Thiruvananthapuram is entering a crucial phase in its urban and infrastructure growth. Alongside upcoming city-scale projects like the metro rail and the outer ring road, the transformation of Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is redefining how the capital connects with the rest of India and the world. At the heart of this change is Project Anantha, a multi-phase redevelopment initiative that aims to prepare the city for long-term passenger growth, tourism, and business travel.
By 2026, the airport is expected to handle nearly four times its current passenger traffic, creating a strong foundation for improved mobility and economic activity across the region.
Project Anantha: What Is Changing at the Airport?
Project Anantha is a three-phase redevelopment plan being implemented to modernise airport infrastructure, improve safety standards, and significantly expand capacity. After receiving key environmental and legal clearances in 2025, the project moved into active construction in early 2026.
The immediate goal is to increase annual passenger handling capacity from 3.2 million to nearly 12 million, while future phases will take this number much higher.
International Terminal Expansion: The Core of the Project
The most visible element of the airport’s transformation is the expansion of the international terminal.
Designed with architectural elements inspired by Kerala’s traditional temple forms, the new terminal is both functional and regionally distinctive.
Key highlights include:
By 2027, domestic operations from the older Shanghumugham terminal are expected to shift into this expanded terminal, allowing the older structure to be fully redeveloped or cleared.
City-Side Development: More Than Just an Airport
The airport’s surroundings are also being reimagined as a mixed-use urban zone rather than a transit-only space.
A city-side commercial complex proposed at Chackai has received environmental recommendation and is planned as a support hub for passengers, airline crews, and business travellers.
Planned features include:
This development is expected to complement upcoming regional projects such as the Vizhinjam transshipment port and future urban transport corridors.
Safety, Operations, and Airside Improvements
While terminal expansion remains the most visible aspect of the airport’s transformation, several critical upgrades are taking place behind the scenes to strengthen safety and operational efficiency. These include runway resurfacing and structural strengthening, expansion of runway safety areas to meet aviation regulations, and the acquisition of additional land to comply with mandatory airside safety norms. Plans also include the construction of a new 50-metre Air Traffic Control tower and the development of a dedicated international cargo complex. Together, these improvements are designed to support higher aircraft movements, accommodate larger planes, and enhance the airport’s overall operational resilience.
Looking Ahead: A Long-Term Vision for Connectivity
Beyond the current construction phase, a broader master plan valued at over ₹8,700 crore outlines the airport’s evolution into a major regional aviation hub. When combined with upcoming transport projects such as the metro rail and outer ring road, the airport’s expansion positions Thiruvananthapuram as a well-connected capital city with strong national and international links.
This coordinated growth across air, road, and urban infrastructure is expected to reshape how the city moves, works, and grows in the coming decade.
FAQs
1. What is Project Anantha at Thiruvananthapuram Airport?
Project Anantha is a multi-phase redevelopment plan aimed at expanding passenger capacity, improving safety standards, and modernising airport infrastructure.
2. How much passenger capacity will the airport handle after Phase 1?
After the first major phase, annual passenger capacity is expected to increase to nearly 12 million.
3. When is the initial expansion phase expected to be completed?
The first phase of major upgrades is targeted for completion by late 2026.
4. What will happen to the old Shanghumugham terminal?
Domestic operations are expected to shift to the expanded integrated terminal, after which the old terminal site will be redeveloped or cleared.
5. Is cargo infrastructure also part of the expansion?
Yes, a dedicated international cargo complex is planned to support growing logistics and port-linked trade activities.
6. What is the long-term vision for the airport?
The long-term master plan aims to scale capacity to around 27 million passengers by 2034–2035.
