We, the undersigned residents, businesses and institutions of Malda district, call on the Airports

Authority of India (AAI) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation to urgently revive and operationalize

Malda Airport (LDA). A public, transparent and time-bound plan is needed now so our region

can access fast, safe and affordable air connectivity — bringing jobs, improved medical

evacuation, tourism, investment and economic opportunities to North Bengal.

Why this matters now

• Malda is a large district with significant agricultural production, educational institutions, medical

needs and growing business activity. Faster air connectivity will reduce travel time and cost for

traders, students, patients and entrepreneurs.

• Prior allocations and renovation efforts have not resulted in scheduled flights; the airport

remains underused and vulnerable to encroachment and deterioration. Reviving LDA is faster

and more resource-efficient than building a new greenfield airport.

• Inclusion under UDAN or a similar regional connectivity program will make operations viable

and attract airlines and investment, while improving emergency medical evacuation capabilities.

What residents & businesses face today

• Long travel times and higher costs to reach the nearest operational airports.

• No quick medical airlift option in critical emergencies.

• Missed opportunities for local producers, colleges, hospitals and tourism to connect with larger

markets.

• Idle infrastructure and previous public investment not delivering benefits.

We request the following concrete, time-bound actions (actionable & monitorable)

1. Technical feasibility & encroachment survey (30–90 days): Launch a public technical

feasibility and encroachment survey within 30 days and publish full findings within 90 days. The

survey should assess runway condition, navigational aids, terminal readiness, safety hazards,

and presence/extent of encroachment.

2. De-encroachment & land-clearance plan (60 days if needed): If encroachment or obstacles

exist, announce a de-encroachment and land-clearance plan within 60 days that includes fair

compensation, lawful relocation measures and transparent stakeholder consultation.

3. Phased operational roadmap (within 120 days): Publish a phased operational roadmap within

120 days showing milestones and deadlines for technical upgrades, safety audits, airspace

clearance, regulatory approvals and airline/operator selection. Each milestone should have a

named agency or authority responsible.

4. UDAN / regional connectivity commitment: Publicly state whether Malda Airport will be

included in the next round of UDAN (or alternative central/state regional connectivity support). If

inclusion is not immediately feasible, publish clear reasons and a realistic timeline for

reconsideration.

5. Budget & lead agency: Publish an estimated budget for completion and name the lead

implementing agency (AAI / State Government / PPP operator) and funding sources (AAI, State,

UDAN, private partner).

6. Community engagement & transparency: Hold a public meeting with community

representatives, business chambers and medical/educational institutions within 60 days of

receiving this petition, and provide quarterly public updates until passenger operations begin.

7. Accountability: Provide a written acknowledgement of this petition within 14 days and confirm

the date for the first public meeting within 30 days.

Why these demands are reasonable

• Malda already possesses defined airport infrastructure and previous investments — a phased

revival with clear milestones is feasible and cost-effective.

• UDAN inclusion and a transparent roadmap will attract operators, generate employment,

improve emergency medical response and stimulate regional growth.

Supporting materials we will provide when delivering signatures

• Photographs showing current condition of the runway/airstrip and surrounding areas.

• A map showing the airport’s location and distance to the nearest operational airports.

• Letters of support from local chambers of commerce, health facilities and educational

institutions (where available).

• A timeline of past investments and government actions that will help officials fast-track

clearances.

How you can help

• Sign this petition to demand immediate, transparent action from AAI and the Ministry of Civil

Aviation.

• Share this petition with friends, family, local groups, media and elected representatives.

• If you are a local resident, business owner, doctor, teacher or student, please add a short

comment with your name, area and how lack of air connectivity affects you.

— Concerned citizens, businesses and institutions of Malda