Trichy MP Durai Vaiko has urged the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to allocate Rs350 crore for extending the runway at Trichy International Airport to accommodate widebody aircraft, aiming to enhance passenger and cargo handling capacity. This demand follows the submission of a detailed project report (DPR) to the AAI.
The runway extension project, which would increase the runway length from 2,423 meters to 3,810 meters, was included in the AAI's capital expenditure budget estimates for the financial year 2026-27. However, delays persist in fully utilizing the land acquired by the state government for the extension, even though entry permission was granted to the AAI in April 2025.
Vaiko stated that Rs220 crore is sought for runway extension and 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 runway extension work. The runway augmentation is essential to realize the new integrated passenger terminal’s full capacity of handling up to 4.4 million passengers per year,” said Durai Vaiko, who also serves as chairman of Trichy airport’s advisory committee.
Maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operators have also expressed interest in establishing facilities at Trichy airport following the completion of land acquisition. This development is crucial for the tier II city to add new international destinations and boost aviation-related job opportunities.
The airport is at a critical phase 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, a measure of soil strength near the runway, is reportedly below the standards prescribed for long-term aircraft operations. Earlier, a proposal was made to replace and stabilize the 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 and commence the runway strengthening work. Rs50 crore has been sanctioned for this major work,” said S S Raju, Trichy airport director.
Land Acquisition Status
- Present airport area: 702 acres
- Total land acquired: Over 500 acres
- Pending: 7.5 acres (due to guideline revision)
DPR for Trichy Airport’s Runway Expansion
- Estimated cost: Rs350 crore
- Runway expansion: Rs220 crore
- Other work: Rs130 crore
- Cost of strengthening existing runway: Rs50 crore
- Status: Runway expansion fund awaited
Runway Length
- Present length: 2,423 meters
- Proposed length: 3,810 meters
