TIDCO is facilitating the creation of new green field Airports, growth and modernization of existing airports across the State along with AAI, as per the Industries Department policy note 2026-2027 tabled by Industries Minister S. Keerthana in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.
These initiatives collectively play a pivotal role in enabling Tamil Nadu to achieve its long‑term economic vision of becoming a USD 1.5 trillion economy by 2036, it said.
The Government of Tamil Nadu has proposed to develop a new Greenfield International Airport near Chennai to meet the growing demand in passenger and cargo air transport of Chennai and the surrounding districts. New alternate sites will be identified in consultation with experts for the development of the Greenfield airport, the policy note said.
Feasibility studies for these sites will be carried out through the Airports Authority of India (AAI), and subsequently, the Government of Tamil Nadu will take necessary action for the development of the airport based on the recommendations of the feasibility study, it said.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has proposed to further expand capacity of the existing Chennai Meenambakkam Airport by establishing a new passenger terminal on the north-western side of the airport, the policy said.
AAI has requested the support and necessary clearances from the Government of Tamil Nadu for the construction of an elevated road connecting the new terminal with the National Highway. The Government of Tamil Nadu will provide the necessary support to AAI for implementing this proposal. Through this expansion plan, the services at Chennai Airport will be improved, and the passenger transportation requirements will be met until the new Greenfield Airport is established, it said.
The Government of Tamil Nadu will establish an airport at Hosur in Krishnagiri district. The initiative will support the region’s rapidly expanding industrial ecosystem, and position Hosur as a strategic aviation and economic hub in South India, according to the policy note.
The state government has proposed the development of a greenfield airport in Ramanathapuram district to enhance connectivity, boost tourism in Rameswaram and surrounding destinations, and promote inclusive economic development of the region.
Two potential sites in Ramanathapuram district have been identified for the proposed airport. Â At the request of the State Government, a team of officials from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) have inspected the identified sites in to assess their suitability and subsequently have submitted their report to the Government, it said.
Based on AAI’s recommendations, the final site will be selected and necessary action will be initiated for development of the airport, the note said.
The state government as given high priority to strengthening air connectivity and upgrading aviation infrastructure across the State. At present, six civilian airports are operational viz., Chennai, Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, Thoothukudi and Salem with the first four functioning as international airports.
In addition, infrastructure works for the new airport at Vellore have been completed and the airport will commence operations once approval of the competent authority is obtained, the policy note said.
These airports not only ensure connectivity to all regions but also stimulate investment, exports and tourism, thereby contributing to sustained economic growth, it said.
AAI has initiated expansion and modernisation of existing airports like Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Thoothukudi and Tiruchirappalli.
The state government through the Industries, Investment Promotion and Commerce Department, has facilitated acquisition and leasing of lands. Till date, 2,115.90 acres of patta lands have been acquired at a cost of Rs.2,898.14 crore, of which 1,858.54 acres have been handed over to AAI.
In addition, 365.92 acres of Government lands valued at Rs.200.98 crore have been earmarked for expansion, of which 164.96 acres have been handed over to AAI.
For Salem Airport, 297.17 acres are under acquisition at a cost of Rs.364.85 crore. Further, 301.44 acres of Defence land valued at Rs.390 crore being obtained from Ministry of Defence on an Equal Value of Land basis are handed over to AAI for expansion of Coimbatore and Tiruchirappalli Airports.
The State Government is ensuring timely execution of airport expansion and modernisation projects, thereby reinforcing Tamil Nadu’s position as a leading hub for aviation and economic development.
