Trichy MP Durai Vaiko has called on the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to allocate Rs350 crore for extending the runway at Trichy International Airport, aiming to accommodate widebody aircraft and enhance both passenger and cargo handling capabilities. This demand follows the submission of a detailed project report (DPR) to the AAI.
Runway extension plans
The proposed extension would increase the runway length from the current 2,423 meters to 3,810 meters. Although the project was included in the AAI’s capital expenditure budget estimates for the financial year 2026-27, delays persist in fully utilizing the land acquired by the state government for the extension. The AAI received permission to enter the land in April 2025.
According to the MP, Rs220 crore is required for the runway extension itself, with an additional Rs130 crore for allied infrastructure. “Airlines have expressed interest in operating widebody aircraft. With land acquisition completed last year, the AAI should have sanctioned funds and commenced work,” said Durai Vaiko, who also chairs the Trichy airport advisory committee. He emphasized that the runway augmentation is essential to realize the full capacity of the new integrated passenger terminal, which can handle up to 4.4 million passengers annually.
Maintenance and repair opportunities
Maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operators have also shown interest in setting up facilities at Trichy airport following the completion of land acquisition. This development is seen as crucial for the tier II city to add new international destinations and boost aviation-related job opportunities.
Existing runway strengthening
The airport is at a critical stage as the exemption sought from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for strengthening the existing runway area is set to expire by December 2027. The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) value, which measures soil strength near the runway, is reportedly below the standards required for long-term aircraft operations. Earlier proposals included replacing and stabilizing topsoil near the runway to a depth of one meter. The airside work was intended to be carried out simultaneously with the runway extension project.
“Compound wall work on the acquired land is progressing. A NOTAM (notice to air mission) can be issued to stop flight operations for about six hours per day to commence runway strengthening work. Rs50 crore has been sanctioned for this major work,” said S S Raju, Trichy airport director.
Land acquisition and project details
- Present airport area: 702 acres
- Total land acquired: Over 500 acres
- Pending: 7.5 acres (due to guideline revision)
- DPR cost: Rs350 crore
- Runway extension cost: Rs220 crore
- Other work cost: Rs130 crore
- Strengthening existing runway cost: Rs50 crore
- Status: Runway expansion fund awaited
Runway length: Present: 2,423m; Proposed: 3,810m
