Long-delayed Sabarimala airport project gains renewed relevance as alternative site proposals emerge
Thiruvananthapuram: The long-delayed Sabarimala Greenfield Airport project has returned to the political spotlight amid unresolved legal disputes and renewed debate over its future under the newly elected United Democratic Front (UDF) government.
Originally granted in-principle approval by the first Pinarayi Vijayan-led government in 2017, the ambitious airport proposal has struggled to move beyond the planning stage. Despite efforts by two successive Left Democratic Front (LDF) administrations, the project remains stalled, leaving the new government to decide its next course of action.
The State had identified 2,263 acres at Cheruvally Estate in Erumely as the proposed site for the airport. However, the project suffered a significant setback in January 2026 when the Pala Sub Court dismissed the government's claim over the estate. Further complications arose after a High Court Single Bench quashed a government notification seeking to acquire 2,570 acres from Cheruvally Estate and adjoining areas, questioning the necessity of acquiring such a vast tract of land.
The disputed property is currently owned by the Ayana Charitable Trust of the Believers’ Eastern Church. The State government has challenged the earlier verdict before the High Court, where the matter remains pending.
Ownership Dispute
At the heart of the controversy is the State’s claim that the land originally belonged to the government and was allegedly transferred unlawfully by Harrisons Malayalam Limited to the Ayana Charitable Trust in 2005, when the organisation operated under the name Gospel for Asia.
The trust, meanwhile, has maintained that it is willing to part with the land for the airport project, provided the government formally acknowledges its ownership rights.
The key question before the new administration is whether it will continue pursuing the legal battle over ownership or seek a negotiated settlement with the trust to acquire the land and revive the airport project.
Sources familiar with the matter noted that the legal proceedings stem from directions issued in a 2018 High Court Division Bench judgment in the Harrisons Malayalam versus Government of Kerala case.
“The Revenue Department initiated the legal process following instructions issued to District Collectors based on the court’s directions. Therefore, the litigation is expected to continue irrespective of any change in the government’s legal representation,” sources said.
They also pointed out that the project has already secured important clearances, including in-principle approvals from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Defence.
Alternative Locations Gain Attention
Meanwhile, growing demands for an airport in Pathanamthitta district have sparked fresh discussions on alternative locations. Three of the district’s five newly elected MLAs have publicly expressed support for examining other potential sites.
Aranmula MLA Abin Varkey stated that there was “nothing wrong” with the earlier proposal for an airport in Aranmula, describing it as a potential game changer for the region if it receives local support. He said a detailed study would be undertaken and assured that community interests would be protected.
Adoor MLA C.V. Shanthakumar has proposed Kodumon Estate as an alternative location. He cited the availability of nearly 1,200 hectares of rubber plantation land, minimal environmental concerns, and the absence of large-scale displacement. He also highlighted the site’s connectivity through the MC Road and the Punalur–Muvattupuzha State Highway, as well as its proximity to Pathanamthitta and Adoor.
Adding to the debate, Konni MLA K.U. Jenish Kumar, the lone LDF legislator from the district, suggested that if obstacles continue at Cheruvally, suitable locations in Konni could also be explored for the airport project.
With legal challenges unresolved and competing proposals emerging, the future of the Sabarimala Greenfield Airport project now rests on the policy choices and political will of the new UDF government.