Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, is an international airport that serves Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, India. Established in 1932, it is the first airport in the state of Kerala and the fifth international airport of India, officially declared in 1991. It is the operating base of Air India and Air India Express. The airport, spread over an area of 800 acres, the airport is approximately 3.7 km due west from the city centre and the Padmanabhaswamy temple, 16 km from Kovalam beach, 13 km from Technopark and 21 km (13 mi) from the under-construction Vizhinjam International Airport. It shares a visible proximity to Shankumugham Beach making it the nearest airport to a water body in India as it is, just about 0.6 miles (approx. 1 km) away from the Arabian Sea. It is also the southern most international/domestic airport in the Indian subcontinent.
The airport is the second-busiest airport in the state of Kerala, eighth-busiest airport in India in terms of international traffic and the 16th overall in India, as of 2024. In the financial year 2023-24, the airport handled over 4.4 million passengers, with a total of over 30,000 aircraft movements.
In addition to civil operations, the airport headquarters the Southern Air Command of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Coast Guard for their operations. IAF has an exclusive apron to handle all their operations. Thiruvananthapuram Airport also caters to the Rajiv Gandhi Academy For Aviation Technology, which carries out pilot training activities. The airport hosts Air India’s narrow body maintenance,repair and overhaul unit consisting of twin hangars for servicing Boeing 737 -type aircraft, servicing mostly Air India Express aircraft.
Infrastructure
- Terminals:
- Terminal 1: Handles domestic flights
- Terminal 2: Dedicated to international operations
- Runway:
A single runway (14/32) with asphalt surface, capable of accommodating wide- body aircraft.
- Cargo Facilities:
Well-equipped cargo terminal for imports and exports.
Passenger and Aircraft Movements (2023-2024)
- Passengers: Over 4.4 million (26.7% growth from the previous year)
- Aircraft Movements: 30,000+
Services and Features
- Airlines: Connects with major domestic and international carriers
- Destinations: Links to cities across India, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and other global destinations
- Amenities:
- Duty-free shops
- Lounges
- Restaurants and cafes
- Currency exchange
- Medical assistance
Notable Features
Scenic Location:
Proximity to the Arabian Sea, providing passengers with stunning views
Accessibility:
Easily accessible from the city and neighboring tourist destinations
Sustainability Initiatives:
Incorporates energy-efficient and eco-friendly practices.
Nearby Attractions
- Padmanabhaswamy Temple
- Napier Museum
- Shangumugham Beach
- Kovalam Beach
- Poovar Backwaters
Future Plans
- Expansion:Plans to enhance capacity with additional infrastructureTechnological Upgrades:Implementing AI and IoT-based solutions for smarter airport operations.This airport serves as a vital gateway to Kerala and southern India, balancing modern amenities with its cultural and geographic uniqueness.