The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has approved the proposed Sabarimala International Greenfield airport in Erumeli, marking an important step forward in the state government's ambitions to establish an airport for pilgrims to Sabarimala. The state government's report on the techno-economic feasibility assessment was taken into account when approving the project.

A detailed project report (DPR) for the project would soon be prepared by the government, sources said. According to reports, "the government will quickly find a competent body to draft the DPR and start the processes sooner rather than later." V Thulasidas, special officer for Sabarimala airport, confirmed the news, stating that by receiving the approval of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the project has overcome a significant obstacle. "It was a lengthy procedure because the Union Department asked for a number of clarifications in response to our report.

We have reached an important milestone in the technical side of the project, as the sanction was granted after assessment by a steering committee under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, which consists of representatives of the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and other government agencies involved in the airport project. We can now proceed with all the next steps, Thulasidas said.

Led by the Centre for Management Development (CMD), the social impact assessment (SIA) study for the project in the villages of Erumeli South and Manimala is currently in its final phase. According to the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Act (LARRA), 2013, SIA is required for land acquisition. The techno-economic feasibility report for the project, which was prepared by Louis Berger, is also almost ready. Louis Berger is currently working on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Soil surveys have previously been carried out for the project.