Thiruvananthapuram Airport Experiences Significant Rise in Transit Traffic
Thiruvananthapuram Airport has witnessed a notable increase in transit passengers moving from domestic to international flights, following improvements in domestic connectivity. According to an official, the airport now handles more than 100 transit passengers daily, marking a substantial uptick in inter-terminal movement.
New Shuttle Service and Terminal Enhancements
To accommodate this growing transit demand, the airport has introduced its own electric bus to operate shuttle services between the domestic and international terminals. Previously, a KSRTC bus was utilized for ferrying passengers. The new shuttle bus was recently launched, accompanied by the opening of a canopy area in Terminal 1. This canopy is planned to be extended to other parts of the terminal, providing sheltered boarding areas for passengers using the shuttle services.
Passenger Trends and Route Expansions
The airport is observing an overall increase in passenger movement, with international passengers slightly outnumbering domestic ones. This shift is attributed to airlines recently adding more frequency and new routes in the international sector. For instance, passengers from Delhi and Bengaluru are landing at the airport and switching flights to destinations like the Maldives, while those from Bengaluru and Trichy are transiting to the Middle East.
Record-Breaking Passenger Numbers and Recovery
In January, the airport handled 4.50 lakh passengers, setting a new record for monthly passenger traffic. This represents a significant revival from December, when flight operations were impacted by sudden large-scale cancellations of IndiGo flights. The recovery underscores the airport's resilience and growing appeal as a transit hub.
Terminal Upgrades for Enhanced Passenger Experience
Complementing these developments, the airport has completed Phase I of a facelift for the domestic terminal. This renovation offers a more modern, comfortable, and seamless journey for travelers, further supporting the airport's capacity to handle increased transit and overall passenger volumes.
