‘Decks cleared for Madurai to become travel hub’

Madurai: Hours after PM Modi announced that Madurai airport is being granted international status, airport director P Muthu Kumar said it opens up more opportunities for international airlines to operate with more choices and also ensure reduced fares for international travel. It will also increase the number of passengers travelling to and from Madurai. "A bilateral air services agreement is necessary to commence international flight services to new destinations, which would take some more time," he told reporters.The upgrade would pave the way for Madurai to become a major hub in the state for air travel by operating to more countries, in line with Prime Minister's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, he said. He said it marks a significant step towards enhancing international connectivity, providing seamless travel experience and supporting the growth of regional as well as international air traffic. Airlines will have flexibility for flights on long haul routes, non-scheduled operators, medical flights and general aviation for efficient planning of aircraft operations. Airlines can also plan bases at Madurai airport, which will enable effective use of airport infrastructure and resources, he said.Night parking facility presently available at the airport will help facilitate connections not only within India but also to international destinations and allow airlines to plan night parking at the airport. AAI has planned for expansion of existing terminal building, car parking, apron and other associated city side and airside works for international departures and arrivals, he said. In the next two years, the airport will also add an exclusive international terminal integrated with the present terminal building, in order to facilitate more international flights and passengers. "Currently half of the terminal building has been allotted for domestic flights, with the other half for international flights." he said.With regards to land acquisition for the airport runway expansion, Muthu Kumar said around 104.5 acres has been handed over by the govt so far, and discussions are ongoing, following which work would commence.Reacting to the announcement, Agri and All Trader Chamber president S Rethinavelu said the upgradation will significantly accelerate growth of trade, industry, exports and tourism in the southern districts. Ethnic tourism, leisure tourism, pilgrimage tourism, to places such as Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple, Rameswaram, Dhanushkodi, Kanyakumari, Courtallam and Kodaikanal hills will grow. Medical tourism is also expected to receive a major boost. Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president N Jegatheesan said with the international status, direct flight connectivity from Madurai to many other countries as well as the capacity to handle larger aircraft will be achieved, which will support the industrial and commercial growth of southern Tamil Nadu.In his post on X, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami said, "On behalf of AIADMK, I wholeheartedly welcome the decision of the Union Cabinet led by PM Modi to approve international airport status for Madurai airport." Expressing his gratitude to PM Modi on behalf of the people of Tamil Nadu, he said the recognition will play a major role in strengthening tourism, trade, and economic growth across southern Tamil Nadu.