The Tuticorin Airport in Tamil Nadu is undergoing a major transformation. The project will extend the runway and modernise the facilities. The goal is to make the airport capable of handling larger aircraft, such as the A-321. The total cost of the project is ₹ 381 crore.
Tuticorin Airport Set To Undergo Transformation
The terminal and runway extension are expected to be ready by December. The airport is set to undergo a transformation that will boost both capacity and operations.
One of the main components of the project is the construction of a new terminal building. The building will cover an area of 17,500 square metres. It will be able to serve 1,440 passengers during peak hours. Annually, the airport will handle up to 20 lakh passengers. The terminal will feature modern amenities for passengers. These include three aerobridges, which will make boarding and deplaning more efficient. The new facilities aim to improve passenger experience and cater to the growing demand.
The runway extension is another key part of the project. The current runway is 1,350 metres long. Once extended to 3,115 metres, the airport will be suitable for larger aircraft. This means that A-321 type aircraft will be able to operate from the airport. Currently, the airport can only handle smaller ATR types of aircraft.
Other Important Developments
The airport’s expansion also includes other important developments. A new air traffic control (ATC) tower will be built, which will also house a technical block. A fire station will be constructed as part of the safety measures. The apron will be expanded to allow parking for five Airbus A-321 aircraft. Additionally, a new link taxi track and a part-parallel taxi track will be built to improve aircraft movement on the ground. These upgrades will make the airport more efficient and capable of handling higher traffic.
At present, the airport is connected to Chennai and Bengaluru with six daily flights. It serves about 156 passengers during peak hours and handles around three lakh passengers annually. However, with the ongoing expansion, this capacity will increase significantly. The improved facilities will attract more airlines and travellers, boosting the region’s connectivity.
The Tuticorin Airport project is part of a broader push to improve regional airports in India. By upgrading the airport, the AAI aims to support economic growth and enhance air travel in the region. The extended runway and new facilities will make the airport a key player in southern India’s aviation network.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
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