Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ) is rapidly emerging as Tamil Nadu’s fastest-growing airport, driven by remarkable infrastructure upgrades, increasing passenger traffic, and enhanced international connectivity.

Rapid Passenger Growth

In the fiscal year 2023–2024, TRZ recorded a significant increase in passenger movement:

• International passengers: 1.305 million (15.1% increase)
• Domestic passengers: 459,000 (20.7% increase)
• Overall growth: 16.5% year-over-year

This growth makes TRZ the second-busiest airport in Tamil Nadu for international traffic after Chennai.

Infrastructure Enhancements

To meet rising demands, major developments have taken place:

• New Integrated Terminal: Inaugurated in January 2024, this two-level terminal spans around 75,000 sq.m. and can accommodate over 4.4 million passengers annually. It includes 60 check-in counters, 5 baggage carousels, 60 immigration counters, and 44 emigration counters.
• Modern Navigational Aids: The airport now uses advanced DVOR/DME systems for improved navigation and safety.

Expanded International Connectivity

TRZ currently offers direct international flights to destinations including:

• Colombo
• Singapore
• Kuala Lumpur
• Dubai
• Abu Dhabi
• Sharjah
• Doha
• Muscat
• Kuwait

Seven international airlines, such as Air India Express, AirAsia, and SriLankan Airlines, operate out of TRZ.

Operational Improvements

A new Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower and technical block—standing 151 feet tall—is under construction and expected to be operational by December 2025. This will further improve flight handling capacity and operational efficiency.

Strategic Importance

Serving as a vital hub for central Tamil Nadu, Tiruchirappalli International Airport plays a key role in regional connectivity. Its location makes it a convenient gateway for cities like Thanjavur, Karur, and Nagapattinam.

Conclusion

With robust infrastructure, growing international links, and increasing passenger numbers, Tiruchirappalli International Airport is firmly establishing itself as a major aviation hub and Tamil Nadu’s fastest-growing airport.

Trichy, known for its cultural heritage and central location in Tamil Nadu, is witnessing rapid expansion in its real estate sector. While core areas like Thillai Nagar, KK Nagar, and Cantonment remain premium zones, the city’s outskirts are now evolving as real estate hotspots, attracting investors and homebuyers alike.

A combination of improved road connectivity, growing employment hubs, and government infrastructure projects have turned suburban areas such as Panjapur, Manikandam, Thuraiyur, and Thuvakudi into high-demand zones for residential plots and independent houses. The expansion of National Highways and proposals like the upcoming Trichy Integrated Bus Terminus at Panjapur are giving further impetus to land value in these regions.

Real estate developers are offering gated communities, plots on EMI, and DTCP-approved layouts to attract middle-income buyers. The affordability compared to the inner city is another strong factor. For instance, residential plots in Panjapur are available at a much lower rate per square foot compared to prime city locations, making them ideal for first-time buyers and long-term investors.

Moreover, educational institutions, hospitals, and commercial developments are following the population shift. This has created a self-sustained ecosystem, prompting people to consider suburbs not just for investment but also for living.

As Trichy continues to grow outward, these suburban areas are expected to play a vital role in shaping the future urban landscape of the city. For those looking to invest early, the time is ripe to explore the outskirts before prices surge.

The successful operation of the Air India Express Trichy–Sharjah direct flight service marks a milestone in the history of Trichy’s international connectivity. This achievement, celebrated by thousands of overseas Tamils and frequent flyers, is a result of decades of collective effort.

We gratefully remember former Member of Parliament and Parliamentary Standing Committee Chairman Sudarsana Nachiyappan, whose strong advocacy played a pivotal role in reviving this vital route.

The Trichy–Sharjah direct service was originally launched by Indian Airlines on December 3, 1996, after persistent lobbying and coordination. It was a landmark achievement as:

• The first listed foreign airline service from Sharjah,
• The first Gulf route of Indian Airlines,
• And the first direct Gulf service launched from a Tier-2 Indian city.

A crucial contributor to this development was the Hon’ble Dindivanam Venkataraman, then Union Minister of Transport. He worked alongside several key individuals including:

• Former MPs Abdur Rahman, Trichy Siva, A. Raza, and Barukh Maraikayer
• Emirates HR officer Tanada Abdul Latif
• Community leaders like Guthalam Liaquat Ali, Dawood Patsa, Kalamarudhur Shamsuddin
• Indian Airlines executives Durairaj and Shyam Sundar (later CEO of Air India Express)

Unfortunately, due to the merger of Indian Airlines and Air India in 2009, this hard-earned Trichy–Sharjah service—and also Trichy–Kuwait—was abruptly discontinued.

Later, organizations such as Trichy Intra City Development Endeavors, along with diaspora representatives like Mr. Kings Ziauddin (Bahrain Tamil Organizations) and Mr. Abbas (Kuwait Tamil Islamic Association), brought this issue to the attention of Sudarsana Nachiyappan, then Chairman of the Public Demands Committee in Parliament. They also advocated for services to Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.

Following their detailed representation, Mr. Nachiyappan took action and formally wrote to Hon’ble Ashok Gajapathi Raju, the then Minister of Civil Aviation. Promptly responding, the Minister visited Trichy, held discussions with CII, BHELSIA, and Trichy Airport authorities, and proposed the reinstatement of the Sharjah route under Air India Express.

As a result, on September 14, 2016, Air India Express resumed its daily Trichy–Sharjah service, which has since become one of its most successful international routes. This trust paved the way for additional Air India Express flights from Trichy to Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Kuwait, Doha, and Dammam.

Continuing this legacy, Trichy’s current MP, Mr. Durai Vaiko, is making notable strides. Thanks to his efforts, domestic flights to Chennai, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kochi were launched. Starting June 1, Trichy will also have a daily flight to Hyderabad.

Moreover, Mr. Durai Vaiko is actively pursuing new international services to Bahrain, Jeddah, and Riyadh. With such committed leadership, the vision for a globally connected Trichy is steadily becoming a reality.