Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) has given the green light for Nagpur Airport's major expansion, approving the transfer of 786 hectares of land to Mihan India Limited (MIL) on Saturday. This land, which extends to Air India's aircraft maintenance and overhaul depot in Mihan-SEZ, will be used to build the expanded airport.

MIL, the operator of Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, has signed a concessionaire agreement with GMR Group for the brownfield expansion. The land transfer formalities are set to be completed by April, enabling GMR to begin construction. However, the transfer requires the rehabilitation of residents in Shivangaon and nearby areas, which MADC is working to complete first.

MADC, which holds a 51% stake in MIL, is now collaborating with GMR to develop the airport infrastructure. As part of this partnership, MIL will receive the land from MADC, which also aims to enhance the airport’s facilities, including new terminals, parking spaces, and a second runway in future developments.

CM Devendra Fadnavis, MADC's chairman, indicated that the state will invest in infrastructure such as night landing facilities and runway expansions to ease the burden on urban airports.

MADC also plans to take control of five airports in Maharashtra previously operated by Reliance Airport Developers Limited (RADL). This includes airports in Yavatmal, Baramati, Nanded, Osmanabad, and Latur. Fadnavis is optimistic that this will speed up development.