Tuticorin Airport, officially known as Thoothukudi Airport, is a domestic airport located in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It serves the city of Thoothukudi along with nearby districts such as Tirunelveli, Tenkasi and Kanniyakumari.
Because these districts have growing business activity, educational institutions and tourist destinations, the airport plays an important role in regional air connectivity.
Is situated at Vagaikulam along National Highway 7A. It is located approximately 15.6 kilometres west of the city centre, although some references mention 16 to 17 kilometres depending on measurement points. Therefore, passengers usually reach the airport within about 20 minutes by car or taxi. Since accessibility matters for travellers, this short travel time makes the airport convenient.
This location advantage naturally connects to its official identity and certifications which further establish its importance.
Official Identity and Certifications
Tuticorin Airport operates with recognised aviation codes and quality certifications that confirm its standards.
IATA and ICAO Codes
The airport carries the IATA code TCR which passengers use while booking flight tickets and checking flight schedules. It also has the ICAO code VOTK which is used for aviation operations and international technical identification.
ISO Certification
On 13 April 2018, the airport received ISO 9001:2015 certification. This certification confirms that the airport follows structured quality management practices in its operations.
State Ranking
Tuticorin Airport is currently the fifth busiest airport in Tamil Nadu. It ranks after Chennai, Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli and Madurai airports. This ranking shows that although it is not a metro airport, it handles a significant number of flights within the state.
These official recognitions show that the airport maintains operational discipline and structured growth.
Tuticorin Airport was inaugurated in 1992. The first aircraft, operated by Vayudoot, landed on 13 April 1992. However, this service lasted only 14 months.
After three years, NEPC Airlines operated flights from Chennai to Thoothukudi via Kochi for approximately six months. Later, on 1 April 2006, Air Deccan resumed services which again improved connectivity.
A major expansion was announced in September 2020 by the Airports Authority of India. The project officially began on 25 July 2020 and cost ₹3.81 billion. This expansion changed the airport’s capacity and facilities.
Night landing facilities were introduced in 2020 and the first successful night landing took place on 3 July 2020. Later, on 26 July 2025, the new terminal building was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This event marked a significant transformation in the airport’s development journey.
The airport includes:
A 1,573 metre long parallel taxiway that helps aircraft move without blocking the runway.
A 149 metre taxiway connecting the main taxiway to the runway.
An additional 244.5 metre taxiway for smoother aircraft movement
The main apron measures 191 meters by 89 meters and can accommodate five narrow-body aircraft at the same time. Additionally, there is a separate parking bay measuring 76 meters by 91 meters that can accommodate one extra aircraft.
The terminal building is where passengers experience the airport most directly.
Earlier Terminal Capacity
Previously, the airport had a small terminal building that could handle only 72 passengers at a time. This was suitable for limited regional operations.
New Terminal Building (Inaugurated 26 July 2025)
The new terminal covers an area of 17,341 square meters. It is capable of handling up to 1,400 passengers per hour during peak times.
The new terminal includes:
Three aerobridges which allow passengers to board aircraft directly without using buses.
Four entry gates that manage passenger entry flow smoothly.
Twenty-one check-in counters which reduce waiting time during busy hours.
Seven baggage scanners that improve security and baggage processing efficiency.
Even though Tuticorin Airport is regional, it provides essential facilities for passenger comfort
The airport offers wheelchair assistance for elderly and differently-abled passengers so that mobility remains comfortable and safe. Free luggage trolleys are available to help passengers manage their baggage without difficulty. A Wi-Fi hotspot is provided for basic internet access while waiting for flights
The airport also has a parking facility for private vehicles. City bus services connect the airport to nearby areas. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are available outside the terminal for quick transport to the city centre. Private car rental services are also accessible
There is a small snack counter named Kajah Tea where passengers can purchase refreshments while waiting for boarding.
Tuticorin Airport operates domestic flights connecting important cities.
Currently, airlines offering direct flights include IndiGo, SpiceJet and Hahn Air Systems
IndiGo operates 21 non-stop weekly flights between Tuticorin and Chennai. Overall, the airport handles approximately 150 flights per week, the average flight duration to Tuticorin is between 1 hour 47 minutes and 1 hour 48 minutes. A direct flight from Chennai to Tuticorin takes approximately 1 hour
IndiGo has an on-time performance rate of around 89 % which shows strong punctuality. The airport’s overall punctuality rate stands at approximately 79 %.
The lowest recorded one-way fare is ₹4,289 while the lowest return fare recorded is ₹8,945. The cheapest identified travel date is 15 August 2026. August is generally considered the cheapest month to travel, although May also shows economical fares.
Travellers are advised to book flights around 40 days before departure to secure better prices. July is the busiest month while April is usually less crowded.
Weather also influences travel decisions.
May is the warmest month with temperatures ranging from 27°C to 35°C. January is the coldest month with temperatures between 22°C and 29°C. January is also the driest month with around two rainy days. November is the wettest month with approximately fourteen rainy days.
After landing at Tuticorin Airport, passengers can reach the city centre within approximately 20 minutes.
Nearby cities include Tirunelveli which is 40 kilometers away and takes about 50 minutes by road and Kovilpatti which is 56 kilometers away and takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Important attractions near Tuticorin include:
Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help
JB Gardens
Heritage Park
Veda Thavro Temple
Mahadeva Swami Temple
ISKCON Tirunelveli
Travellers can also continue to Madurai which is approximately 137 kilometers away or Coimbatore which is around 274 kilometers away.
Tuticorin Airport has evolved from a small regional airport into a modern domestic aviation facility. Through runway expansion, terminal modernisation, night landing facilities and structured infrastructure investment, it now offers improved connectivity and passenger convenience
Its steady growth, operational improvements and expanded capacity make it an important transportation hub in Tamil Nadu. With increasing flight options and smoother travel experiences, passengers can now plan their journeys more comfortably. Platforms like Flightsmojo further simplify the process by bringing multiple airline choices and booking assistance together in one place, helping travellers make informed decisions while planning their trips.
