Bangaloreans upset over closure of old airport

PROTEST ON: Bangalore's new international airport will take off on May 23 grounding the city's old airport.

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Bangalore: In Bangalore, there are protests over plans to close the old airport once the new one becomes functional.

Now even the corporate sector wants the old airport to stay open. Pro-Kannada activists meanwhile are seeking jobs for locals at the new airport.

Bangalore's new international airport will take off on May 23, grounding the city's present Hindustan Aeronautics Limited airport, much to the dismay of the citizens of the city who want both to function.

Member of the Change India Campaigner R K Mishra says, “98 per cent of people are not opposing HAL airport. Neither public nor the industry opposing HAL. Why does the civil aviation minister think HAL should not stay?”

“We all feel betrayed by the government. Bangaloreans want two airports. Business leaders want it. We're all angry and upset with the government, “says Infosys director Mohandas Pai.

Pro-Kannada outfits too are protesting. They want the new airport to be named after Bangalore's founder Kempe Gowda. Their other demands: employ locals and use kannada on signboards.

Kannada Rakshana Vedike president Narayana Gowda says, “The Kannada rakshana vedike will not allow the new ariport to open. The airport authorities must give jobs to all those who've lost their land to the new airport and taxi drivers at the existing HAL airport.”

The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike is planning a series of protests from Monday. But for now, the DGCA seems determined to go ahead with the airport opening.