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Madurai Airport Goes International: Boost for Tamil Nadu Tourism & Trade

The Union Cabinet has approved declaring Madurai Airport in Tamil Nadu as an international airport. This move aims to enhance regional connectivity, promote tourism and pilgrimage, and drive economic development in southern Tamil Nadu. The decision aligns with the national goal of expanding to 350 airports by 2047, building on recent aviation sector growth. Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu highlighted India's progress and its ambitions to develop a manufacturing ecosystem for aviation.

Key Points: Madurai Airport Declared International by Cabinet

  • Cabinet approves international status
  • Boost to tourism and pilgrimage
  • Part of 350-airport target by 2047
  • Aims to enhance regional connectivity and trade
  • Reflects growth in Indian aviation sector
2 min read

Madurai Airport to become International Airport: Cabinet

Union Cabinet approves international status for Madurai Airport to boost regional connectivity, tourism, and economic growth in Tamil Nadu.

"Elevating Madurai Airport to International Status would enhance regional connectivity, promote trade, and drive economic development in the region. - Cabinet Note"

New Delhi, March 10

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday approved the declaration of Tamil Nadu's Madurai Airport as an international airport.

Located in the Temple City, the airport at Madurai is one of the oldest in the state.

It serves as a crucial gateway to southern Tamil Nadu and plays a pivotal role in promoting tourism and pilgrimage, thereby contributing to the overall growth of the region, according to a Cabinet note.

"Elevating Madurai Airport to International Status would enhance regional connectivity, promote trade, and drive economic development in the region. The airport's potential to attract international pilgrims and businesses aligns with the city's historical prominence," it added.

The government aims to have 350 airports by 2047. India currently operates 164 airports and aims to add approximately 200 more by 2047, said Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu recently, adding that the challenge is not about constructing airports but about "how to bring in more aircraft to India".

India is ready to take the next step in civil aviation by getting the manufacturing ecosystem ready, according to Naidu. He said recently the manufacturing ecosystem will not only cater to domestic demand that is going to grow in the next 10-20 years, but India can become a place for global exporters.

Referring to the demand and growth in civil aviation, he noted that the country has doubled the airports, passenger growth and aircraft fleet during the last 10 years, "thanks to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the kind of reforms he brought in civil aviation, especially the UDAN scheme".

The minister stated that the Civil Aviation ministry stands committed to providing necessary help to all those who want to partner with India in manufacturing in the aviation sector.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good step, but I hope the focus is on sustainable growth. We need to ensure the infrastructure - roads, hotels, waste management - around the airport is upgraded simultaneously. Otherwise, an influx of tourists can create more problems than it solves. Let's plan holistically.
A
Arjun K
As someone from Madurai, this is a dream come true! Our city's rich history deserves this global connectivity. It's not just about pilgrims; think of the potential for exports - Madurai's jasmine flowers, handicrafts, and textiles can now reach the world more easily. Vanakkam!
S
Sarah B
The ambition for 350 airports by 2047 is impressive. The UDAN scheme has genuinely improved regional connectivity. If executed well, this expansion can truly democratize air travel in India. Madurai going international is a solid step in that direction.
K
Karthik V
While I welcome the development, the Minister's point is key. What's the use of more airports if we don't have enough aircraft and airlines to service them? Hope the focus on manufacturing ecosystem yields results. We need more Indian carriers and maintenance facilities.
M
Meera T
Excellent! This will reduce the burden on Chennai airport and develop the southern corridor. Hope they introduce direct flights to the Middle East soon - so many from this region work there. It will be a huge relief for families. Jai Hind!

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