Thiruvananthapuram International Airport has begun a major infrastructure upgrade with the laying of the foundation stone for its international terminal expansion under Project Anantha. The ₹2,500 crore project marks a significant step towards increasing passenger capacity, improving airport operations and supporting future aviation demand.
Managed by Adani Airports, the expansion forms part of a wider transformation programme backed by an investment of approximately ₹8,700 crore.
The foundation stone was laid on Thursday at a ceremony attended by Chief Airport Officer P. K. Aju, Airport Authority Officer-in-Charge Mohan Roy and other officials. The project covers approximately 92,552 square metres and aims to raise annual international passenger-handling capacity from 3.5 million to around 11.5 million.
The planned development includes terminal expansion and improvements to landside and airside infrastructure, utilities, safety systems and passenger facilities.
Key upgrades include:
The expanded arrival terminal will cover 14,030 square metres, with new facilities intended to improve immigration processing and baggage collection.
Planned provisions include:
These additions are expected to improve passenger movement and support the airport's increased handling capacity.
The expansion follows reported growth in airport operations over the past five years. Daily aircraft movements increased from 45 to 90, while daily passenger handling rose from approximately 5,500 to 15,000.
The airport recorded 4.7 million passengers and 31,366 aircraft movements in FY 2025-26. Its airline network expanded from 11 to 17 operating airlines, providing direct connections to 14 international and eight domestic destinations. The airport also completed resurfacing its 3.4-kilometre runway in 75 days while maintaining operational continuity.
Project Anantha could strengthen Thiruvananthapuram's position as an international gateway through greater passenger capacity, improved processing facilities and upgraded infrastructure. With construction now formally launched, the project's impact will depend on the progress and delivery of the planned development.
1. What is Project Anantha at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport?
Project Anantha is a ₹2,500 crore international terminal expansion whose foundation stone has been laid. It covers approximately 92,552 square metres.
2. What will be the airport's new international passenger capacity?
The expansion aims to increase annual international passenger-handling capacity from 3.5 million to approximately 11.5 million.
3. What facilities will the expanded departure terminal include?
The 78,522-square-metre departure facility will feature 48 check-in positions, 38 emigration counters and seven pre-embarkation security check positions.
4. What aircraft parking facilities are planned?
The departure terminal will have seven Code C aircraft stands and two Multiple Aircraft Ramp System stands.
5. What facilities are planned for arriving international passengers?
The 14,030-square-metre arrival terminal will include 40 immigration counters, four baggage belts and dedicated baggage-handling areas.
6. How has Thiruvananthapuram International Airport grown recently?
Daily aircraft movements increased from 45 to 90, and daily passenger handling rose from approximately 5,500 to 15,000. The airport reportedly handled 4.7 million passengers in FY 2025-26.
