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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT EARLY HISTORY AND FORMATION:
Thiruvananthapuram
International Airport, located in Kerala, India, has a deep historical
connection to the region’s aviation development, beginning in the early 20th
century. Established in 1932, the origins of this airport are rooted in the
foresight of Lt. Col. Raja Goda Varman, who was not only a military officer but
also a trained pilot with a strong vision for the future of aviation in India.
Raja Varman, married to Karthika Thirunal Lakshmi Bayi, the Rani of Attingal,
recognized the growing importance of air travel and the need for a structured
airstrip in the region. His passion for aviation and his royal connections led
him to approach the Travancore Durbar (the royal government) with a proposal to
develop an airport for the kingdom. He pointed out that this infrastructure
would not only serve military and royal needs but would also contribute
significantly to the state's economic and commercial growth by opening new
avenues for trade, tourism, and communication with the rest of India and the
world. The airport’s establishment began with the Royal Flying Club, a project
that would lay the foundation for a structured, functional airport in the
region. The royal family’s involvement was instrumental in securing resources
and land, making the airport's formation possible despite the challenges of
limited aviation infrastructure during that era.
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The early airport, built
as a modest airstrip on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram, primarily served
as a base for flight training and recreational flying, providing opportunities
for locals to engage with this new mode of transportation, which was still in
its infancy. As aviation in India was still a young industry, the site
initially had little infrastructure, lacking even basic passenger amenities,
but it marked an essential step toward the growth of Kerala's aviation sector.
The formal inauguration of this aerodrome in 1938 marked the beginning of
Thiruvananthapuram’s evolution into a key center for air travel in the region.
The transition from a recreational flying base to a fully functional airport
was driven largely by the ambitions of the Travancore royal family, which
understood the strategic importance of aviation in shaping both regional and
national development.
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GROWTH AND
DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE EARLY 20TH CENTURY:
As India’s aviation landscape began to grow, so too did the aspirations
of the airport in Thiruvananthapuram. In the late 1932s, the airport was
already an important location for regional travel, but the significant
milestone for Thiruvananthapuram’s airport history occurred in 1935 when Tata
Airlines, which would later become Air India, made its inaugural flight to the
airport. The flight was conducted using the DH.83 Fox Moth aircraft, under the
command of Nevill Vintcent, one of India’s first trained pilots. This was not
merely a routine flight; it had symbolic and historical value. Vintcent carried
with him a special message—a birthday greeting from the Viceroy of British
India, Lord Willingdon, to the Maharaja of Travancore, Chithira
Thirunal—underscoring the importance of this development in India’s aviation
timeline. The significance of this flight could not be overstated, as it marked
the integration of Thiruvananthapuram into the broader network of air travel in
India. Despite being located in a relatively remote area, the airport had
proven its capacity to serve commercial needs, especially in connecting the
southernmost regions of India with the rest of the country.
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During World War II, the airport underwent further developments, though
for a different purpose. The British Royal Air Force requisitioned the airport
for military purposes, which led to a series of upgrades, including runway
extensions and the construction of additional military infrastructure. These
changes were not only vital for the war effort but also prepared the airport
for future commercial use. The end of the war, along with India’s independence
in 1947, marked a period of renewed focus on civil aviation.
Thiruvananthapuram’s airport began to transition into the post-colonial era
with plans to modernize its infrastructure. The runway was extended, terminal
buildings were expanded, and facilities were upgraded to accommodate larger
commercial aircraft. The airport’s capacity to handle both domestic and
international air traffic began to take shape, although it was still primarily
serving domestic routes at this stage. This growth was further accelerated by
the increased economic activity in the region, driven by the rise of Kerala as
a significant player in India’s tourism industry and the establishment of more
airlines connecting the region to key urban centers in India. The airport soon
became a crucial component of the economic infrastructure in
Thiruvananthapuram, serving as both a gateway to the region and a hub for
domestic trade and travel.
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THE TRANSITION
TO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT STATUS AND FURTHER MODERNIZATION:
By the 1970s and 1980s,
the airport was experiencing significant growth, both in passenger traffic and
infrastructure development. Kerala, with its vibrant tourism sector and a
growing expatriate community in the Middle East, especially in the Gulf
countries, necessitated a regional hub capable of handling international
flights. In response to these changing dynamics, the airport underwent a major
transformation. The late 1970s marked the beginning of international operations
with Air India flying Boeing 707s to destinations in the Arabian Peninsula. The
increasing demand for air travel, especially to Gulf countries, spurred further
developments, including the construction of a new terminal and the introduction
of improved baggage handling systems, security measures, and passenger
amenities. By the early 1980s, airlines like Gulf Air, Sri Lankan Airlines
(then known as Air Lanka), and Air Maldives (now Maldivian) had begun operating
international flights from Thiruvananthapuram, and the airport was well on its
way to becoming a key international gateway for Kerala. The growth in air
traffic was driven by the flourishing remittance economy, as a significant
portion of Kerala’s population was working in the Gulf States, and they relied
on air travel for both business and personal reasons. Thiruvananthapuram
International Airport has successfully connected Kerala to important international
destinations, further boosting the state’s global presence.
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This period also saw the
introduction of more services, including improved cargo handling facilities,
which allowed Kerala to expand its export markets and increase trade
opportunities with countries in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The
airport’s integration into the national and international air travel network
reached a turning point in 1991 when it was officially upgraded to
international airport status. This milestone cemented its role as an important
gateway to the southern part of India and further enhanced its appeal for
international airlines seeking to tap into the growing passenger traffic from
the region. The years that followed saw a rapid increase in passenger numbers,
prompting further expansion plans, including the construction of additional
terminals, the upgrading of airside infrastructure, and the introduction of
better facilities for travelers. By the early 2000s, Thiruvananthapuram was no
longer just a regional hub but had firmly established itself as one of India’s
key international airports, capable of handling thousands of passengers per
day.
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PRIVATIZATION
AND MODERNIZATION UNDER THE ADANI GROUP:
In recent years,
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport has experienced another transformative
shift as it was privatized under the management of the Adani Group. In November
2018, the Indian government announced a proposal to lease out six airports
across India, including Thiruvananthapuram, as part of a larger effort to
improve airport infrastructure through private sector participation. The
privatization decision sparked a wave of public debate as concerns were raised
about the impact of such a move on public interests, airport accessibility, and
local governance. Nevertheless, in September 2020, the Airports Authority of India
(AAI) signed an agreement with the Adani Group, which assumed control over the
airport for a period of 50 years under the new entity, Adani Thiruvananthapuram
International Airport Limited (ATIAL). This was expected to usher in a new era
of modernization, with promises of improved efficiency, faster infrastructure
development, and a better overall passenger experience. The management shift
was viewed as a necessary step to accommodate the growing demand for air travel
in the region and to upgrade the aging infrastructure that had struggled to
keep pace with modern aviation demands.
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Under the Adani Group’s
leadership, the airport has begun several major expansion projects, including
upgrading passenger terminals, increasing the number of gates, enhancing
security systems, and improving cargo facilities. The private management has
been focused on increasing the airport’s capacity to handle future passenger
growth, incorporating cutting-edge technology, and boosting non-aeronautical
revenue sources through improved retail and commercial services. Despite
challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily reduced air
traffic worldwide, the airport has seen continued investment in its future,
including plans for new terminal construction, runway improvements, and better
connections to the regional transport network. The move has led to mixed
reactions, with some praising the increased efficiency and growth prospects,
while others remain concerned about the social and economic implications of
privatization. Nevertheless, Thiruvananthapuram International Airport remains a
vital gateway to Kerala and a testament to the resilience of its growth from a
small royal airstrip to one of the most important airports in southern India.
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OFFICIAL WEBSITE INFORMATION/06:03:2025
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
AIRPORT RD, CHACKAI,
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM,
KERALA PINCODE: 695024
AIRPORT
DIRECTOR, ADMINISTRATIVE BLOCK,
AIRPORTS AUTHORITY OF INDIA,
TRIVANDRUM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT,
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, KERALA-695008
CONTACT NUMBER: +91-471-2500283
CONTACT NUMBER: +91-471-2702302
NODAL OFFICER/AIRPORT
MANAGER.
TERMINAL-1
MANAGER:
CONTACT#: +914712500298
+914712702311
MOBILE#: +919447275282
EMAIL: dtmt1trv@adani.com
TERMINAL-2
MANAGER/24-Hrs
CONTACT#: +914712500140
+914712702710
+914712702711
MOBILE#: +919495929282
+918714601843
EMAIL: dtmt2.trv@adani.com
ORGANIZATION/AIRPORTS AUTHORITY OF INDIA (AAI)
All India Numbers:
For Airport Queries: +914712702711
Alternate No. For Queries: +914712702710
PUBLIC
TRANSPORT OPTIONS TO REACH THIRUVANANTHAPURAM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT:
1. Regular KSRTC buses
operate from East Fort, Thampanoor (Central Bus Stand), and Technopark to the
airport.
2. AC low-floor buses
(Orange/Green Line) run from Thampanoor, Kazhakkoottam, Neyyattinkara, and
Attingal toward the airport.
3. Nearest bus stops:
Chackai Junction (for Terminal 1 - Domestic) and Airport Terminal Stop (for
Terminal 2 - International).
1. Nearest Railway
Station: Thiruvananthapuram Central (TVC) – approx. 5 km from the airport.
2. From the station,
take a KSRTC bus, auto-rickshaw, or taxi to the airport.
3. Some passenger and express trains stop at Kochuveli Railway Station, about 6 km away, from where taxis and local buses are available.
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