Coimbatore Airport Expansion to Begin Soon, Civil Aviation Minister Assures Quick Action

Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu has assured swift action to begin the long-awaited expansion of Coimbatore International Airport using the land already available, according to Coimbatore South MLA and BJP national women’s wing president Vanathi Srinivasan.

Speaking after a meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday, Srinivasan said she facilitated a discussion between the Minister and a four-member delegation from Coimbatore and Tiruppur. The group urged immediate steps to start expansion, requested an interim project worth ₹100–₹120 crore to manage surging passenger numbers, and called for improved flight connectivity.

“I’ve previously represented Coimbatore’s concerns to the Minister,” said Srinivasan. “With over three crore people in the region and a thriving economy, air connectivity must be expanded urgently.”

The Civil Aviation Ministry has already completed a design for expansion and floated tenders. The Minister has now committed to sending a team within two weeks to assess interim infrastructure needs. He also plans to visit Coimbatore soon.

Addressing long-pending demands, the Minister promised to explore direct flight connectivity between Coimbatore and Dubai. Additionally, the Ministry is considering links to Udan scheme airports in Bihar and other states to aid the mobility of migrant workers employed in Coimbatore’s industries.

Srinivasan highlighted that the Aviation Ministry officials have given the green light to begin construction at the current site, which is expected to take about two years to complete.

This major development is set to boost Coimbatore’s infrastructure, reinforcing its role as an important economic and industrial hub in Tamil Nadu.

The drive for expansion has gained momentum, driven by a significant rise in passenger traffic and the need for international connections to support local businesses, the textile sector, and the expanding community in the area.