Coimbatore Airport Records Historic 9.5 Lakh Passenger Traffic in a Single Quarter
The city’s primary aviation hub has achieved a significant milestone, with passenger traffic exceeding the 9.5 lakh mark for the first time in a single quarter. This landmark achievement, recorded between April and June, represents a robust 21% increase in footfall compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year. The surge is a powerful indicator of the city’s burgeoning economic dynamism and its increasing importance as a regional commercial centre. The growth was not just limited to passenger numbers; freight movement also witnessed a parallel upswing, affirming the airport’s role as a critical logistics node for the wider region.
An analysis of the official data reveals the impressive growth was multifaceted. International passenger traffic saw a remarkable 49% rise, reaching over 80,000 passengers, a clear reflection of enhanced global connectivity. This was complemented by a solid 19% increase in domestic passenger numbers, which accounted for the bulk of the record-breaking quarter. Similarly, freight operations expanded by 19%, driven predominantly by a 45% growth in international cargo. This symmetrical growth in both passenger and freight segments signals a well-rounded economic momentum that is fuelling the city’s aspirations.
This substantial increase is directly attributable to strategic additions in flight services. The introduction of new international and domestic routes by major airlines has been instrumental in this growth. The expansion of connectivity to key hubs such as Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Mumbai, and Bengaluru has not only provided more options for travellers but also streamlined business and trade operations. This demonstrates the critical relationship between robust air infrastructure and a city’s economic vitality, highlighting the need for a collaborative approach between city authorities and airline operators to sustain this momentum.
However, the city’s aviation sector now faces a challenge to sustain this growth trajectory. There is a palpable concern that the momentum from the first quarter may not continue into the second due to the recent withdrawal of several key flight services to metropolitan cities like Mumbai and Chennai. Such service curtailments can lead to reduced travel options and increased fare prices, which could adversely affect both business and leisure travel. To ensure equitable and sustainable growth, it is imperative for aviation stakeholders to maintain a stable and reliable flight network that supports the city’s economic ecosystem and serves the needs of its diverse population.
For Coimbatore to truly cement its position as a major urban and industrial centre, it must champion a growth model that is both high-performing and sustainable. This involves advocating for the reinstatement of essential routes and attracting new services to cater to the growing demand. A forward-thinking approach that balances the expansion of air traffic with environmental considerations, such as promoting fuel-efficient fleets, will be crucial. This strategy will ensure that the city’s economic progress is built on a foundation of responsible growth, paving the way for a truly zero-net-carbon, equitable, and sustainable future.
