THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An agreement has been signed handing over the Thiruvananthapuram Airport to Adani. The agreement was signed between the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Adani. The Adani Group is finally getting the airport after major controversies and disputes. The management of the Thiruvananthapuram, Jaipur and Guwahati Airports is handed over to Adani for 50 years.

AAI today signed 3 Concession Agreements with Adani Airports Ltd. for Operations, Management & Development of Jaipur, Guwahati & Thiruvananthapuram Airports through PPP mode. The agreements were signed in presence of Chairman, AAI & senior officials of AAI & Adani Enterprises Ltd pic.twitter.com/cwybVtJtvY

— Airports Authority of India (@AAI_Official) January 19, 2021

The state government’s plea against centre’s illegal move to hand over the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport to the Adani group is under the consideration of the government. The centre moved forward with the procedures as the court did not impose a stay on leasing the airport. From now on, the Adani Airports Limited, a private company, will be in charge of the operations, management and development of the three airports. The Airports Authority has officially announced signing the agreement.

The government’s plea against the move to hand over the Thiruvananthapuram Airport to Adani was rejected in October. The court did not accept the arguments that the Centre was helping the Adani Group bypassing the government. The court criticized the validity of questioning this after participating in the tender proceedings.

The government got the legal advice that even if they move the Supreme Court, there are no chances of a favourable verdict. The government’ stand was not to file a plea. However, the airport employees union strongly opposed this and decided to move the court on their own.

This was a big campaign issue in the local body elections. The government's decision to move the Supreme Court comes at a time when the CPM and the BJP are making it a major political issue.