AAI's Tuticorin Airport gearing up to get a new terminal building

New Delhi: In order to cater the rising passenger traffic and the demand for better services and connections, Airports Authority of India's (AAI) Tuticorin Airport is undergoing major up-gradation which includes the extension of Runway for operation of A-321 type of aircraft, construction of new apron, new terminal building, technical Block cum control tower & new fire station at a cost of Rs 381 crore.

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AAI Chairman M Suresh visited the Tuticorin airport project site on September 14 and reviewed the ongoing upgradation works at the airport. Spread over an area of 17,500 sqm., the new terminal building of the airport will be able to serve 1440 passengers during peak hours and 20 lakh passengers annually. The new building will be equipped with all the modern facilities and passenger amenities with provision of three aerobridges.

The new terminal will be a four-star GRIHA-rated energy efficient building with sustainability features. The airport development project also includes extension of existing runway from 1350 meters to 3,115 meters, making the airport suitable for the operation of A-321 type of aircraft. Construction of new ATC tower cum technical block, fire station, extension of apron for parking of five Airbus-321 type of aircraft, isolation bay. Link Taxi track and Part Parallel Taxi Track is also part of the project.

Presently, Tuticorin airport is connected to Chennai and Bengaluru with six daily flights. The airport is currently capable to serve 156 passengers during peak hours & three lakh passengers annually and handle ATR Type of aircraft. Upgradation of the airport will not only fulfil the demand of local community for enhanced passenger services but will also promote trade & tourism in Tuticorin and neighbouring districts like Tirunelveli, Tenkasi and Kanyakumari, Nagercoil, & Virudanagar.

The construction work and commissioning of new terminal building and extension of Runway is likely to be completed by December 2024.

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