Salem Airport is located in Kamalapuram, Salem, India

India

India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...

. This airport serves Salem city and the districts of Salem, Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri. Salem Airport is being connected only by from Chennai

Chennai

Chennai , formerly known as Madras or Madarasapatinam , is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the fourth most populous metropolitan area and the sixth most populous city in India...

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The airport is situated approximately 20 minutes drive from the Salem city centre. The terminal has a capacity of 20 passengers arrival / 20 departure.

History

Located on a sprawling 136-acre extend donated by local traders and industrialists, the Salem airport lay in disuse since 1993 as no airline was willing to invest in this sector. The NEPC airlines started its service only to shut it down because of poor patronage. Though the Airports Authority of India (AAI) had spruced up the airport and made it ready for operation, airlines did not show interest to fly fearing low patronage.

But the local industry continued its efforts to make the airport operational for over a decade. In 2006, Air Deccan agreed to kickstart its Salem operations but only if the local industry deposited at least Rs 90 lakh or gave a commitment for 50% bookings. Meanwhile, Air Deccan merged with Kingfisher Airlines.

After a 16-year wait and prolonged negotiations, Kingfisher launched its services on 15 November 2009 in the presence of local DMK MLA and agriculture minister Veerapandi S Arumugham and K Mariappan, president of the Salem Productivity Council, who was instrumental in the starting the service.

Airlines and Destinations

Kingfisher Airlines

Kingfisher Airlines

Kingfisher Airlines is an airline group based in India. Its head office is Kingfisher House in Vile Parle , Mumbai. Kingfisher Airlines, through its parent company United Breweries Group, has a 50% stake in low-cost carrier Kingfisher Red....

operated flights from Salem to Chennai till 28 October 2011.

Flight Training and Pilot Training Centres

The excellent conditions prevailing at Salem Airport is highly suitable for flight Training. Salem Airport is now the hotspot for establishment of flight training and pilot training centres in southern India. Given the state of the art infrastructure available here, it is an ideal training airport and base for aspiring pilots. The reputed air charter operator based in Salem (Salem Air) has started pilot training services. Salem Aviation Services and the Salem Flying Club operate from Salem airport. Its already a home to two flying schools based at Salem.