Nashik Airport
| Company type | Public / Military |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aviation |
| Founded | 1964 |
| Headquarters | Nashik , India |
| Products | Aircraft manufacturing, passenger and cargo air transport |
| Owner | Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) |
Nashik International Airport functions as both an international airport and an Indian Air Force facility, catering to the city of Nashik in Maharashtra, India. Situated in Ozar, to the northeast of Nashik's central area, it is owned by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). HAL primarily utilizes this site for the development, testing, and manufacturing of aircraft intended for the Indian Armed Forces. The airport also houses an Indian Air Force maintenance unit and facilitates widebody commercial cargo operations.[1] A passenger terminal was inaugurated on 3 March 2014.[2] This airport serves the Nashik Metropolitan Region (NMR) along with the broader North Maharashtra Region.
History
The inception of the airport dates back to 1964 when Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) established its Aircraft Division in Nashik to begin licensed production of fighter jets, initially producing the MiG-21FL model. Subsequent manufacturing included models such as MiG-21M, MiG-21 BIS, MiG-27 M, and Su-30 MKI.
In 2008, Kingfisher Airlines introduced scheduled flights connecting to Mumbai, but these services were discontinued in November 2009 due to insufficient passenger demand. HAL commenced commercial cargo flights on 20 September 2011 through HALCON, a joint venture involving HAL, Container Corporation of India (CONCOR), and Clarion Solutions. Following enhancements to parking and medical infrastructure, the airport can now accommodate large aircraft like the Antonov AN-124. The cargo terminal operations are managed by Clarion Solutions.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in 2011 between HAL and the Government of Maharashtra to modernize the airport, which included constructing a passenger terminal with an estimated cost of ₹84 crores. The state government provided ₹74 crores while HAL contributed ₹10 crore. After being listed on the DGCA air map, HAL sought private sector participation to develop, operate, and maintain the terminal under a revenue-sharing agreement.
After an eight-year gap in scheduled passenger flights, services resumed on 23 December 2017 when Air Deccan launched routes to Mumbai and Pune as part of the government's UDAN initiative.
In March 2025, HAL announced a ₹200 crore investment plan aimed at constructing a new runway parallel to the existing one.
Ozar Air Force Station
The airport hosts the 11 Base Repair Depot, one of eight repair depots under the Indian Air Force’s Maintenance Command based in Nashik. Established in 1975 and certified with ISO 9001:2000 standards, this facility manages overhaul programs for IAF aircraft including MiG-21 (FL, BIS), MiG-23, and MiG-29 models.
Terminal
Covering an area of 22 acres with a built-up space measuring 8,267 sq.m., the new terminal can handle up to 300 passengers simultaneously. Its apron is designed to park as many as six aircraft. The foundation stone was laid on 2 January 2012 by then Public Works Department Minister Chhagan Bhujbal; it was officially opened on 3 March 2014 by Union Minister Praful Patel. The terminal includes amenities such as a departure lobby, check-in counters, security checkpoints, VIP lounges, retail shops, airline offices, crew facilities, accessibility features, childcare areas, and designated smoking zones. Technological installations comprise integrated baggage handling systems, flight information display systems (FIDS), CCTV surveillance, public address systems, access control mechanisms, Building Management System (BMS), fire safety equipment, and a Terminal Control Center.