Thiruvananthapuram: The Thiruvananthapuram International Airport will kick off its Rs 2,500 crore International Terminal Expansion Work under project Anantha with the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday.The expansion will significantly enhance the airport’s international passenger-handling capacity, operational efficiency and passenger experience.Spread across approximately 92,552sqm; the project encompasses terminal expansion and enhancements to landside and airside infrastructure, utilities, safety systems and passenger facilities, paving the way for a modern, future-ready airport.It will increase the international terminal’s passenger-handling capacity from the existing 3.5 million to approximately 11.5 million per annum.The international terminal expansion will upgrade passenger flow and processing capacity. The 78,522sqm departure facility will have 48 check-in positions, 38 emigration counters, seven security check positions, nine aircraft stands, improved baggage facilities, a security hold area, dedicated spaces for security and govt agencies, and expanded retail and passenger amenities.The 14,030sqm arrival facility will include 40 immigration counters, four baggage belts, dedicated baggage-handling areas, spaces for key airport agencies and international duty-free facilities.In five years of operations, the airport has strengthened its position as a key gateway. Daily aircraft movements have doubled from 45 to 90, while daily passenger handling has nearly tripled from approximately 5,500 to 15,000.“During FY 2025–26, the airport handled 4.7 million passengers and recorded 31,366 aircraft movements. The airline network has expanded from 11 to 17 operating airlines, providing direct connectivity to 14 international and 8 domestic destinations,” a statement said.In a significant operational achievement, the airport completed re-carpeting its 3.4km runway in a record 75 days while maintaining operational continuity. These milestones reflect the airport’s focus on operational resilience, infrastructure development and enhanced connectivity.
