Trichy airport expansion: Longer runway, new bridges & modern facilities

Trichy International Airport has submitted a detailed project report to the Airports Authority of India to extend its runway from 8,136 ft to 12,500 ft, aiming to accommodate larger aircraft and meet rising passenger and cargo demand.

The estimated cost of the runway extension and associated works is ₹350 crore, with ₹220 crore allocated for runway expansion and Rs 130 crore for additional infrastructure, signalling a major investment to support growing airport operations and traffic.

Nearly 500 acres of land, including some defence land, have already been acquired by AAI and the Tamil Nadu government to facilitate runway extension and other expansion activities, leaving around 12.5 acres still required to complete the project area.

Currently, Trichy airport handles only narrow-body aircraft. Once the runway is extended, it will be capable of accommodating wide-body planes, allowing for expanded domestic and international flight options as well as increased freight capacity.

Passenger traffic at Trichy airport is expected to exceed two million in the current financial year, having already reached 1.7 million by December 2025. The projected growth highlights the need for expanded infrastructure and improved airport facilities.

The project will include construction of a parallel taxiway to complement the runway extension, enhancing aircraft movement efficiency, reducing delays, and enabling smoother take-off and landing operations for both domestic and potential international flights.

Trichy airport has already installed runway guard lights costing ₹32 lakh to support low-visibility operations. Additional improvements include five new passenger boarding bridges, canopies, baggage trolleys, and Wi-Fi, ensuring modern, safe, and comfortable airport facilities.

With the new boarding bridges, Trichy airport will have a total of 10 PBBs, joining only Chennai and Kolkata airports in AAI’s network to provide this capacity. This upgrade improves passenger flow and operational efficiency.

Master concessions for retail outlets and food and beverage services are planned, with expected awards by March and June 2026. These enhancements aim to offer travellers better amenities and enhance the airport’s commercial revenue potential.

The extended runway will support more international flights, boosting tourism and trade, particularly for agricultural and food exports. The project aims to strengthen the airport’s strategic role in regional connectivity and economic growth.