will proceed with plans to acquire Cheruvally Estate, with the aim of developing Cheruvally Sabarimala Airport on the site.

Dec-2018. Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reported US consulting agency Louis Berger submitted a preliminary feasibility and environmental impact assessment (EIA) report for the Cheruvally Sabarimala Airport development project. Mr Vijayan said the project will proceed once the final report has been submitted to and approved by India's Government.

Oct-2018. Kerala's Government selected US consulting agency Louis Berger to prepare a detailed feasibility report (DFR) for the Cheruvally Sabarimala Airport development project.

Sep-2017. India's Kerala State Government officially appointed Louis Berger to undertake a technical and financial feasibility study and environment impact assessment (EIA) for the Cheruvally Sabarimala Airport development project. The US infrastructure development and consulting agency is expected to submit its report and complete procedures to receive clearance to proceed with the project from relevant government authorities by Jun-2018. 

Jul-2017. India’s Kerala State government plans to appoint consultancy firm Louis Berger to lead development of the Sabarimala Airport greenfield project. Louis Berger is expected to identify a site for the airport’s development within 45 days followed by an economic feasibility study, a detailed master plan development and environmental impact assessment.

Feb-2017. Kerala's Government granted in principal approval for a greenfield airport development project near Sabarimala. Kerala State Industrial Development Corp will conduct a feasibility study for the project, which will aim to reduce congestion in the Nov/Jan festival season.

Nov-2016. 

28-Nov-2016. India's BJP national executive member V Muralidharan advised the BJP Government will welcome airport development projects on "government land complying with all the laws and without causing damage to the environment", in reference to Erumely Airport. 

17-Nov-2016. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated the state government would proceed with plans to construct an airport near the Sabarimala temple.

17-Nov-2016. India's Kerala Government proposed a new airport development project in Erumely. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said, "We met the civil aviation minister and he said no objection certification will be given after we identify the land. The land has already been identified near Erumely and once I am back in the state, the decision to go ahead with the airport will be taken". No other details are known.