Coimbatore Airport Expansion: Land Acquisition, Runway Plans, and Upgrade Explained
The long-standing project to expand and modernise the Coimbatore International Airport has gathered pace with the near-completion of land acquisition and the initiation of interim infrastructure works. Planned at an estimated cost of ₹2,200 crore, the transformation aims to cater to surging passenger and cargo volumes across western Tamil Nadu and the industrial Kongu belt.
What Happened
The land acquisition initiative for the airport, first initiated following a State Government Order in 2010, is reaching its final stage. According to Revenue Department records, acquisition for only 1.77 acres out of 633 acres remained pending as of August 19, 2026. The 633 acres encompass 468.83 acres of patta land, 134.32 acres of defence land, and 29.80 acres of government poramboke land distributed across Irugur, Neelambur, Kalapatti, Singanallur, and Uppilipalayam villages.
The State government had earmarked around ₹2,100 crore for land compensation following years of legal hurdles and ownership disputes over land rates. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) was granted permission to enter upon 472.325 acres in August 2024 and took possession of 470.17 acres in January 2025, commencing initial tasks such as compound wall construction.
Key Highlights
- Massive Terminal Expansion: The proposed master plan features a new integrated passenger terminal sprawling over 75,000 square metres, which is four times the size of the existing 18,000-square-metre building, built to reflect local heritage and culture.
- Runway Extension: The existing 2,990-metre runway will be extended to 3,810 metres, allowing wide-body aircraft to operate direct long-haul flights to destinations such as Dubai and Western nations.
- Passenger and Cargo Growth: Airports Authority of India data shows passenger traffic increased by 159% over 12 years, rising from 13.2 lakh in 2014-15 to 34.2 lakh in 2025-26, while cargo moved from 10,000 tonnes to nearly 15,000 tonnes. Footfall is projected to touch 1.5 crore annually within 20 years.
- Comprehensive Infrastructure: The master plan details an air traffic control-cum-technical building, a dedicated cargo terminal, 10 Multiple Apron Ramp Systems with aerobridges, multi-level parking with a food court, a bus stand, hotels, and new taxiways.
- Interim Upgrades: A ₹13-crore interim project launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in February 2026 expands the security hold area by 920 square metres, raising holding capacity from 675 to 1,050 passengers.
Why This Matters
The Coimbatore International Airport functions as a crucial transit hub for the industrial Kongu region and western Tamil Nadu. At present, the airport handles domestic flights to hubs like Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and Goa, as well as international services to Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. However, the current runway dimensions restrict wide-body aircraft, limiting long-distance global connectivity and freight capacity as existing terminal design limits are breached during peak hours.
What to Watch Next
The AAI is awaiting Union Cabinet clearance and final central regulatory approvals before floating tenders for the ₹2,200-crore project. Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu indicated plans to initiate expansion work within five months of his February 2026 visit, targeting completion by the end of 2028. Additionally, the State government is in the process of acquiring and handing over an extra 7.44-acre parcel to link the proposed terminal with the Neelambur bypass on the Salem-Kochi Highway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total cost and scope of the Coimbatore airport expansion?
The comprehensive modernisation is budgeted at ₹2,200 crore and includes a 75,000-square-metre terminal building, extending the runway from 2,990 metres to 3,810 metres, and developing cargo, air traffic, and commercial facilities.
Why can’t the current runway support wide-body aircraft?
The existing runway measures 2,990 metres in length and 45 metres in width, which restricts the operation of wide-body aircraft required for long-haul international flights.
How much land has been acquired for the project?
Out of 633 acres planned across five villages, only 1.77 acres remained pending acquisition as of August 19, 2026, with the State government allocating approximately ₹2,100 crore toward compensation.
Source: The Hindu