The long-awaited expansion of Coimbatore International Airport is poised to commence, thanks to a decisive move by the Tamil Nadu government. The state has agreed to transfer approximately 600 acres of land—comprising both patta and government poramboke land—to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) unconditionally. This transfer is part of a 99-year lease arrangement, aimed at expediting the airport’s development, which has been stalled for over twenty years.
The decision to hand over the land free of cost represents a significant commitment to advancing the expansion project. However, the state government has requested that, should the airport be privatised in the future, the central government consider sharing the revenue generated with Tamil Nadu. The journey towards this expansion began in 2010 when the government first issued a directive for the airport’s growth. Despite identifying 600 acres for the project, including 468.83 acres of private land, the acquisition process encountered numerous hurdles. Since 2018, Tamil Nadu has allocated ₹2,088.91 crore towards land acquisition, with nearly 97% of the process now completed, as confirmed by Collector.
Political leaders have welcomed the move. BJP MLA from Coimbatore South, , praised Chief Minister for his role in facilitating the land transfer. Similarly, Coimbatore MP lauded the Chief Minister’s efforts in resolving longstanding issues and highlighted the anticipated benefits of the expanded airport for the western region.
The BJP’s state president, noted that the expansion of Coimbatore Airport had been a significant electoral promise. He emphasised the urgency of fast-tracking the project to accommodate larger aircraft and integrate the airport into international codeshare agreements. Nandini, chairperson of the CII-Southern Region, described the land handover as “great news” for the region. She projected that the expanded airport would enhance connectivity for nearby areas such as Salem, Karur, Tiruppur, Erode, and the Nilgiris. The improved facilities are expected to attract businesses, facilitate industrial meetings, and bolster travel convenience for regional entrepreneurs. The Tamil Nadu government’s proactive approach in resolving land acquisition issues underscores its commitment to regional development and infrastructural growth. As the project advances, it is anticipated to significantly enhance the economic and logistical landscape of Coimbatore and its surrounding areas.
