Coimbatore Airport Expansion Master Plan Gets NITI Aayog Nod

Coimbatore International Airport in Tamil Nadu has a ₹2,200-crore expansion master plan that received approval from NITI Aayog on 16 September 2026. The project is awaiting final approval from the Cabinet Committee on Expenditure, and the land requirement for the expansion has already been met.

Airport Land and Area

The expansion plan requires 627 acres in addition to the existing 420 acres. After completion, the airport area will exceed 1,047 acres. Coimbatore International Airport is one of the major airports in Tamil Nadu and serves the Coimbatore metropolitan region.

Terminal Capacity and Passenger Handling

The master plan includes a new terminal building of about 75,000 square metres. The proposed terminal is designed for 12 million passengers per annum, compared with the current capacity of 3.63 million passengers per annum. Interim expansion works of 1,000 square metres are planned to reduce congestion and are expected to be completed by December 2026.

Runway Extension and Aircraft Operations

The runway is planned to be extended from 2,990 metres to 3,810 metres. A runway length of 3,810 metres is suitable for wide-body aircraft operations and for longer international routes. The project has achieved 75% to 80% compliance with technical clearances, and the full work is estimated to take about three years after commencement.

Important Facts for Exams

• Coimbatore International Airport is located in Tamil Nadu and serves the city of Coimbatore.
• The airport expansion plan has an estimated cost of ₹2,200 crore.
• The proposed terminal area is about 75,000 square metres.
• The runway extension will increase the length from 2,990 metres to 3,810 metres.

Airport Expansion in India

Airport expansion projects in India usually include terminal enlargement, runway extension, apron development, and additional passenger-handling facilities. Such projects are processed through technical clearances, land acquisition, and expenditure approval at the central level.