Ruth Haines
There are two airports commonly referred to as Salem Airport: one in Salem, Tamil Nadu, India, and one in Salem, Oregon, USA. Salem Airport in India is a domestic airport that serves the city of Salem, as well as the neighbouring cities of Erode and Karur. It is located 19km (12mi) northwest of the city centre and is the sixth-busiest airport in Tamil Nadu. The airport has been the subject of protests since 2010, as the state government's expansion plans would require the acquisition of 567 acres of fertile land, threatening the livelihoods of local farmers. Salem Airport in Oregon recently celebrated its first commercial flight in over a decade, with Avelo Airlines launching flights to Las Vegas. The airport is also equipped with shops, eateries, and trolley and wheelchair services.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Kamalapuram in Omalur taluk, 19 km (12 mi) north-west from the city centre of Salem, India |
| Year of Construction | 1993 |
| Cost of Construction | Rs.6 crore (US$710,000) |
| Area Covered | 136 acres |
| Funding Sources | Public contributions, local traders and industrialists, and Salem Steel Plant |
| Runway Length | 6,000 feet |
| Airlines | TruJet, Kingfisher Airlines, Avelo Airlines |
| Destinations | Chennai, Bangalore, Kochi, Hyderabad, Burbank, Las Vegas |
| Training | Flight training and pilot training |
| Amenities | Baggage services, wheelchair assistance, shops, duty-free shopping, vending machines (food and drink) |
| Parking | $10/day, located ~100 ft from the terminal |
| Transport | The #6 bus stops near the terminal |
| Recent Developments | Salem's first commercial flight in over a decade took off for Las Vegas in October 2023; Alliance Air restarted flight operations in October 2023; IndiGo started flights to Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad in October 2023 |
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What You'll Learn
Salem Airport's first commercial flight in over a decade
Salem Airport in Oregon witnessed a significant milestone recently, with the departure of its first commercial flight in over a decade. The flight, operated by Avelo Airlines, took off just after 10 a.m., bound for Las Vegas. This event marked a pivotal moment for the airport and the city of Salem, highlighting the efforts of the local community and their investment in the airport's future.
The journey towards reinstating commercial flights at Salem Airport entailed a multi-million-dollar endeavour, encompassing terminal renovations, the acquisition of new equipment, and negotiations with Avelo Airlines to secure their presence at the airport. The departure of the first flight was a moment of pride and emotion for those involved, including Salem Mayor Chris Hoy, who was among the passengers on the inaugural outbound journey.
Avelo Airlines, a budget airline with locations across the country, has expressed enthusiasm about their launch at Salem Airport. Avelo CEO Andrew Levy highlighted the convenience of the airport for travellers from Salem, who previously had to drive to Portland. The airline's presence at Salem Airport offers a swift and efficient travel experience, with CEO Levy praising the airport's ease and accessibility.
Salem Airport, located in Tamil Nadu, India, serves the city of Salem as well as the neighbouring cities of Erode and Karur. Constructed in April 1993, the airport has a rich history, initially catering to Vayudoot services with small aircraft. Over time, the runway was expanded to accommodate larger planes, and the airport has since become a hub for flight training and pilot training.
In recent years, there has been a high demand from trading associations and business fraternities for additional flights to Chennai and the introduction of night landing facilities. Protests against airport expansion have also occurred, with villagers and farmers concerned about safeguarding their land and livelihoods. Despite these challenges, Salem Airport continues to play a crucial role in the region's aviation landscape.
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Salem Airport's history and construction
Salem Airport (IATA: SXV) is the major airport serving Salem, India, and connecting it to other cities in the country. The airport is located in the city of Tamil Nadu, surrounded by mountains, and offers facilities such as flight training and pilot training. The prime destinations in the city include the Mettur Dam and the Sankakiri Fort, located on Sankakiri Hills.
McNary Field (IATA: SLE, ICAO: KSLE, FAA LID: SLE), also known as Salem-Willamette Valley Airport, and formerly known as Salem Municipal Airport, is located in Marion County, Oregon, United States. The airport is named after U.S. Senator Charles L. McNary of Oregon, who died in 1944, a couple of years after the airport became operational. The airport covers 751 acres of land at an elevation of 213 feet. It has two asphalt runways and one helipad. The airport features a control tower, a restaurant, a general aviation centre, and a small terminal. The terminal building includes airport administration offices, ticket counters, car rental counters, a baggage area, and a waiting area.
Smith Reynolds Airport, formerly known as Miller Municipal Airport, is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The airport was established in the late 1920s to provide commuter flights to various destinations. In 1933, the Civil Works Administration began extending each runway, adding concrete floors to hangars, and improving the airfield lighting system. The airport was renamed Smith Reynolds Airport in 1942 in honour of the foundation that contributed to its modernisation and expansion. From 1942 to 1945, the airport served as a training base for military pilots, and it continued to provide commercial and private airline services.
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Facilities and services at Salem Airport
Salem Airport, located in Kamalapuram, is a domestic airport that serves the city of Salem and the districts of Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri in Tamil Nadu, India. The airport was constructed in 1993 on 136 acres of land donated by local traders and industrialists, with contributions from the public.
Salem Airport offers a range of facilities and services to ensure a smooth journey for its passengers. Here are some of the key facilities and services available:
- Transport Options: The airport provides easy connectivity to the city. Passengers can hire taxis or use public transport to reach the main bus stand. The Salem Junction Railway Station, the city's main railway hub, is approximately 13.47 km away and can be accessed via various public transport options.
- Baggage Services: To assist passengers with heavy luggage, the airport provides free trolleys. This service is available within the airport premises to help transport luggage from one place to another.
- Accessibility: Salem Airport offers wheelchair assistance for senior citizens and individuals with physical challenges, ensuring they can comfortably move within the airport and reach the terminal.
- Shopping and Dining: The airport features a variety of shops and stores offering a range of products, including duty-free shopping options. Passengers can also find affordable dining options with several eateries serving food at nominal costs.
- Flight Training and Pilot Training: Salem Airport is a popular centre for flight and pilot training in South India. It is home to two flying schools: the Salem Flying Club and Salem Aviation Services. The airport provides state-of-the-art infrastructural facilities and excellent conditions, making it a favoured training base for aspiring pilots.
- Navigational Facilities: The airport is equipped with navigational aids such as NDB (non-directional beacon), VHF radio, and PAPI (precision approach path indicator), which is a visual aid for pilots during landing.
- Passenger Capacity: The terminal building at Salem Airport can accommodate up to 100 passengers, while its apron can handle two ATR aircraft.
- Airlines: Kingfisher Airlines was the major airline operating daily flights to Chennai using ATR aircraft. However, as of 2023, Avelo Airlines has launched services from Salem Airport, offering flights to Las Vegas and Burbank (near Los Angeles).
- Accommodation: For visitors to Salem, the city offers a range of accommodation options, including Laila Palace and Grand Estancia.
- Best Time to Visit: The winter season, from October to March, offers pleasant and cool weather, making it the ideal time to explore Salem and its surrounding attractions.
Salem Airport, with its range of facilities and services, aims to provide a convenient and comfortable experience for travellers visiting the city and the surrounding region.
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Salem Airport's flight training and pilot training
Salem Airport in Tamil Nadu, India, offers flight training and pilot training. The airport is situated in the city of Salem, which is surrounded by mountains and is known for its serene beauty. The airport covers 136 acres of land and has a runway that is 6,000 feet long, capable of handling 2 ATR aircraft and 100 passengers at a time. The airport is also equipped with advanced amenities, including trolley services, wheelchair assistance, and shops offering various products at nominal costs.
Salem Flight Training is a flight school based out of McNary Field (SLE) in Oregon, serving Oregon. They offer various courses, including the IFR accelerated course, which is a 10-day program where pilots fly twice a day, with each lesson consisting of 4 hours and about 2 hours of flight time. Salem Flight Training also provides instruction at Independence Airport, and they can arrange housing and rental cars or travel to other airports to provide training. They help students achieve their goals, whether they aspire to become airline or sport pilots, guiding them through learning basic flight maneuvers to flying solo and eventually flying cross-country.
Wings Academy is another flight school located at Salem Airport (SLE). They offer professional flight training at reasonable prices, allowing students to pay as they progress through the training. There is no minimum age requirement for flight lessons, but individuals must be at least 17 years old to obtain a pilot's license. Student pilots at Wings Academy must weigh no more than 220 lbs, including clothing, due to the weight and balance limitations of the two-seater trainer aircraft. The towered airport setting provides increased safety and helps students develop confidence in radio communication skills.
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Protests against Salem Airport's expansion
The Salem Airport, located in Tamil Nadu, India, has been the subject of protests since 2010 due to the state government's acquisition of land for airport expansion. The protests have been led by villagers and farmers who are concerned about safeguarding their land and livelihoods. The proposed expansion requires 567 acres of land, which would ruin the livelihoods of those who depend on the land for their income. In April 2018, hundreds of farmers and their family members laid siege to the Salem collectorate to protest against land acquisition, even holding a team of officials hostage for some time.
The airport, which was constructed in 1993, has a long history of serving the city of Salem and its neighboring cities. It is the sixth busiest airport in Tamil Nadu and the fifth largest in the state in terms of runway length. The airport was built with contributions from local traders and industrialists, and the Salem Steel Plant, costing around ₹6 crore (US$710,000). The original runway was 1,350 meters long, but it was later expanded by 600 meters to accommodate larger planes.
Despite the expansion, the airport ceased operations until September 2023 when Alliance Air announced the resumption of flights to Bangalore and Kochi. IndiGo also commenced flights to Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, providing connections to numerous domestic and international destinations. The airport has excellent conditions for flight training and is equipped to handle four ATR-type aircraft or two A320s. However, the proposed expansion would require a significant amount of land, leading to protests from those who would be affected.
The primary concern of the protesters is the loss of fertile land and the impact on their livelihoods. They have suggested alternative locations for the expansion that are more accessible and require less land. The protests have been ongoing for several years, and the villagers and farmers are determined to protect their land and way of life. The state government, on the other hand, is facing pressure from trading associations and business fraternities demanding night landing facilities and additional flights to Chennai.
The Salem Airport expansion controversy highlights the complex balance between development and the interests of local communities. While expansion may bring economic benefits and improved connectivity, it also threatens to disrupt the lives and livelihoods of those whose land is acquired. As the protests continue, a resolution that addresses the concerns of all stakeholders will be crucial in ensuring a fair and equitable outcome.
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Frequently asked questions
Salem Airport is a domestic airport serving the city of Salem, along with neighbouring cities of Erode and Karur, in Tamil Nadu, India. It is located at Kamalapuram in Omalur taluk, 19km (12 mi) northwest from the city centre.
Salem Airport offers 24/7 facilities, including baggage services, wheelchairs for senior citizens and physically challenged people, shops, duty-free shopping, and food and drink options.
Salem Airport is equipped to park four ATR-type aircraft or two A320s. It offers flight training and pilot training, and IndiGo offers flights to Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. In October 2023, Alliance Air also announced flights to Bangalore and Kochi. Avelo Airlines also launched at the airport in April 2023, offering flights to Las Vegas, Burbank, and Portland.
