Tuticorin Airport in Tamil Nadu is undergoing a significant transformation, set to become a major regional aviation hub. With a total investment of INR 381 crore, the airport is receiving a comprehensive upgrade aimed at enhancing its infrastructure and operational capacity. The project includes an extended runway designed to accommodate A-321 aircraft, a new terminal building, a technical block-cum-control tower, and a new fire station.
The new terminal building, spanning 17,500 square meters, will be able to handle 1,440 passengers during peak hours and accommodate 2 million passengers annually. It is designed to offer a modern and passenger-friendly experience with features like three aerobridges, ensuring enhanced convenience and comfort for travelers.
A critical component of the upgrade is the extension of the existing runway from 1,350 meters to 3,115 meters, making it suitable for handling larger aircraft like the A-321. This enhancement will significantly improve the airport’s ability to cater to larger aircraft, boosting regional connectivity and contributing to economic growth.
The project also includes the construction of a new air traffic control (ATC) tower and technical block, ensuring the safe and efficient management of the airport’s growing operations. A new fire station is being built to meet enhanced safety standards. The expansion of the apron will allow for the parking of up to five Airbus A-321 aircraft, further boosting the airport’s capacity to handle large planes. The project also includes the development of an isolation bay, a link taxi track, and a part-parallel taxi track, all of which are vital for ensuring smooth aircraft movement on the ground.
Currently, Tuticorin Airport maintains direct connections to Chennai and Bengaluru, offering six daily flights to these major cities. This regular service plays a vital role in regional connectivity, making it a key transit hub for passengers traveling between these destinations. The airport can handle 156 passengers during peak hours and serves around three lakh passengers annually.
With these comprehensive upgrades, Tuticorin Airport is poised to become a modern, passenger-friendly regional aviation hub, ready to handle increased air traffic. The upgrades not only enhance operational capacity but also position the airport to contribute significantly to the region’s economic development.
