The Union Government has finalised a master plan for the expansion of Puducherry Airport, aiming to extend the runway from the current 1,500 metres to 2,300 metres. This upgrade will make the airport suitable for operations by narrow-body aircraft such as the Airbus A320, enhancing regional connectivity. The announcement was made by Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu in the Rajya Sabha, where he stated that the expansion would cater to increased passenger demand and support the UDAN regional connectivity scheme.
The runway expansion will also include a widened surface—from 30 metres to 45 metres—to accommodate the turning radius and safety needs of larger aircraft. Alongside this, the airport will undergo major infrastructure improvements, such as a new terminal building, taxiway, apron, and night landing facilities. The proposed development is part of a strategic effort to strengthen air connectivity in underserved regions and support the government’s aim to make air travel more accessible and affordable.
To complete the project, a total of 402 acres of land will be required. Of this, 185 acres are to be acquired from Puducherry, and 217 acres from Tamil Nadu, since the airport lies near the inter-state boundary. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has prepared the plan and submitted it to the Puducherry government to initiate land acquisition and statutory clearances. The cooperation of both state governments will be essential to move the project forward.
Currently, Puducherry Airport offers limited commercial services, including flights to Bengaluru and Hyderabad. In response to queries about new routes such as Kochi and Shirdi, the minister clarified that the Indian aviation market is deregulated, and decisions regarding destinations are made solely by airlines based on commercial viability. The government facilitates infrastructure but does not direct specific route operations.
Once the expansion is completed, Puducherry Airport is expected to become a key regional air hub, offering better connectivity for tourists and residents alike. The development is also projected to boost the local economy by promoting tourism and business activity. With enhanced capacity and modern facilities, the airport will play a significant role in supporting the broader goals of India’s civil aviation growth.
