Thiruvananthapuram Airport Increases Flights By 22 Percent This Winter

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is set for one of its busiest operational seasons as it ramps up flight operations by 22 per cent for the 2025–26 winter schedule. The increase, effective from Sunday and continuing until March 28, 2026, will see total weekly air traffic movements rise from 600 to 732, reflecting a strong rebound in both domestic and international air travel demand.

Officials from the airport operator confirmed that domestic services would see the sharpest growth, fuelled by rising demand from Kerala’s capital to key Indian metros and emerging tier-II cities. The airport’s new flight plan will enhance connectivity to Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi, and other major destinations, creating new opportunities for trade, tourism, and regional mobility.According to airport authorities, weekly domestic flights will grow by 35 per cent  from 300 to 406  while international operations will expand by 9 per cent, from 300 to 326 movements. Bengaluru will record the highest frequency, with 92 flights every week, followed by Delhi with 84 and Mumbai with 70. This surge will consolidate Thiruvananthapuram’s position as one of South India’s most active aviation hubs during the winter months.

New routes to Navi Mumbai, Mangaluru, and Tiruchirapalli will further diversify domestic connectivity, offering passengers more flexibility and faster connections. Cities like Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Pune will also see increased frequencies, underlining the growing air traffic between southern metros. Aviation experts note that such expansion reflects a post-pandemic travel recovery, as leisure and business travel continue to strengthen across India’s southern corridor.On the international front, Thiruvananthapuram’s connectivity to the Gulf and Southeast Asia remains central to its operations. The airport will now operate 66 weekly flights to Abu Dhabi, 56 to Sharjah, and 28 to Dammam, reaffirming its critical role in supporting expatriate travel and tourism. Other destinations such as Kuwait, Malé, Dubai, Muscat, Kuala Lumpur, and Doha are also set to see an uptick in frequencies.

Airport authorities added that enhanced schedules would bring greater operational challenges, particularly in managing passenger volumes and maintaining service efficiency. However, the expansion is expected to contribute significantly to Kerala’s economy by encouraging inbound tourism, boosting employment, and supporting trade links. Aviation experts also emphasise that sustainable airport operations  including low-emission ground handling and improved energy efficiency  should be prioritised to balance the growth with environmental responsibility.The upcoming months are expected to mark a defining phase for Thiruvananthapuram International Airport as it adapts to increased demand while pursuing greener, technology-driven operations. The city’s enhanced air connectivity will not only ease mobility for residents and expatriates but also help position Thiruvananthapuram as a gateway to South India’s evolving air travel network.

Thiruvananthapuram Airport Increases Flights By 22 Percent This Winter