The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has undertaken a major infrastructure project at the Tiruchi international airport to eliminate water stagnation between the Parallel Taxi Track and the new Apron during monsoon season and protect critical airport infrastructure from water-related damage.

The ₹9.21-crore project was launched recently to improve water management in the airside operational area and strengthening the airport’s storm-water drainage system. The non-metro Tiruchi international airport has more overseas flight operations to select countries in South Asia, South East Asia, and West Asia daily as compared to domestic services.

As part of the ongoing project, construction of Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) drain, RCC box culverts and allied works have been taken up between the Parallel Taxi Track (PTT-F) and the new Apron, Airport Director, Tiruchi G. Gopalakrishnan said. Once completed, it would ensure efficient draining of rainwater, prevent water stagnation, and protect critical airport infrastructure, Mr. Gopalakrishnan said.

The major advantages of the work is that it would prevent water stagnation between the Parallel Taxi Track and the new Apron and ensure quick draining of rainwater from the operational areas. This would support uninterrupted aircraft operations during monsoon through systematic rainwater flow, reduce soil erosion, and localised flooding.

The RCC drains and box culverts provide a long-lasting solution and contribute to safe and reliable airport operations. The new project forms part of the Airport Authority of India’s efforts to enhance airside infrastructure and ensure improved operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability of Tiruchi airport facilities. The new infrastructure project was expected to be completed in five months, Mr. Gopalakrishnan said.

Overseas flights from Tiruchi are operated by different airlines to Colombo, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. Domestic flights are operated to Chennai, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.

Surge in traffic

Tiruchi airport, which is the second busiest in Tamil Nadu after Chennai in handling international passenger traffic, witnessed a 100 % growth in total aircraft movements in 10 years increasing from 9,694 in 2014-2015 to 18,858 movements during 2025-2026 fiscal.

International passenger aircraft movements rose from 7,778 in 2014-2015 to 9,386 movements in 2025-2026 clocking a 21 % growth. Domestic passenger aircraft movements sharply rose from 1,916 during 2014-2025 to 9,472 movements in 2025-2026 registering a growth of 394 %, according to airport statistics.

Published - August 01, 2026 05:20 pm IST