Sat Nov 09 19:24:18 UTC 2024: ## Tamil Nadu Airports Soar: Expansion and New Terminals Boost Air Travel

**Chennai, India – November 10, 2024** – Tamil Nadu is experiencing a boom in air travel with significant progress in airport expansion and the opening of new facilities. The state government’s efforts in land acquisition have cleared the way for long-stalled projects, including the expansion of Coimbatore and Tiruchi airports.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has announced plans for new terminals and upgrades across the state, recognizing the growing demand for air travel. “Apart from focusing on Chennai, we are prioritizing cities like Tiruchi, Madurai, and Coimbatore,” said S.G. Panicker, Regional Executive Director, Southern Region, AAI. “This will enhance connectivity and boost aviation in Tamil Nadu.”

**Coimbatore Airport** is set for major expansion with land acquisition now complete. The project includes a larger runway to accommodate wide-body aircraft, a new terminal building, an improved approach road, and other amenities. The project is expected to commence soon after the AAI finalized the land transfer.

**Tiruchi International Airport** is also gearing up for expansion, with a new terminal already operational and a new Air Traffic Control Tower expected to be fully functional in 2025. The airport has seen a significant increase in international passengers, handling almost 7 lakh between April and September 2024, a 10% growth over the previous year.

**Madurai Airport** has recently transitioned to 24×7 operations and will soon see an increase in flights, with new connections to Varanasi and Pune on the horizon. While the airport awaits international status, it continues to attract more domestic passengers, reaching a record 14 lakh during 2023-24. To accommodate the rising demand, the airport has reconfigured the terminal building and is planning further expansion.

**Thoothukudi Airport** is nearing completion of its new terminal building, scheduled to open in December 2024. The terminal is designed for domestic passengers but can be modified to handle international flights in the future, potentially catering to a large number of travelers from the southern districts headed to Singapore and Arabian countries.

These developments demonstrate the commitment to enhancing air connectivity across Tamil Nadu, positioning the state as a major hub for domestic and international travel. The AAI, in collaboration with the state government, is working to ensure that the expanding infrastructure meets the increasing demand, making air travel more accessible and convenient for the people of Tamil Nadu.

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