Meerut Airport, with its SAPL-operated hangar, CAR 145 maintenance facility with ample parking capacity, is emerging as a strategic alternative for General Aviation (GA) aircraft owners and Non-Scheduled Operators (NSOPs) in the National Capital Region (NCR). Co-located with a runway and helipad, nominal parking charges and shorter wait times, Meerut offers a compelling value proposition, especially compared to the high tariff environment at Delhi’s Terminal‑4 (T4) General Aviation facility.
Delhi’s Cost Challenge: The GA Parking Premium
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), under the purview of Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) and regulated by the Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA), enforces steep aeronautical tariffs that cumulatively burden smaller operators.
- Parking slots at IGI are limited—post apron expansion, the airport accommodates 210 to 240 aircraft stands.
- AERA sets and extends aeronautical tariffs (including landing and parking) for NSOPs and GA users.
- Though exact rates for NSOP GA parking weren’t published, the environment is notoriously cost-intensive and restrictive.
Result: Many General Aviation aircraft owners choose to avoid high holding costs and operational inflexibility, driving a search for alternative hubs.
Meerut Airport: A Practical, Cost-Effective Alternative
Located barely 90–100 km from Delhi, with an approximate travel time of 1.5 hours via road, adjustable per traffic conditions, Meerut Airport presents a geographically viable GA option. Many a times, the Noida-IGI Airport run itself surpasses the 1.5 hours via road to Meerut.
- The airport boasts a SAPL-run hangar facility with parking space, a runway alongwith a helipad, and dedicated CAR 145 MRO operations—a complete package for GA maintenance and logistics.
- Meerut’s runway expansion efforts are underway, aimed at accommodating even larger aircraft like the Boeing 737’s and Airbus.
- The site, provides GA operators with a robust, low-cost servicing and comprehensive aircraft maintenance alternative.
Comparative View: Delhi vs Meerut
| Parameter | IGI Airport (T4, Delhi) | Meerut Airport (SAPL Hangar) |
|---|---|---|
| Proximity to Delhi (NCR) | Central, but high congestion | ~1.5 hours by road |
| Parking & Holding Cost | High (regulated, premium rates) | Lower (Almost 1/3rd) |
| MRO & Maintenance Access | Limited access, constrained | On-site CAR 145 MRO facility |
| Tariff Structure | AERA‑regulated, extensive charges | Commercially negotiated |
| Expansion & Capacity Potential | Saturated | Growing further, with runway extension plan |
Regulatory Windfall: GST Simplification Aiding MROs In General
Further enhancing MRO appeal as a whole is a recent policy streamlining:
- From July 2024, a uniform 5% IGST applies to aircraft parts, testing equipment, and tools—removing the prior tariff complexity.
- Additionally, the import re‑export window for repairs has doubled from six months to a full year, while warranty repair re-imports are allowed up to five years.
- This significantly improves financial planning and operational flexibility for MRO providers like SAPL and their clients.
Strategic Implication for GA Operators
The convergence of cost-effective parking, ready CAR 145 MRO infrastructure, and reduced landing charges are transforming Meerut Airport as an emerging General Aviation hub challenging Delhi’s GA, T4 Terminal’s monopoly. Here’s how operators can capitalize:
- Maintenance Contracts: Secure routine servicing and comprehensive aircraft maintenance with SAPL rather than paying premium hangar fees and shifting costs at IGI.
- Cost Savings: Benefit from lower parking and operational costs, to the tune of 1/3rd of that being charged at Delhi, makes Meerut highly viable for both long-term and short-term stays.
- Operational Flexibility: Available slots and MRO capacity reduce downtime, enabling better fleet utilization.
Conclusion
Meerut Airport’s SAPL-run hangar, combined with strategic low cost aircraft maintenance benefits and infrastructural promise, now offers GA operators a compelling, pragmatic alternative to Delhi’s congested and expensive facilities. For NSOPs and private aircraft owners, especially those rooted in the NCR, establishing maintenance partnerships at Meerut is not just prudent—it’s imperative for efficient GA operations.
