New Delhi, March 10 – The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved on Tuesday the declaration of Madurai Airport in Tamil Nadu as an international airport.
Located in the Temple City, the Madurai airport is one of the oldest in the state.
According to a Cabinet note, the airport 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.
"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.
According to Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, the government aims to have 350 airports by 2047. India currently operates 164 airports and aims to add approximately 200 more by 2047, saying the challenge is not about constructing airports but about "how to bring in more aircraft to India".
Naidu said that India is ready to take the next step in civil aviation by getting the manufacturing ecosystem ready. He said that 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.