Coimbatore airport plans significant expansion and modernization

A new master plan for Coimbatore International Airport outlines significant expansion plans. The proposed upgrades include an integrated passenger terminal on the south side, an air traffic control building, a cargo terminal, and a new approach road. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has shared this plan while inviting bids for a precast boundary wall for the newly acquired land. The construction will take place in phases. The first phase will feature a terminal area with 10 Multiple Apron Ramp Systems (MARS), which can hold wide-body or two narrow-body aircraft. Currently, the airport has 11 old aprons and is updating seven new ones. The existing runway, measuring 2,990 meters, will be extended to 3,810 meters on the eastern end. Additional facilities planned include multi-level parking, a food court, hotels, and other passenger services. J. Sathish from the Kongu Global Forum noted that more aprons will be added in the second phase of construction. The new approach road is designed to connect to the L&T Bypass of the Salem-Kochi Highway. The AAI has invited tenders to build a 16.67 km boundary wall, costing an estimated ₹29.19 crore. Shyam Mohan Prabhu, an aviation analyst, mentioned that the recent calls for proposals suggest that the final master plan will soon receive official approval, allowing expansion work to begin. Tenders for an environmental impact assessment are also expected soon.