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Thiruvananthapuram International Airport: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 8°29′N 76°55′E / 8.48°N 76.92°E / 8.48; 76.92
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Infobox name, the mention throughout Wikipedia and article title / WP:COMMONNAME should match. Also the city's WP:COMMONNAME is also Thiruvananthapuram in Wikipedia
 
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{{short description|International Airport serving the city of Trivandrum, India}}
{{Short description|International airport in Kerala, India}}
{{EngvarB|date=December 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2024}}
{{Infobox airport
{{Infobox airport
| name = Trivandrum International Airport
| name = Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
| opened = 1932
| type = [[Public–private partnership]]
| image = Terminal trv.jpg
| owner = [[Airports Authority of India]]
| operator = [[Adani Group|TRV (Kerala) International Airport Limited]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cbonds.com/company/271987/|title=TRV (Kerala) International Airport|website=cbonds.com|access-date=7 March 2023}}</ref>
| image-width = 250px
| IATA = '''TRV'''
| opened = {{start date and age|1932|||df=yes|p=n|br=n}}
| ICAO = VOTV
| IATA = TRV
| ICAO = VOTV
| pushpin_map = India Kerala#India
|image_map = {{maplink|frame=yes|frame-align=center|plain=y|type=shape-inverse|id=Q1186|frame-width=250|frame-height=450|stroke-width=3|frame-lat=10.50|frame-long=76.20|zoom=7|type2=point|coord2={{Coord|8.48|N|76.92|E}}|marker2=airport|marker-size2=medium}}
| pushpin_label = '''TRV'''
|image_map_caption =Location of airport in [[Kerala]]
| type = Public Sector Airport
| website =
| website = {{URL|https://www.adani.com/thiruvananthapuram-airport}}
| city-served = [[Thiruvananthapuram]]
| operator = Airports Authority Of India
| location = Chacka, Thiruvananthapuram, [[Kerala]], India
| city-served = {{hlist|[[Thiruvananthapuram]]|[[Kollam]]|[[Alappuzha]]|[[Pathanamthitta]]|[[Nagercoil]]|[[Kanyakumari]]|[[Tirunelveli]]}}
| operating_base = [[Air India Express]]
| location = Chacka, [[Thiruvananthapuram]], [[Kerala]], India
| hub = [[Air India Express]]
| metric-elev = yes
| focus_city = *[[Air India]]
| elevation-f = 13
| elevation-m = 4
*[[IndiGo]]
| coordinates = {{Coord|8.48|N|76.92|E|type:airport|display=inline,title}}
*[[SpiceJet]]
| metric-elev = yes
| metric-rwy = y
| elevation-f = 13
| r1-number = 14/32
| elevation-m = 4
| r1-length-m = 3373
| r1-length-f = 11,066
| coordinates = {{Coord|8.48|N|76.92|E|type:airport|display=inline,title}}
| r1-surface = [[Asphalt concrete|Asphalt]]
| metric-rwy = y
| r1-number = 14/32
| stat-year = April 2023 - March 2024
| r1-length-m = 3,400
| stat1-header = Passengers
| stat1-data = 4,405,318 ({{increase}} 26.7%)
| r1-length-f = 11,155
| r1-surface = [[Asphalt]]
| stat2-header = Aircraft movements
| stat2-data = 30,141 ({{increase}} 22.6%)
| stat-year = April 2017 - March 2018
| stat1-header = Passengers
| stat3-header = Cargo tonnage
| stat1-data = 4493469 ({{increase}}13.2%)
| stat3-data = 18,392 ({{increase}} 10%)
| footnotes = Source: [[Airports Authority of India|AAI]]<ref name="AAI3">{{cite web|title=Annexure III – Passenger Data|url=https://www.aai.aero/sites/default/files/traffic-news/Mar2k24Annex3.pdf|website=aai.aero|access-date=21 April 2024}}</ref><ref name="AAI2">{{cite web|title=Annexure II – Aircraft Movement Data|url=https://www.aai.aero/sites/default/files/traffic-news/Mar2k24Annex2.pdf|website=aai.aero|access-date=21 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Annexure IV – Freight Movement Data|url=https://www.aai.aero/sites/default/files/traffic-news/Mar2k24Annex4.pdf|website=aai.aero|access-date=21 April 2024}}</ref>
| stat2-header = Aircraft movements
| image = Thiruvananthapuram Airport Logo.svg
| stat2-data = 33738 ({{increase}}115.9%)
| stat3-header = Cargo tonnage
| image-width = 300
| image2 = Trivandrum_International_airport.jpg
| stat3-data = 28715 ({{increase}}0.9%)
| image2-width = 250
| footnotes = Source: [[Airport Authority of India|AAI]],<ref name="traffic_stats1">{{cite web|url=http://www.aai.aero/traffic_news/Mar2k17annex3.pdf|title=Traffic News for the month of March 2017: Annexure-III|work=[[Airports Authority of India]]|date=27 April 2017|accessdate=27 April 2017|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428052950/http://www.aai.aero/traffic_news/Mar2k17annex3.pdf|archivedate=28 April 2017}}</ref><ref name="traffic_stats2">{{cite web|url=http://www.aai.aero/traffic_news/Mar2k17annex2.pdf|title=Traffic News for the month of March 2017: Annexure-III|work=[[Airports Authority of India]]|date=27 April 2017|accessdate=27 April 2017|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428050942/http://www.aai.aero/traffic_news/Mar2k17annex2.pdf|archivedate=28 April 2017}}</ref><ref name="traffic_stats3">{{cite web|url=http://www.aai.aero/traffic_news/Mar2k17annex4.pdf|title=Traffic News for the month of March 2017: Annexure-IV|work=[[Airports Authority of India]]|date=27 April 2017|accessdate=27 April 2017|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428052947/http://www.aai.aero/traffic_news/Mar2k17annex4.pdf|archivedate=28 April 2017}}</ref>
}}
}}


'''Trivandrum International Airport''' {{airport codes|TRV|VOTV}} is an international airport established in 1932, which primarily serves the city of [[Thiruvananthapuram]] in [[Kerala]], [[India]]. It is the first [[airport]] in the state of [[Kerala]]. It is the fifth international airport of India officially declared by then [[Prime Minister of India]], [[V. P. Singh]] in 1991.<ref name="aai">{{Cite web|url=http://airportsindia.org.in/allAirports/thiru_general.jsp|title=Thiruvananathapuram|last=|first=|date=|website=Airports Authority of India|url-status=usurped|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125002751/http://airportsindia.org.in/allAirports/thiru_general.jsp|archivedate=25 November 2010|accessdate=}}</ref>
'''Thiruvananthapuram International Airport''' {{airport codes|TRV|VOTV}}, is an [[international airport]] that serves [[Thiruvananthapuram]], the capital city of [[Kerala]], India. Established in 1932, it is the first [[airport]] in the state of Kerala and the fifth international airport of India, officially declared in 1991.<ref name="aai">{{Cite web|url=http://airportsindia.org.in/allAirports/thiru_general.jsp|title=Thiruvananathapuram|website=Airports Authority of India|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125002751/http://airportsindia.org.in/allAirports/thiru_general.jsp|archive-date=25 November 2010}}</ref> It is the [[airline hub|operating base]] of [[Air India]] and [[Air India Express]]. The airport, spread over an area of {{cvt|800|acre}}, the airport is approximately {{convert|3.7|km|mi|abbr=on}} due west from the [[central business district|city centre]] and the [[Padmanabhaswamy Temple]],<ref name="aai" /> {{convert|16|km|mi|abbr=on}} from [[Kovalam]] beach, {{convert|13|km|mi|abbr=on}} from [[Technopark Trivandrum|Technopark]] and {{convert|21|km|mi|abbr=on}} from the under-construction [[Vizhinjam International Seaport]]. It shares a visible proximity to [[Shankumugham Beach]] making it the nearest airport to a water body in India as it is, just about 0.6 miles (approx. 1&nbsp;km) away from the [[Arabian Sea]]. It is also the southern most international/domestic airport in the [[Indian subcontinent]].


The airport is the second-busiest airport in the state of Kerala, eighth-busiest airport in India in terms of international traffic<ref>{{Cite web|date=31 January 2022|title=Cial Retains Spot As Third-busiest Airport |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/cial-retains-spot-as-third-busiest-airport/articleshow/89232238.cms|access-date=22 February 2022|work=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> and the [[List of busiest airports in India|16th]] overall in India, as of 2024. In the financial year 2023-24, the airport handled over 4.4 million passengers, with a total of over 30,000 aircraft movements.<ref name="AAI3"/><ref name="AAI2"/>
It is the second busiest airport in Kerala after [[Cochin International Airport|Kochi]] and the [[List of busiest airports in India|fourteenth busiest]] in India. In fiscal year 2018-19, the airport handled more than 4.4 million passengers<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aai.aero/sites/default/files/traffic-news/Mar2K19Annex3.pdf|title=Traffic News for the month of March 2019: Annexure-III|last=|first=|date=|work=[[Airports Authority of India]]|pages=4–5|language=en,hi|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426163239/https://www.aai.aero/sites/default/files/traffic-news/Mar2K19Annex3.pdf|archive-date=26 April 2019|accessdate=1 May 2019}}</ref> with a total of 33,093 aircraft movements.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aai.aero/sites/default/files/traffic-news/Mar2K19Annex2.pdf|title=Traffic News for the month of March 2019: Annexure-II|last=|first=|date=|work=[[Airports Authority of India]]|pages=4–5|language=en,hi|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426163237/https://www.aai.aero/sites/default/files/traffic-news/Mar2K19Annex2.pdf|archive-date=26 April 2019|accessdate=1 May 2019}}</ref> Spread over an area of {{convert|700|acre}}, the airport is approximately {{convert|3.7|km|mi|abbr=on}} due west from the [[central business district|city centre]],<ref name="aai" />{{convert|16|km|mi|abbr=on}} from [[Kovalam]] beach, {{convert|13|km|mi|abbr=on}} from [[Technopark Trivandrum|Technopark]] and {{convert|21|km|mi|abbr=on}} from the under construction [[Vizhinjam International Seaport]].
[[File:Trivandrum Airport Satelite View.jpg|thumb|320px| Aerial View of the airport]]
In addition to civil operations, the airport headquarters the [[Southern Air Command (India)]] of the [[Indian Air Force]] (IAF) and the [[Indian Coast Guard]] for their operations. IAF has an exclusive apron to handle all their operations. Thiruvananthapuram Airport also caters to the [[Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology]], which carries out [[pilot training]] activities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rajivgandhiacademyforaviationtechnology.org/|title=Rajiv Gandhi Academy For Aviation Technology - Thiruvananthapuram|date=13 July 2018|website=Rajiv Gandhi Academy For Aviation Technology|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170717062920/http://www.rajivgandhiacademyforaviationtechnology.org/|archive-date=17 July 2017|access-date=10 December 2019}}</ref> The airport hosts [[Air India]]'s narrow body [[Maintenance, repair and operations|maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) unit]] consisting of twin hangars for servicing [[Boeing 737]]-type aircraft, servicing mostly [[Air India Express]] aircraft.


==History==
Trivandrum International Airport operates two terminals. Terminal 1 handles domestic flight operations (except [[Air India]]) and Terminal 2 handles all international flight operations as well as all domestic flights by [[Air India]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airport-technology.com/projects/trivandrum-int/trivandrum-int3.html|title=Trivandrum International Airport|last=|first=|date=15 June 2011|website=Airport Technology|publisher=Verdict Media Ltd.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020184126/http://www.airport-technology.com/projects/trivandrum-int/trivandrum-int3.html|archive-date=20 October 2017|accessdate=5 May 2014}}</ref>
The airport was established in 1932 as part of the Royal Flying Club under the initiative of [[G.V. Raja|Lt. Col. Raja Goda Varman]], husband of [[Karthika Thirunal Lakshmi Bayi]], the ''Rani'' of [[Attingal]] and [[Travancore Kingdom]].<ref name="airport-technology.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.airport-technology.com/projects/trivandrum-int/|title=Trivandrum International Airport|website=Airport Technology|publisher=Verdict Media Ltd|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101112022130/http://www.airport-technology.com/projects/trivandrum-int/|archive-date=12 November 2010|access-date=1 March 2011}}</ref> Raja Goda Varman, a trained pilot, felt the need for an airport to accommodate Travancore in the aviation map of India and requested the Travancore Durbar to initiate the process of establishing an aerodrome. A detailed report was made and presented to the King by Consort Prince in this regard. It may be mentioned that the King was the brother of Lt. Col. Raja's wife, and the colonel's children were the heirs to the throne.


In 1935, on the royal patronage of [[Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma|Maharaja Chithira Thirunal]], [[Tata Airlines]] made its maiden flight to the airport using DH.83 Fox Moth aircraft under command of India's first pilot [[Nevill Vintcent]] carrying Jamshed Navoroji, a Tata company official, and Kanchi Dwarakadas, commercial agent of Travancore in Karachi, with a special mail from the Viceroy of British India, Lord Willingdon, wishing birthday greetings to the Maharaja.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/article856960.ece|title=Kerala celebrates 75th anniversary of civil aviation|date=29 October 2010|work=The Hindu|access-date=1 March 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101130065952/https://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/article856960.ece|archive-date=30 November 2010|location=Chennai, India}}</ref>
In addition to civil operations, Trivandrum Airport caters to the [[Indian Air Force]] (IAF) and the [[Indian Coast Guard|Coast Guard]] for their operations. IAF have an exclusive apron to handle all their operations. Trivandrum airport also caters to the Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology which carries out pilot training activities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rajivgandhiacademyforaviationtechnology.org/|title=Rajiv Gandhi Academy For Aviation Technology - Thiruvananthapuram|last=|first=|date=13 July 2018|website=Rajiv Gandhi Academy For Aviation Technology|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170717062920/http://www.rajivgandhiacademyforaviationtechnology.org/|archive-date=17 July 2017|accessdate=10 December 2019}}</ref>


The first flight took off on 1 November 1935, carrying mails of Royal Anchal (Travancore Post) to Bombay. In 1938, the Royal Government of Travancore acquired a [[Douglas DC-3|Dakota]] as the Maharaja's private aircraft and placed the first squadron of the Royal Indian Air Force (Travancore) for protection of the state from aerial attacks. After Independence, the airstrip was used for domestic flights with the construction of a new domestic terminal, Terminal 1.
Trivandrum International Airport hosts [[Air India]]'s Narrow body Maintenance, repair and overhaul unit — MRO consisting of twin hangars for servicing [[Boeing 737]] type aircraft, servicing mostly [[Air India Express]] aircraft.


International operations were initiated by [[Air India]] to cities in the [[Arabian Peninsula]] in the late 1970s using Boeing 707. By the early 80s, the then-Indian Airlines started service to Colombo, followed by service to Male. Later, Gulf Air, [[SriLankan Airlines|Sri Lankan Airlines]] (then Air Lanka) and Air Maldives (now [[Maldivian (airline)|Maldivian]]) started operations. These were followed by Indian Airlines, which started a service to Sharjah. On 1 January 1991, TIA was upgraded to an international airport, making it the fifth international airport of India after Delhi, Bombay, Madras and Calcutta.
==History==
The airport was established in 1932 as part of the Royal Flying Club under the initiative of [[G.V. Raja|Colonel Raja Goda Varman]], Consort of Rani [[Karthika Thirunal Lakshmi Bayi]], Rani of [[Attingal]] and of [[Travancore Kingdom]].<ref name="airport-technology.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.airport-technology.com/projects/trivandrum-int/|title=Trivandrum International Airport|last=|first=|date=|website=Airport Technology|publisher=Verdict Media Ltd|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101112022130/http://www.airport-technology.com/projects/trivandrum-int/|archive-date=12 November 2010|accessdate=1 March 2011}}</ref> Raja Goda Varman, a trained pilot, felt the need of an airport to accommodate Travancore in the aviation map of India and requested the Travancore Durbar to initiate the process for establishing an aerodrome. A detailed report was made and presented to the King by Consort Prince in this regard. It may be mentioned that the King was the brother of Colonel Raja's wife, and the colonel's own children were the heirs to the throne.


On 1 March 2011, the first flight operated from the new international terminal, Terminal 2. IX 536 (Air India Express) from Sharjah marked the first arrival. Air India Express operated the first departure to Dubai from this new terminal. [[Skytanking|IndianOil Skytanking]] is the company that introduced single-man refuelling in India and started refuelling operations at Trivandrum in March 2016.
In 1935, on royal patronage of H.H [[Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma|Maharaja Chithira Thirunal]], [[Tata Airlines]] made its maiden flight to the airport using DH.83 Fox Moth aircraft under command of India's first pilot [[Nevill Vintcent]] carrying Jamshed Navoroji, a Tata company official, and Kanchi Dwarakadas, commercial agent of Travancore in Karachi, with a special mail from the Viceroy of British India, Lord Willingdon, wishing birthday greetings to the Maharaja.<ref>{{cite news|author=|first=|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/article856960.ece|title=Kerala celebrates 75th anniversary of civil aviation|date=29 October 2010|work=The Hindu|accessdate=1 March 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101130065952/https://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/article856960.ece|archive-date=30 November 2010|publisher=|location=Chennai, India}}</ref>


This was the main hub for the defunct [[Kairali Airlines]] from 9 January 2013 to 2017.
The first flight took off on 1 November 1935, carrying mails of Royal Anchal (Travancore Post) to Bombay. In 1938, the Royal Government of Travancore acquired a Dakota as Maharaja's private aircraft and placed the first squadron of Royal Indian Air Force (Travancore) for protection of the state from aerial attacks. After Independence, the airstrip was used for domestic flights with the construction of a domestic terminal: T1.


In November 2018, the Central Government cleared a proposal by the [[Airports Authority of India]] (AAI) for leasing out six of its airports, including Thiruvananthapuram. The following month, AAI commenced an international competitive bidding process to award Operations, Management and Development (OMD) contracts for the six airports.<ref>{{cite news |title=AAI seeks bids for six airports, to finalise bidders on February 28 |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/aai-seeks-bids-for-six-airports-to-finalise-bidders-on-february-28/articleshow/67131473.cms |access-date= 18 September 2020 |work= [[The Economic Times]] |date=17 December 2018 }}</ref>
International operations were initiated by [[Air India]] to cities in the [[Arabian Peninsula]] in the late 1970s using Boeing 707. By early 80s, the then Indian Airlines started service to Colombo, followed by service to Male. Later, [[SriLankan Airlines]] (then Air Lanka) and Air Maldives (now [[Maldivian (airline)|Maldivian]] started operations. Followed by Indian Airlines, that started a service to Sharjah. On 1 January 1991, TIA was upgraded to an international airport, making it the fifth international airport of India after Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai & Kolkata.
The [[Adani Group]], [[GMR Group]] and [[Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation]] (KSIDC) participated in the bidding process that was won by the Adani Group.<ref>{{cite news |title=Adani Group bids highest to operate Trivandrum International Airport |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/adani-group-bids-highest-to-operate-trivandrum-international-airport/articleshow/68150710.cms |access-date= 18 September 2020 |work= [[The Times of India]] |date=25 February 2019 }}</ref>


Since some public interest litigations were filed concerning the bidding process for the airport, the Union Cabinet gave its approval for awarding the airport to Adani subject to the outcome of Writ Petition. Accordingly, AAI signed a letter of agreement with Adani in September 2020.<ref>{{cite news |title=AAI, Adani Group sign letter of agreement for Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati, Jaipur airports |url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/aviation/aai-adani-group-sign-letter-of-agreement-for-thiruvananthapuram-guwahati-jaipur-airports-6883231.htm |access-date= 18 September 2020 |work= [[CNBC-TV18]] |date=11 September 2020 }}</ref>
On 1 March 2011, the first flight operated from the new international terminal. IX 536 (Air India Express) from Sharjah marked the first arrival. Air India Express operated the first departure to Dubai from this new terminal. [[Skytanking|IndianOil Skytanking]] is the company which introduced single man refuelling in India and started refuelling operations at Trivandrum in March 2016.
Adani Thiruvananthapuram International Airport Limited (ATIAL), floated by the Adani Group to run the airport, would operate, manage and develop the airport for fifty years.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hardeep Puri lays down 'facts' after Kerala urges Centre to reconsider Trivandrum airport privatisation |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/hardeep-puri-lays-down-facts-after-kerala-urges-centre-to-reconsider-trivandrum-airport-privatisation/articleshow/77659975.cms |work=The Times of India |agency=ANI |date=20 August 2020 |access-date=20 August 2020}}</ref>
As per the agreement, ATIAL would get control of the airport only after a concession agreement was executed and the performance bank guarantee was paid and subject to clearance of legal hurdles.<ref>{{cite news |title=LOA for Thiruvananthapuram airport issued to Adani Group |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/loa-of-thiruvananthapuram-airport-issued-to-adani-group/article32584869.ece |access-date= 18 September 2020 |work= [[The Hindu]] |date=11 September 2020 }}</ref>


==Alppasi and Panguni festival processions==
==Terminals==
For decades, the airport has been traditionally pausing operations and reschedules flights twice a year to enable religious processions to pass through the airfield. The airport issues a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) twice yearly before the runway is closed for the bi-annual [[Alppasi]] festival, which falls in October–November, and for the [[Panguni Theertham|Panguni]] festival,<ref>{{cite web |title=Painkuni festival |url=https://utsav.gov.in/view-event/painkuni-festival-1 |access-date= 2 July 2024 |work= Ministry of Tourism}}</ref> which is held during March–April.<ref>{{cite news |title=Procession through Runway today |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/procession-through-runway-today-kerala-airport-to-stay-shut-for-5-hours/articleshow/95216004.cms |access-date= 2 July 2024 |work= [[The Times of India]] |date=1 November 2022}}</ref>
The processions used to pass through the same route even before the airport was established in 1932. The temple issues special passes to participants in the 'aarattu' to pass through the airfield's operational areas.
The procession is escorted by priests, members of the erstwhile [[Travancore royal family|Travancore Royal family]], [[caparison]]ed [[Temple elephant|elephants]], [[Police band (music)|police band]] and armed and [[mounted police]] personnel besides large number of devotees and is a grand spectacle for onlookers.<ref>{{cite news |title=When an airport shuts runway and halts flights for god |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/when-an-airport-shuts-runway-and-halts-flights-for-god/articleshow/61264068.cms |access-date= 2 July 2024 |work= [[The Times of India]] |date=27 October 2017}}</ref>

==Facilities==

===Runway===
[[File:Trivandrum International Airport Aircrafts in Runway.jpg|thumb|(From Left) [[Jet Airways]], [[Vistara]] and [[Air India Express]] flights near the runway getting ready for [[Takeoff]]]]
[[File:4R-EXR VOTV.jpg|thumb|221x221px|A [[FitsAir]] [[Airbus A320 family|Airbus A320-232]] registered 4R-EXR, at VOTV airport's international terminal]]
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport has a single {{convert|3373|m|ft|abbr=on}}-long [[runway]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=About Us {{!}} Thiruvananthapuram International Airport|url=https://www.adani.com/thiruvananthapuram-airport/about-us|access-date=8 February 2022|website=www.adani.com}}</ref> equipped to operate any type of aircraft. It has a {{convert|1880|m|ft|abbr=on}}-long parallel taxiway.<ref name=":0" />

===Terminal===
[[File:Tia-dom-2.JPG|thumb|right|The domestic terminal (Terminal 1)]]
[[File:Tia-dom-2.JPG|thumb|right|The domestic terminal (Terminal 1)]]
There are two terminals. Terminal 1 is for domestic flights, and Terminal 2 is for all international flights.
There are two terminals. Terminal 1 is for domestic flights (except Air India), and Terminal 2 is for all international flights as well as all domestic flights of Air India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aai.aero/allAirports/thiru_pass.jsp|title=THIRUVANANATHAPURAM|last=|first=|date=26 August 2014|website=Airports Authority of India|publisher=|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902041004/http://www.aai.aero/allAirports/thiru_pass.jsp|archive-date=2 September 2017|accessdate=5 May 2014}}</ref> The domestic terminal has an area of {{convert|9200|m2|sqft|abbr=on}} and can handle 400 passengers at a time. The Terminal 3 (NITB: New International Terminal Building) and the International Terminal can handle 1,600 passengers at a time.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|last=Radhakrishnan|first=S. Anil|url=http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/12/stories/2011021262860300.htm|title=Terminal may put development on fast track|date=12 February 2011|work=The Hindu|access-date=|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110301084310/http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/12/stories/2011021262860300.htm|archive-date=1 March 2011}}</ref>


The international terminal ground operations are handled by Air India SATS Airport Services Pvt. Ltd. and Bhadra International India Pvt. Ltd. It is fully air-conditioned with wi-fi facility. The terminal features spacious lounges, natural lighting with extensive use of glass roofing and better conveyance facilities for passengers. It has three baggage carousels and elaborate immigration/customs facilities. [[Flemingo]], India's first privately owned duty-free operator is managing the [[duty-free shop]] at the international terminal.
The international terminal ground operations are handled by Air India SATS Airport Services Pvt. Ltd. It is fully air-conditioned with a WiFi facility. The terminal features spacious lounges, natural lighting with extensive use of glass roofing and better conveyance facilities for passengers. It has three baggage carousels and elaborate immigration/customs facilities. [[Flemingo]], India's first privately owned duty-free operator, is managing the [[duty-free shop]] at the international terminal.


The domestic terminal has basic amenities including cafés, a beer and wine bar, a book-seller, free local calls, phone-recharging points.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.silkair.com/mbe/en_UK/content/experience/ontheground_airportlounge.jsp|title=Airport Lounge|last=|first=|date=|website=|publisher=SilkAir|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110224063843/http://www.silkair.com/mbe/en_UK/content/experience/ontheground_airportlounge.jsp|archive-date=24 February 2011|accessdate=1 March 2011}}</ref> Into Plane Services fuelling operations handled by IndianOil Skytanking.
The domestic terminal has basic amenities including cafés, a beer and wine bar, a book-seller, free local calls, a specialised baby care room and phone-recharging points.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.silkair.com/mbe/en_UK/content/experience/ontheground_airportlounge.jsp|title=Airport Lounge|publisher=SilkAir|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110224063843/http://www.silkair.com/mbe/en_UK/content/experience/ontheground_airportlounge.jsp|archive-date=24 February 2011|access-date=1 March 2011}}</ref> Into Plane Services fuelling operations handled by IndianOil Skytanking.


==Facilities==
[[File:New intl terminal trivandrum.jpg|thumb|right|Inside Terminal 2]]
[[File:New intl terminal trivandrum.jpg|thumb|right|Inside Terminal 2]]
[[File:IATA Code at TRV.jpg|thumb|New [[IATA]] 3 Letter code Placed at Trivandrum International Airport Terminal 2]]
[[File:IATA Code at TRV.jpg|thumb|New [[IATA]] 3 Letter code Placed at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport Terminal 2]]
[[File:TVM Terminal 3 Airside.jpg|thumb|Terminal 2 Operational Area]]
[[File:TVM Terminal 3 Airside.jpg|thumb|Terminal 2 Operational Area]]


===Terminal 1 (Domestic)===
The newly built Terminal 2 has three additional jetways and parking bays to accommodate 8 aircraft. The terminal is built opposite to the current terminal across the runway and is closer to the city side. The terminal, constructed by the [[Airports Authority of India|AAI]] and designed by the UK firm, [[Pascall+Watson]] architects, is expected to provide impetus to the development of the IT sector and the tourism industry in the southern districts of [[Kerala]].
The domestic terminal was the first terminal of the airport inaugurated by Chief minister of [[Kerala]] [[EK Nayanar]] in 1992. It has an area of {{convert|9200|m2|sqft|abbr=on}} and can handle 400 passengers at a time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aai.aero/allAirports/thiru_pass.jsp|title=THIRUVANANATHAPURAM|date=26 August 2014|website=Airports Authority of India|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902041004/http://www.aai.aero/allAirports/thiru_pass.jsp|archive-date=2 September 2017|access-date=5 May 2014}}</ref> The terminal has two [[Aerobridges]] and two remote gates. All domestic flights are operated from here.


===Terminal 2 (International)===
The international terminal covers an area of {{convert|35000|m2|sqft|abbr=on}}. It is able to handle the passengers of three [[Airbus A340]]s and one [[Boeing 747]] aircraft simultaneously (roughly 1500 passengers).<ref>{{cite news|last=|first=|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/article35081.ece|title=World class terminal for Thiruvananthapuram International Airport|date=16 October 2009|newspaper=The Hindu|accessdate=27 December 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903025358/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/article35081.ece|archive-date=3 September 2011|publisher=Thehindu.com|url-access=subscription}}</ref> The annual handling capacity of the terminal will be 1.8 million.
The newly built Terminal 2 has three additional jetways and parking bays to accommodate 8 aircraft. The terminal is built opposite to the current terminal across the runway and is closer to the city side. The terminal, constructed by the [[Airports Authority of India|AAI]] and designed by the UK firm, [[Pascall+Watson]] Architects, is expected to provide impetus to the development of the IT sector and the tourism industry in the southern districts of [[Kerala]].


The international terminal covers an area of {{convert|35000|m2|sqft|abbr=on}}. It can handle the passengers of three [[Airbus A340]]s and one [[Boeing 747]] aircraft simultaneously (roughly 1500 passengers).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/article35081.ece|title=World class terminal for Thiruvananthapuram International Airport|date=16 October 2009|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=27 December 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903025358/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/article35081.ece|archive-date=3 September 2011|publisher=Thehindu.com|url-access=subscription}}</ref> The annual handling capacity of the terminal will be 1.8&nbsp;million.
The check-in area has a floor area of {{convert|950|m2|sqft|abbr=on}} and the arrival area {{convert|600|m2|sqft|abbr=on}}. To enable the passengers to check in at any counter, a Common Users Terminal Equipment (CUTE) is installed. X-ray machines are attached to the side of the conveyor belts for faster clearance of baggage.


The check-in area has a floor area of {{convert|950|m2|sqft|abbr=on}} and an arrival area of {{convert|600|m2|sqft|abbr=on}}. To enable the passengers to check in at any counter, a Common Users Terminal Equipment (CUTE) is installed. X-ray machines are attached to the side of the conveyor belts for faster clearance of baggage.
The entrance to the terminal is from the Chaka-Eenchakkal road. A bridge has been built across the Parvathy Puthanar canal to link the new terminal to the Kazhakuttam-Inchivila NH (National Highway) 47 bypass.<ref name=":0" /> The new terminal has a car park area that can accommodate about 600 cars.


The entrance to the terminal is from Chacka-Eenchakkal Road. A bridge has been built across the Parvathy Puthanar canal to link the new terminal to the Kazhakuttam-Inchivila NH (National Highway) 47 bypass.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|last=Radhakrishnan|first=S. Anil|url=http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/12/stories/2011021262860300.htm|title=Terminal may put development on fast track|date=12 February 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110301084310/http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/12/stories/2011021262860300.htm|work=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=1 March 2011}}</ref> The new terminal has a car park area that can accommodate about 600 cars.
There is a pre paid taxi service counter and foreign exchange (Thomas Cook India) counter on arrivals area.<ref name=":0" />


There is a pre-paid taxi service counter and foreign exchange (Thomas Cook India) counter in the arrivals area.<ref name=":0" />
Trivandrum airport was included in Ministry of civil aviation strategic plan for 2010-2015 to upgrade as Category-A airport by developing to aerodrome CODE 4E/4F, construct parallel runway with taxiways alongside both runways and so forth.


Thiruvananthapuram Airport was included in the Ministry of civil aviation strategic plan for 2010–2015 to upgrade as a Category-A airport by developing to aerodrome CODE 4E/4F, constructing a parallel runway with taxiways alongside both runways and so forth.
==Expansion==
Further expansion of the airport has been planned with the AAI demanding 82 acres for the construction of a new domestic terminal and other related facilities for Trivandrum airport. The state government has agreed to acquire 18 acres for the construction of the Domestic terminal. The AAI is planning to construct a new terminal of around 40,000 square metres, which would spruce up the city airport to a 72,500-square-metre integrated terminal. Paper works, including drawing of plans, for the new terminal building have already begun at the AAI headquarters. The plan is to complete the construction of the new terminal within 18 to 24 months after the state government hands over the land to the [[Airport Authority of India]]. The AAI plans to have a three-storey structure attached to the existing terminal. The elevation of new terminal would be identical to the existing terminal building.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Raghunath|first=Arjun|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/230716/new-terminal-for-thiruvananthapuram-airport.html|title=New terminal for Thiruvananthapuram airport|date=23 July 2016|work=Deccan Chronicle|access-date=27 December 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215175630/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/230716/new-terminal-for-thiruvananthapuram-airport.html|archive-date=15 December 2018}}</ref>{{additional citation needed|date=November 2019}}

==Cargo operations==
The cargo activities at the Trivandrum Airport are carried out through the Kerala State Industrial Enterprises (KSIE), a government of Kerala undertaking). The cargo warehouse is on the airport premises. It has a capacity to import 21,000 MT and export 27,000 MT per annum. In 2010-11 (up to December 2010), the airport achieved MT of import cargo and MT of export cargo. The KSIE is developing a satellite cargo import facility on a temporary basis at the NITB terminal for perishable cargo handling till their final master plan is implemented for developing a huge cargo warehouse on 15 acres of land adjoining the NITB. Major cargo jets such as Emirates has begun flights to Trivandrum International Airport (TIA).{{citation needed|date=November 2019}}


[[File:P 20160211 085640.jpg|thumb|(From Right) [[SriLankan Airlines]], [[Emirates Airlines|Emirates]], [[Gulf Air]] and [[Air India]] flights parked at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport]]
==Other operations==
In addition to Civil operations, Trivandrum airport also caters to IAF and Coast Guard for their strategical operations. IAF have an exclusive apron to handle all their operations. Trivandrum Airport also caters for Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology. The academy has it own hangar facility at the airport. The hangar facility can accommodate 10 trainer aircraft.<ref name="aai.aero">{{Cite journal|last=Mehta|first=Devinder C.|date=March 2011|title=Trivandrum Airport Gets an Impressive International Terminal|url=http://www.aai.aero/misc/trivandrum_airport.pdf|url-status=dead|journal=Airports International Indian Edition|volume=3|issue=5|pages=8-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329043240/http://www.aai.aero/misc/trivandrum_airport.pdf|archive-date=29 March 2017|via=}}</ref>


==Infrastructure==
{{expand section|date=November 2019}}
[[File:P 20160211 085640.jpg|thumb|Aircraft parked at Terminal]]
===Air traffic control===
===Air traffic control===
The [[air traffic control]] (ATC) tower is {{convert|18|m|ft|abbr=on}} tall. There are plans{{When?|date=February 2020}} to build a new {{Convert|50|m||abbr=on|adj=on}} tall ATC tower for Trivandrum airport near the new international terminal. The airport has an CAT-1 [[instrument landing system]] (ILS), D[[VHF omnidirectional range|VOR]] and [[distance measuring equipment]] (DME). The airport is also equipped with a [[Secondary surveillance radar|Mono-pulse Secondary Surveillance Radar]], [[Air Route Surveillance Radar]] and an [[Airport Surveillance Radar]] which allows approach and area control of the airspace around the airport and nearby air routes.<ref>{{cite web|title=Trivandrum International Airport|url=https://www.aai.aero/sites/default/files/airport_brochures/TRIVANDRUM-Broucher.pdf|website=Airports Authority of India|accessdate=6 December 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206062301/https://www.aai.aero/sites/default/files/airport_brochures/TRIVANDRUM-Broucher.pdf|archivedate=6 December 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=|first=|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/new-upgraded-radar-at-thiruvananthapuram-airport/article5138854.ece|title=New upgraded radar at Thiruvananthapuram airport|date=18 September 2013|newspaper=The Hindu|accessdate=6 December 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206063349/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/new-upgraded-radar-at-thiruvananthapuram-airport/article5138854.ece|archivedate=6 December 2017|url-access=subscription}}</ref>
The [[air traffic control]] (ATC) tower is {{convert|18|m|ft|abbr=on}} tall. There are plans{{When|date=February 2020}} to build a new {{Convert|50|m||abbr=on|adj=on}} tall ATC tower for Thiruvananthapuram Airport near the new international terminal. The airport has a CAT-1 [[instrument landing system]] (ILS), D[[VHF omnidirectional range|VOR]] and [[distance measuring equipment]] (DME). The airport is also equipped with a [[Secondary surveillance radar|Mono-pulse Secondary Surveillance Radar]], [[Air Route Surveillance Radar]] and an [[Airport Surveillance Radar]] that allows approach and area control of the airspace around the airport and nearby air routes.<ref>{{cite web|title=Trivandrum International Airport|url=https://www.aai.aero/sites/default/files/airport_brochures/TRIVANDRUM-Broucher.pdf|website=Airports Authority of India|access-date=6 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206062301/https://www.aai.aero/sites/default/files/airport_brochures/TRIVANDRUM-Broucher.pdf|archive-date=6 December 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/new-upgraded-radar-at-thiruvananthapuram-airport/article5138854.ece|title=New upgraded radar at Thiruvananthapuram airport|date=18 September 2013|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=6 December 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206063349/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/new-upgraded-radar-at-thiruvananthapuram-airport/article5138854.ece|archive-date=6 December 2017|url-access=subscription}}</ref>

===Runway===
[[File:Trivandrum International Airport Aircrafts in Runway.jpg|thumb|Aircraft on runway]]
Trivandrum International Airport has one [[runway]], 32/14, {{Convert|3400|x|45|m|abbr=on}}, equipped to operate any type of aircraft in commercial service other than [[Airbus]] [[A380]]. It has a {{convert|1880|m|ft|abbr=on}} long parallel taxiway.<ref name=":0" />


===MRO facility===
===MRO facility===
Trivandrum International Airport hosts Air India's Narrow body Maintenance, repair and overhaul unit—MRO consisting of twin hangars for servicing Boeing 737 type aircraft, servicing mostly Air India Express aircraft. The Maintenance Repair Overhaul is set up on {{Convert|6.07|ha||abbr=}} of land at a cost of Rs. 110 crores it was commissioned on 16 December 2011. The maintenance of two aircraft can be simultaneously done at the two hangars present at the MRO. The facility is state-of-the-art with {{Convert|5,000|ft2||abbr=on}} of workshop, {{Convert|10,000|ft2||abbr=on}} apron, electrically operated and vertically moving hangar door system, warehouse and office space. The Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility of Air India Charters Limited (AICL) at Trivandrum International Airport was given permission to carry out the crucial ‘C’ checks of their Boeing 737-800 fleet.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thiruvananthapuramupdates.wordpress.com/2011/12/16/air-indias-mro-facility-at-thiruvananthapuram-commissioning-today/|title=Air India's MRO Facility at Thiruvananthapuram Commissioning Today|last=|first=|date=16 December 2011|website=Some Updates from Thiruvananthapuram|publisher=|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709011758/https://thiruvananthapuramupdates.wordpress.com/2011/12/16/air-indias-mro-facility-at-thiruvananthapuram-commissioning-today/|archive-date=9 July 2018|accessdate=27 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Radhakrishnan|first=S. Anil|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/air-indias-mro-unit-to-be-opened-today/article2720188.ece|title=Air India's MRO unit to be opened today|date=2011-12-16|work=The Hindu|access-date=2020-02-15|url-status=live|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X|url-access=subscription|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215230408/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/air-indias-mro-unit-to-be-opened-today/article2720188.ece|archive-date=15 February 2020}}</ref>{{additional citation needed|date=November 2019}}
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport hosts Air India's narrow-body maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) unit consisting of twin hangars for servicing Boeing 737 type aircraft, servicing mostly Air India Express aircraft. The Maintenance Repair Overhaul is set up on {{Convert|6.07|ha||abbr=}} of land at a cost of Rs. 110 crores. It was commissioned on 16 December 2011. The maintenance of two aircraft can be simultaneously done at the two hangars present at the MRO. The facility is state-of-the-art with {{Convert|5,000|ft2||abbr=on}} of workshop, {{Convert|10,000|ft2||abbr=on}} apron, electrically operated and vertically moving hangar door system, warehouse and office space. The Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility of Air India Charters Limited (AICL) at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport was given permission to carry out the crucial ‘C’ checks of their Boeing 737-800 fleet.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thiruvananthapuramupdates.wordpress.com/2011/12/16/air-indias-mro-facility-at-thiruvananthapuram-commissioning-today/|title=Air India's MRO Facility at Thiruvananthapuram Commissioning Today|date=16 December 2011|website=Some Updates from Thiruvananthapuram|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709011758/https://thiruvananthapuramupdates.wordpress.com/2011/12/16/air-indias-mro-facility-at-thiruvananthapuram-commissioning-today/|archive-date=9 July 2018|access-date=27 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Radhakrishnan|first=S. Anil|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/air-indias-mro-unit-to-be-opened-today/article2720188.ece|title=Air India's MRO unit to be opened today|date=16 December 2011|work=The Hindu|access-date=15 February 2020|url-status=live|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X|url-access=subscription|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215230408/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/air-indias-mro-unit-to-be-opened-today/article2720188.ece|archive-date=15 February 2020}}</ref>{{additional citation needed|date=November 2019}}


===Other operations===
==Airlines and destinations==
In addition to civil operations, Thiruvananthapuram Airport also caters to IAF and Coast Guard for their strategical operations and Airforce NCC Cadets' Trg. IAF have an exclusive apron to handle all their operations. Thiruvananthapuram Airport also caters for [[Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology]]. The academy has its own hangar facility at the airport. The hangar facility can accommodate 10 trainer aircraft.<ref name="aai.aero">{{Cite journal|last=Mehta|first=Devinder C.|date=March 2011|title=Trivandrum Airport Gets an Impressive International Terminal|url=http://www.aai.aero/misc/trivandrum_airport.pdf|url-status=dead|journal=Airports International Indian Edition|volume=3|issue=5|pages=8–11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329043240/http://www.aai.aero/misc/trivandrum_airport.pdf|archive-date=29 March 2017}}</ref>
===Passenger===
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{{Airport destination list|3rdcoltitle={{Abbr|Refs.|References}}|3rdcolunsortable=yes
|[[Air Arabia]]|[[Sharjah Airport|Sharjah]]|
|[[Air India]]|[[Kempegowda International Airport|Bangalore]], [[Chennai International Airport|Chennai]], [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Delhi]], [[Cochin International Airport|Kochi]], [[Velana International Airport|Malé]], [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport|Mumbai]], [[King Khalid International Airport|Riyadh]], [[Sharjah International Airport|Sharjah]]|
|[[Air India Express]]| [[Abu Dhabi International Airport|Abu Dhabi]], [[Chennai International Airport|Chennai]], [[Cochin International Airport|Kochi]], [[Calicut International Airport|Kozhikode]], [[Hamad International Airport|Doha]], [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai–International]], [[Muscat International Airport|Muscat]], [[Sharjah International Airport|Sharjah]] |
|[[Emirates (airline)|Emirates]]|[[Dubai International Airport|Dubai–International]]|
|[[Etihad Airways]]|[[Abu Dhabi International Airport|Abu Dhabi]]|
|[[Gulf Air]]|[[Bahrain International Airport|Bahrain]]|
|[[IndiGo]]|[[Kempegowda International Airport|Bangalore]], [[Chandigarh Airport|Chandigarh]] (begins 20 February 2020),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.goindigo.in/information/new-flights.html|title=New Flights Information, Status & Schedule &#124; IndiGo|website=www.goindigo.in|access-date=28 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331083931/https://www.goindigo.in/information/new-flights.html|archive-date=31 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Chennai International Airport|Chennai]], [[King Fahd International Airport|Dammam]] (begins 7 March 2020),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/indigo-to-start-flights-to-dammam-from-three-indian-cities-11579180560799.html|title=IndiGo to start flights to Dammam from three Indian cities|work=Livemint|accessdate=16 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200117155603/https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/indigo-to-start-flights-to-dammam-from-three-indian-cities-11579180560799.html|archive-date=17 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Delhi]], [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai–International]], [[Rajiv Gandhi International Airport|Hyderabad]], [[Kannur International Airport|Kannur]], [[Cochin International Airport|Kochi]], [[Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport|Kolkata]], [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport|Mumbai]]|
|[[Kuwait Airways]]|[[Kuwait Airport|Kuwait]]|
|[[Maldivian (airline)|Maldivian]]|[[Gan International Airport|Gan]], [[Velana International Airport|Malé]]|
|[[Malindo Air]]|[[Kuala Lumpur International Airport|Kuala Lumpur–International]] |
|[[Oman Air]]|[[Muscat Airport|Muscat]]|
|[[Qatar Airways]]|[[Hamad International Airport|Doha]]|<ref>{{cite web|title=Qatar Airways: Flights from Thiruvananthapuram to Doha|website=Qatar Airways|url=https://www.qatarairways.com/en/destinations/flights-to-doha/from-thiruvananthapuram.html|accessdate=July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190705134750/https://www.qatarairways.com/en/destinations/flights-to-doha/from-thiruvananthapuram.html|archive-date=5 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
|[[Scoot]]|[[Singapore Changi Airport|Singapore]]|
|[[SpiceJet]]|[[Kempegowda International Airport|Bangalore]], [[Chennai International Airport|Chennai]], [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Delhi]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spicejet.com/Schedules.aspx|title=SpiceJet flight schedule|work=SpiceJet|accessdate=12 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180910164702/https://www.spicejet.com/Schedules.aspx|archive-date=10 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport|Mumbai]] |<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/spicejet-to-start-12-new-flights-from-october-119081602041_1.html|title=SpiceJet to start 12 new flights, Aurangabad becomes 53rd destination|last=Press Trust of India|date=16 August 2019|accessdate=10 December 2019|via=Business Standard|newspaper=Business Standard India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212075654/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/spicejet-to-start-12-new-flights-from-october-119081602041_1.html|archive-date=12 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/sectors/aviation/spicejet-announces-new-flights-to-thiruvananthapuram-male-and-chennai-check-out-fares-timings/story/385270.html|title=SpiceJet announces new flights to Thiruvananthapuram, Male and Chennai; check out fares, timings|website=businesstoday.in|accessdate=10 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191018173631/https://www.businesstoday.in/sectors/aviation/spicejet-announces-new-flights-to-thiruvananthapuram-male-and-chennai-check-out-fares-timings/story/385270.html|archive-date=18 October 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
|{{nowrap|[[SriLankan Airlines]]}}|[[Bandaranaike International Airport|Colombo–Bandaranaike]]|<ref>{{cite web|title=SriLankan Airlines wins top Indian Ocean carrier spot at World Travel Awards|url=https://economynext.com/srilankan-airlines-wins-top-indian-ocean-carrier-spot-at-world-travel-awards-25211|date=14 October 2019|work=Economy Next|accessdate=25 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025144159/https://economynext.com/srilankan-airlines-wins-top-indian-ocean-carrier-spot-at-world-travel-awards-25211/|archive-date=25 October 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
|[[Vistara]]| [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Delhi]]|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/travel-tourism/vistara-announces-daily-direct-flights-between-delhi-thiruvananthapuram-check-fares-schedule/1737322/|title=Vistara announces daily direct flights between Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram; check fares, schedule|date=16 October 2019|accessdate=10 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125063830/https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/travel-tourism/vistara-announces-daily-direct-flights-between-delhi-thiruvananthapuram-check-fares-schedule/1737322/|archive-date=25 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}


===Cargo===
==Expansion==
In November 2023, the AAI announced that the new terminal building will be built at an area covering 44,000 sq.m., an increase from the original plan of 2018, and that out of 18 acres, 16 acres will be acquired for extending the runway to accommodate larger aircraft and handle more flights by September 2024.<ref>{{cite news|last=K.|first=Krishnachand|title=Runway expansion at Thiruvananthapuram airport: State may take final call by December-end|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2023/nov/29/runway-expansion-at-thiruvananthapuramairport-state-may-take-final-call-by-december-end-2637049.html|work=The New Indian Express|date=29 November 2023|access-date=12 December 2023|language=en}}</ref>
{{Airport destination list|3rdcoltitle={{Abbr|Refs.|References}}|3rdcolunsortable=yes
|{{nowrap|[[Blue Dart Aviation]]}}| [[Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport|Ahmedabad]], [[Kempegowda International Airport|Bangalore]], [[Chennai Airport|Chennai]], [[Coimbatore International Airport|Coimbatore]], [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Delhi]], [[Rajiv Gandhi International Airport|Hyderabad]], [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport|Mumbai]]|
|[[Emirates SkyCargo]]|[[Al Maktoum International Airport|Dubai-Al Maktoum]], [[Hong Kong Airport|Hong Kong]]|
|[[FitsAir]]|[[Bandaranaike International Airport|Colombo–Bandaranaike]]|
|[[Qatar Airways Cargo]]|[[Bandaranaike International Airport|Colombo–Bandaranaike]], [[Hamad International Airport|Doha]]|
|[[SriLankan Cargo]]|[[Bandaranaike International Airport|Colombo–Bandaranaike]]|
|[[Saudia Cargo]]|[[King Fahd International Airport|Dammam]], [[Hong Kong International Airport|Hong Kong]], [[King Khalid International Airport|Riyadh]]
|}}


The expansion process will also involve the relocation of BrahMos Aerospace Trivandrum Limited (BATL) — a wholly owned subsidiary of [[BrahMos Aerospace]] — to a {{Convert|186|acre|km2|abbr=on}} land in Nettukaltheri, near [[Neyyar Dam]]. The facility is currently engaged in producing the [[BrahMos]] supersonic [[cruise missiles]] for the [[Indian Armed Forces]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=K |first=Krishnachand |date=29 October 2024 |title=Land proposed in Nettukaltheri to relocate BrahMos Aerospace |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/nettukaltheri-land-proposed-for-relocating-brahmos-aerospace-to-facilitate-thiruvananthapuram-airport-expansion/articleshow/114743583.cms |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |access-date=1 November 2024}}</ref>
==Security==
Trivandrum International Airport is listed among the major airports of India. Its safety and security is handled by the [[Airport security#India|Bureau of Civil Aviation Security]] through the [[Central Industrial Security Force#Airport security]] (CISF). In the past, the airport security was under the control of [[airport police]] (under the state government). However, following the hijacking of [[Indian Airlines Flight 814]] in 1999, the airport security was handed over to CISF. Trivandrum airport also has advanced security equipment including X-RAY Baggage inspection (X-BIS), Explosive Trace Detection System (ETDS) and provision of an In-Line Baggage Screening system; at the NITB, state-of-the-art Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), Flight information Display System (fids) and Public Address (PA) systems, as well as an Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) for flight information, are there for passengers' convenience.<ref name="aai.aero"/>


==Airlines and destinations==
==Connectivity==
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{{Airport destination list
===Road===
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Trivandrum international airport is connected to [[National Highway 66 (India)|National Highway 66]] (NH 66) which connects the airport to the city and other parts. The National Highway 66 links the airport with the upcoming [[Vizhinjam International Seaport]] .{{Citation needed|date=February 2020}}
|[[Air Arabia]]| [[Abu Dhabi International Airport|Abu Dhabi]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airarabia.com/en/destinations|title=Destinations|publisher=[[Air Arabia]]|access-date=3 February 2022}}</ref> [[Sharjah International Airport|Sharjah]]
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|[[Air India]]| [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Delhi]], [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport|Mumbai]]<ref name="dgca">{{cite web|url=https://www.dgca.gov.in/digigov-portal/?page=4207/4201/servicename|title=Airlines INTL Schedule|access-date=30 March 2022}}</ref><ref name="dgca1">{{cite web|url=https://www.dgca.gov.in/digigov-portal/?page=4201/4200/servicename|title=Airlines DOM Schedule|access-date=30 March 2022}}</ref>
<!-- -->
|[[Air India Express]]| [[Abu Dhabi International Airport|Abu Dhabi]], [[Bahrain International Airport|Bahrain]], [[Kempegowda International Airport|Bengaluru]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://centreforaviation.com/news/air-india-express-to-commence-bangalore-thiruvananthapuram-service-in-nov-2023-1228213|title=Air India Express to commence Bangalore-Thiruvananthapuram service in Nov-2023|work=CAPA|accessdate=11 October 2023}}</ref> [[Chennai International Airport|Chennai]], [[King Fahd International Airport|Dammam]], [[Hamad International Airport|Doha]], [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai–International]], [[Rajiv Gandhi International Airport|Hyderabad]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/ArenaJet/status/1746143057542594908|title=Air India Express to launch Hyderabad-Thiruvananthapuram flight from January 22|work=JetArena|accessdate=13 January 2024}}</ref> [[Cochin International Airport|Kochi]], [[Kannur International Airport|Kannur]], [[Muscat International Airport|Muscat]], [[King Khalid International Airport|Riyadh]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/travel/travel-news/2024/08/05/air-india-express-flight-thiruvananthapuram-riyadh-saudi-arabia.html|title=Air India Express resumes direct flights from Thiruvananthapuram to Riyadh|work=onmanorama|accessdate=5 August 2024}}</ref> [[Sharjah International Airport|Sharjah]]<ref name="dgca" />
<!-- -->
|{{nowrap|[[AirAsia]]}}| [[Kuala Lumpur International Airport|Kuala Lumpur–International]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/231213-akfeb24trv|title=AirAsia Resumes Thiruvananthapuram Service From Feb 2024|website=AeroRoutes|date=13 December 2023}}</ref>
<!-- -->
|[[Emirates (airline)|Emirates]]| [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai–International]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.emirates.com/english/destinations/flights-to-india.aspx|title=Thiruvananthapuram|publisher=[[Emirates (airline)|Emirates]]|access-date=3 February 2022}}</ref>
<!-- -->
|[[Etihad Airways]]| [[Abu Dhabi International Airport|Abu Dhabi]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Etihad NW23 Network Changes – 09AUG23 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230810-eynw23 |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=10 August 2023}}</ref>
<!-- -->
|[[FitsAir]]| [[Bandaranaike International Airport|Colombo–Bandaranaike]]<ref>{{cite web |title=FitsAir Adds Thiruvananthapuram Service From late-Dec 2024 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/241206-8ddec24trv |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=6 December 2024}}</ref>
<!-- -->
|[[Gulf Air]]| [[Bahrain International Airport|Bahrain]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gulfair.com/flights/destination-guide/trivandrum|title=Trivandrum|publisher=[[Gulf Air]]|access-date=3 February 2022}}</ref>
<!-- -->
|[[IndiGo]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Flights Schedule for Domestic & International Flights – IndiGo|url=https://www.goindigo.in/information/flight-schedule.html|work=[[IndiGo]]|access-date=5 March 2024|language=en}}</ref>| [[Ahmedabad Airport|Ahmedabad]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://centreforaviation.com/news/indigo-to-commence-ahmedabad-thiruvananthapuram-service-in-dec-2024-1286656|title=IndiGo to commence Ahmedabad-Thiruvananthapuram service in Dec-2024|work=CAPA|accessdate=21 October 2024}}</ref> [[Kempegowda International Airport|Bengaluru]], [[Chennai International Airport|Chennai]], [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Delhi]], [[Rajiv Gandhi International Airport|Hyderabad]], [[Cochin International Airport|Kochi]], [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport|Mumbai]], [[Pune Airport|Pune]], [[Sharjah International Airport|Sharjah]]
<!-- -->
| [[Jazeera Airways]]| [[Kuwait International Airport|Kuwait City]]<ref>{{cite web |title=JAZEERA AIRWAYS RESUMES 2 INDIA ROUTES IN 4Q24|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240812-j94q24in|website=Aeroroutes |access-date=12 August 2024}}</ref>
<!-- -->
|[[Kuwait Airways]]| [[Kuwait International Airport|Kuwait City]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kuwaitairways.com/en/destinations/Pages/Indian-SubContinent.aspx|title=Indian Sub-continent Flights |publisher=[[Kuwait Airways]]|access-date=1 February 2022}}</ref>
<!-- -->
|[[Malaysia Airlines]]| [[Kuala Lumpur International Airport|Kuala Lumpur–International]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230902-mhnw23in|title=MALAYSIA AIRLINES FURTHER EXPANDS INDIA NETWORK IN NW23|work=Aeroroutes|accessdate=2 September 2023}}</ref>
<!-- -->
|[[Maldivian (airline)|Maldivian]]| [[Hanimaadhoo International Airport|Hanimaadhoo]], [[Velana International Airport|Malé]]
<!-- -->
|[[Oman Air]]| [[Muscat International Airport|Muscat]]<ref>{{cite news|last=Khan|first=Faiz|title=Oman Air and Salam Air Launches New Flights to Kerala|url=https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2023/09/04/oman-air-and-salam-air-launches-new-flights-to-kerala/|work=Aviation A2Z|date=4 September 2023|access-date=5 September 2023|language=en}}</ref>
<!-- -->
|[[Qatar Airways]]| [[Hamad International Airport|Doha]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.qatarairways.com/dapp/discovery/?origin=DOH&destination=TRV|title=Trivandrum, India|publisher=[[Qatar Airways]]|access-date=3 February 2022}}</ref>
<!-- -->
|[[Scoot]]| [[Singapore Changi International Airport|Singapore]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flyscoot.com/en/fly-scoot/who-we-are/destinations-map|title=Destinations Map|publisher=[[Scoot]]|access-date=3 February 2022}}</ref>
<!-- -->
|{{nowrap|[[SriLankan Airlines]]}}| [[Bandaranaike International Airport|Colombo–Bandaranaike]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.srilankan.com/en_uk/plan-and-book/flight-routes|title=Route Map|publisher=[[SriLankan Airlines]]|access-date=2 February 2022}}</ref>
<!-- -->
}}


===Buses===
==Statistics==
{{Airport-Statistics|iata=TRV}}
Buses connect Trivandrum airport to different parts of the city. Services are mainly operated by the [[Kerala State Road Transport Corporation]] which connects the airport to [[East Fort]], [[Kochi]], [[Kollam]] etc.{{Citation needed|date=February 2020}}


===Rail===
==Security==
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is listed among the major airports of India. Its safety and security are handled by the [[Airport security#India|Bureau of Civil Aviation Security]] through the [[Central Industrial Security Force#Airport security|Central Industrial Security Force#Airport Security]] (CISF). In the past, airport security was under the control of [[airport police]] (under the state government). However, following the hijacking of [[Indian Airlines Flight 814]] in 1999, airport security was handed over to CISF. Thiruvananthapuram Airport also has advanced security equipment including X-RAY Baggage inspection (X-BIS), Explosive Trace Detection System (ETDS) and provision of an In-Line Baggage Screening system; at the NITB, state-of-the-art Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), Flight Information Display System (fids) and Public Address (PA) systems, as well as an Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) for flight information, are there for passengers' convenience.<ref name="aai.aero"/>
The nearest railway station is [[Kochuveli railway station]] which is about 5&nbsp;km away and [[Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station]] is about 5.5&nbsp;km. These railway stations are well connected with different regions of the country.{{Citation needed|date=February 2020}}

===Helicopter===
Chipsan Aviation air charter services operating Helitaxi service from the airport to the various locations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://chipsan.com/services/|title=Services|last=|first=|date=|website=Chispan Aviation|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128185201/https://chipsan.com/services/|archive-date=28 January 2020|accessdate=28 January 2020}}</ref>


The In-Line Baggage Screening system (ILBS) was installed at Terminal 2 on 21 July 2020.
===Taxis===
Pre-paid taxi services are available from both the terminals of Trivandrum airport.{{Citation needed|date=February 2020}}
Taxi aggregators Uber and Ola is with in service area.{{citation needed|date=November 2019}}


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Airports in India]]
* [[Airports in India]]
* [[List of busiest airports in India by passenger traffic]]
* [[List of busiest airports in India by passenger traffic]]
* [[Cochin International Airport]]
* [[Calicut International Airport]]
* [[Kannur International Airport]]
* [[Sabarimala Greenfield Airport]]


==References==
==References==
Line 168: Line 182:


==External links==
==External links==
* [https://www.adani.com/en/thiruvananthapuram-airport Official Website]
{{commons category-inline|Trivandrum International Airport}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160902180351/http://www.aai.aero/allAirports/thiru_general.jsp Trivandrum International Airport] at the [[Airports Authority of India]]


{{Adani Group}}
{{Portalbar|Aviation|India}}
{{Portalbar|Aviation|India}}
{{Airports in India}}
{{Airports in India}}
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[[Category:1932 establishments in India]]
[[Category:1932 establishments in India]]
[[Category:Airports in Kerala]]
[[Category:Airports in Kerala]]
[[Category:International airports in India]]
[[Category:Airports established in 1932]]
[[Category:Airports established in 1932]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Thiruvananthapuram]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Thiruvananthapuram]]
[[Category:Transport in Thiruvananthapuram]]
[[Category:Transport in Thiruvananthapuram]]
[[Category:20th-century architecture in India]]
[[Category:Adani Group]]

Latest revision as of 18:14, 8 January 2025

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
Summary
Airport typePublic–private partnership
OwnerAirports Authority of India
OperatorTRV (Kerala) International Airport Limited[1]
ServesThiruvananthapuram
LocationChacka, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
Opened1932; 93 years ago (1932)
Operating base forAir India Express
Elevation AMSL4 m / 13 ft
Coordinates8°29′N 76°55′E / 8.48°N 76.92°E / 8.48; 76.92
Websitewww.adani.com/thiruvananthapuram-airport
Map
Map
Location of airport in Kerala
Map
Runways
Direction Length Surface
m ft
14/32 3,373 11,066 Asphalt
Statistics (April 2023 - March 2024)
Passengers4,405,318 (Increase 26.7%)
Aircraft movements30,141 (Increase 22.6%)
Cargo tonnage18,392 (Increase 10%)
Source: AAI[2][3][4]

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (IATA: TRV, ICAO: VOTV), is an international airport that serves Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, India. Established in 1932, it is the first airport in the state of Kerala and the fifth international airport of India, officially declared in 1991.[5] It is the operating base of Air India and Air India Express. The airport, spread over an area of 800 acres (320 ha), the airport is approximately 3.7 km (2.3 mi) due west from the city centre and the Padmanabhaswamy Temple,[5] 16 km (9.9 mi) from Kovalam beach, 13 km (8.1 mi) from Technopark and 21 km (13 mi) from the under-construction Vizhinjam International Seaport. It shares a visible proximity to Shankumugham Beach making it the nearest airport to a water body in India as it is, just about 0.6 miles (approx. 1 km) away from the Arabian Sea. It is also the southern most international/domestic airport in the Indian subcontinent.

The airport is the second-busiest airport in the state of Kerala, eighth-busiest airport in India in terms of international traffic[6] and the 16th overall in India, as of 2024. In the financial year 2023-24, the airport handled over 4.4 million passengers, with a total of over 30,000 aircraft movements.[2][3]

Aerial View of the airport

In addition to civil operations, the airport headquarters the Southern Air Command (India) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Coast Guard for their operations. IAF has an exclusive apron to handle all their operations. Thiruvananthapuram Airport also caters to the Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology, which carries out pilot training activities.[7] The airport hosts Air India's narrow body maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) unit consisting of twin hangars for servicing Boeing 737-type aircraft, servicing mostly Air India Express aircraft.

History

[edit]

The airport was established in 1932 as part of the Royal Flying Club under the initiative of Lt. Col. Raja Goda Varman, husband of Karthika Thirunal Lakshmi Bayi, the Rani of Attingal and Travancore Kingdom.[8] Raja Goda Varman, a trained pilot, felt the need for an airport to accommodate Travancore in the aviation map of India and requested the Travancore Durbar to initiate the process of establishing an aerodrome. A detailed report was made and presented to the King by Consort Prince in this regard. It may be mentioned that the King was the brother of Lt. Col. Raja's wife, and the colonel's children were the heirs to the throne.

In 1935, on the royal patronage of Maharaja Chithira Thirunal, Tata Airlines made its maiden flight to the airport using DH.83 Fox Moth aircraft under command of India's first pilot Nevill Vintcent carrying Jamshed Navoroji, a Tata company official, and Kanchi Dwarakadas, commercial agent of Travancore in Karachi, with a special mail from the Viceroy of British India, Lord Willingdon, wishing birthday greetings to the Maharaja.[9]

The first flight took off on 1 November 1935, carrying mails of Royal Anchal (Travancore Post) to Bombay. In 1938, the Royal Government of Travancore acquired a Dakota as the Maharaja's private aircraft and placed the first squadron of the Royal Indian Air Force (Travancore) for protection of the state from aerial attacks. After Independence, the airstrip was used for domestic flights with the construction of a new domestic terminal, Terminal 1.

International operations were initiated by Air India to cities in the Arabian Peninsula in the late 1970s using Boeing 707. By the early 80s, the then-Indian Airlines started service to Colombo, followed by service to Male. Later, Gulf Air, Sri Lankan Airlines (then Air Lanka) and Air Maldives (now Maldivian) started operations. These were followed by Indian Airlines, which started a service to Sharjah. On 1 January 1991, TIA was upgraded to an international airport, making it the fifth international airport of India after Delhi, Bombay, Madras and Calcutta.

On 1 March 2011, the first flight operated from the new international terminal, Terminal 2. IX 536 (Air India Express) from Sharjah marked the first arrival. Air India Express operated the first departure to Dubai from this new terminal. IndianOil Skytanking is the company that introduced single-man refuelling in India and started refuelling operations at Trivandrum in March 2016.

This was the main hub for the defunct Kairali Airlines from 9 January 2013 to 2017.

In November 2018, the Central Government cleared a proposal by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for leasing out six of its airports, including Thiruvananthapuram. The following month, AAI commenced an international competitive bidding process to award Operations, Management and Development (OMD) contracts for the six airports.[10] The Adani Group, GMR Group and Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) participated in the bidding process that was won by the Adani Group.[11]

Since some public interest litigations were filed concerning the bidding process for the airport, the Union Cabinet gave its approval for awarding the airport to Adani subject to the outcome of Writ Petition. Accordingly, AAI signed a letter of agreement with Adani in September 2020.[12] Adani Thiruvananthapuram International Airport Limited (ATIAL), floated by the Adani Group to run the airport, would operate, manage and develop the airport for fifty years.[13] As per the agreement, ATIAL would get control of the airport only after a concession agreement was executed and the performance bank guarantee was paid and subject to clearance of legal hurdles.[14]

Alppasi and Panguni festival processions

[edit]

For decades, the airport has been traditionally pausing operations and reschedules flights twice a year to enable religious processions to pass through the airfield. The airport issues a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) twice yearly before the runway is closed for the bi-annual Alppasi festival, which falls in October–November, and for the Panguni festival,[15] which is held during March–April.[16] The processions used to pass through the same route even before the airport was established in 1932. The temple issues special passes to participants in the 'aarattu' to pass through the airfield's operational areas. The procession is escorted by priests, members of the erstwhile Travancore Royal family, caparisoned elephants, police band and armed and mounted police personnel besides large number of devotees and is a grand spectacle for onlookers.[17]

Facilities

[edit]

Runway

[edit]
(From Left) Jet Airways, Vistara and Air India Express flights near the runway getting ready for Takeoff
A FitsAir Airbus A320-232 registered 4R-EXR, at VOTV airport's international terminal

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport has a single 3,373 m (11,066 ft)-long runway,[18] equipped to operate any type of aircraft. It has a 1,880 m (6,170 ft)-long parallel taxiway.[19]

Terminal

[edit]
The domestic terminal (Terminal 1)

There are two terminals. Terminal 1 is for domestic flights, and Terminal 2 is for all international flights.

The international terminal ground operations are handled by Air India SATS Airport Services Pvt. Ltd. It is fully air-conditioned with a WiFi facility. The terminal features spacious lounges, natural lighting with extensive use of glass roofing and better conveyance facilities for passengers. It has three baggage carousels and elaborate immigration/customs facilities. Flemingo, India's first privately owned duty-free operator, is managing the duty-free shop at the international terminal.

The domestic terminal has basic amenities including cafés, a beer and wine bar, a book-seller, free local calls, a specialised baby care room and phone-recharging points.[20] Into Plane Services fuelling operations handled by IndianOil Skytanking.

Inside Terminal 2
New IATA 3 Letter code Placed at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport Terminal 2
Terminal 2 Operational Area

Terminal 1 (Domestic)

[edit]

The domestic terminal was the first terminal of the airport inaugurated by Chief minister of Kerala EK Nayanar in 1992. It has an area of 9,200 m2 (99,000 sq ft) and can handle 400 passengers at a time.[21] The terminal has two Aerobridges and two remote gates. All domestic flights are operated from here.

Terminal 2 (International)

[edit]

The newly built Terminal 2 has three additional jetways and parking bays to accommodate 8 aircraft. The terminal is built opposite to the current terminal across the runway and is closer to the city side. The terminal, constructed by the AAI and designed by the UK firm, Pascall+Watson Architects, is expected to provide impetus to the development of the IT sector and the tourism industry in the southern districts of Kerala.

The international terminal covers an area of 35,000 m2 (380,000 sq ft). It can handle the passengers of three Airbus A340s and one Boeing 747 aircraft simultaneously (roughly 1500 passengers).[22] The annual handling capacity of the terminal will be 1.8 million.

The check-in area has a floor area of 950 m2 (10,200 sq ft) and an arrival area of 600 m2 (6,500 sq ft). To enable the passengers to check in at any counter, a Common Users Terminal Equipment (CUTE) is installed. X-ray machines are attached to the side of the conveyor belts for faster clearance of baggage.

The entrance to the terminal is from Chacka-Eenchakkal Road. A bridge has been built across the Parvathy Puthanar canal to link the new terminal to the Kazhakuttam-Inchivila NH (National Highway) 47 bypass.[19] The new terminal has a car park area that can accommodate about 600 cars.

There is a pre-paid taxi service counter and foreign exchange (Thomas Cook India) counter in the arrivals area.[19]

Thiruvananthapuram Airport was included in the Ministry of civil aviation strategic plan for 2010–2015 to upgrade as a Category-A airport by developing to aerodrome CODE 4E/4F, constructing a parallel runway with taxiways alongside both runways and so forth.

(From Right) SriLankan Airlines, Emirates, Gulf Air and Air India flights parked at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport

Air traffic control

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The air traffic control (ATC) tower is 18 m (59 ft) tall. There are plans[when?] to build a new 50 m (160 ft) tall ATC tower for Thiruvananthapuram Airport near the new international terminal. The airport has a CAT-1 instrument landing system (ILS), DVOR and distance measuring equipment (DME). The airport is also equipped with a Mono-pulse Secondary Surveillance Radar, Air Route Surveillance Radar and an Airport Surveillance Radar that allows approach and area control of the airspace around the airport and nearby air routes.[23][24]

MRO facility

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Thiruvananthapuram International Airport hosts Air India's narrow-body maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) unit consisting of twin hangars for servicing Boeing 737 type aircraft, servicing mostly Air India Express aircraft. The Maintenance Repair Overhaul is set up on 6.07 hectares (15.0 acres) of land at a cost of Rs. 110 crores. It was commissioned on 16 December 2011. The maintenance of two aircraft can be simultaneously done at the two hangars present at the MRO. The facility is state-of-the-art with 5,000 sq ft (460 m2) of workshop, 10,000 sq ft (930 m2) apron, electrically operated and vertically moving hangar door system, warehouse and office space. The Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility of Air India Charters Limited (AICL) at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport was given permission to carry out the crucial ‘C’ checks of their Boeing 737-800 fleet.[25][26][additional citation(s) needed]

Other operations

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In addition to civil operations, Thiruvananthapuram Airport also caters to IAF and Coast Guard for their strategical operations and Airforce NCC Cadets' Trg. IAF have an exclusive apron to handle all their operations. Thiruvananthapuram Airport also caters for Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology. The academy has its own hangar facility at the airport. The hangar facility can accommodate 10 trainer aircraft.[27]

Expansion

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In November 2023, the AAI announced that the new terminal building will be built at an area covering 44,000 sq.m., an increase from the original plan of 2018, and that out of 18 acres, 16 acres will be acquired for extending the runway to accommodate larger aircraft and handle more flights by September 2024.[28]

The expansion process will also involve the relocation of BrahMos Aerospace Trivandrum Limited (BATL) — a wholly owned subsidiary of BrahMos Aerospace — to a 186 acres (0.75 km2) land in Nettukaltheri, near Neyyar Dam. The facility is currently engaged in producing the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles for the Indian Armed Forces.[29]

Airlines and destinations

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AirlinesDestinations
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi,[30] Sharjah
Air India Delhi, Mumbai[31][32]
Air India Express Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Bengaluru,[33] Chennai, Dammam, Doha, Dubai–International, Hyderabad,[34] Kochi, Kannur, Muscat, Riyadh,[35] Sharjah[31]
AirAsia Kuala Lumpur–International[36]
Emirates Dubai–International[37]
Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi[38]
FitsAir Colombo–Bandaranaike[39]
Gulf Air Bahrain[40]
IndiGo[41] Ahmedabad,[42] Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Mumbai, Pune, Sharjah
Jazeera Airways Kuwait City[43]
Kuwait Airways Kuwait City[44]
Malaysia Airlines Kuala Lumpur–International[45]
Maldivian Hanimaadhoo, Malé
Oman Air Muscat[46]
Qatar Airways Doha[47]
Scoot Singapore[48]
SriLankan Airlines Colombo–Bandaranaike[49]

Statistics

[edit]
Annual passenger traffic at TRV airport. See Wikidata query.

Security

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Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is listed among the major airports of India. Its safety and security are handled by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security through the Central Industrial Security Force#Airport Security (CISF). In the past, airport security was under the control of airport police (under the state government). However, following the hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 in 1999, airport security was handed over to CISF. Thiruvananthapuram Airport also has advanced security equipment including X-RAY Baggage inspection (X-BIS), Explosive Trace Detection System (ETDS) and provision of an In-Line Baggage Screening system; at the NITB, state-of-the-art Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), Flight Information Display System (fids) and Public Address (PA) systems, as well as an Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) for flight information, are there for passengers' convenience.[27]

The In-Line Baggage Screening system (ILBS) was installed at Terminal 2 on 21 July 2020.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "TRV (Kerala) International Airport". cbonds.com. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  2. ^ a b "Annexure III – Passenger Data" (PDF). aai.aero. Retrieved 21 April 2024.
  3. ^ a b "Annexure II – Aircraft Movement Data" (PDF). aai.aero. Retrieved 21 April 2024.
  4. ^ "Annexure IV – Freight Movement Data" (PDF). aai.aero. Retrieved 21 April 2024.
  5. ^ a b "Thiruvananathapuram". Airports Authority of India. Archived from the original on 25 November 2010.
  6. ^ "Cial Retains Spot As Third-busiest Airport". The Times of India. 31 January 2022. Retrieved 22 February 2022.
  7. ^ "Rajiv Gandhi Academy For Aviation Technology - Thiruvananthapuram". Rajiv Gandhi Academy For Aviation Technology. 13 July 2018. Archived from the original on 17 July 2017. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
  8. ^ "Trivandrum International Airport". Airport Technology. Verdict Media Ltd. Archived from the original on 12 November 2010. Retrieved 1 March 2011.
  9. ^ "Kerala celebrates 75th anniversary of civil aviation". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 29 October 2010. Archived from the original on 30 November 2010. Retrieved 1 March 2011.
  10. ^ "AAI seeks bids for six airports, to finalise bidders on February 28". The Economic Times. 17 December 2018. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
  11. ^ "Adani Group bids highest to operate Trivandrum International Airport". The Times of India. 25 February 2019. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
  12. ^ "AAI, Adani Group sign letter of agreement for Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati, Jaipur airports". CNBC-TV18. 11 September 2020. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
  13. ^ "Hardeep Puri lays down 'facts' after Kerala urges Centre to reconsider Trivandrum airport privatisation". The Times of India. ANI. 20 August 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  14. ^ "LOA for Thiruvananthapuram airport issued to Adani Group". The Hindu. 11 September 2020. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
  15. ^ "Painkuni festival". Ministry of Tourism. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  16. ^ "Procession through Runway today". The Times of India. 1 November 2022. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  17. ^ "When an airport shuts runway and halts flights for god". The Times of India. 27 October 2017. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  18. ^ "About Us | Thiruvananthapuram International Airport". www.adani.com. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
  19. ^ a b c Radhakrishnan, S. Anil (12 February 2011). "Terminal may put development on fast track". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 1 March 2011.
  20. ^ "Airport Lounge". SilkAir. Archived from the original on 24 February 2011. Retrieved 1 March 2011.
  21. ^ "THIRUVANANATHAPURAM". Airports Authority of India. 26 August 2014. Archived from the original on 2 September 2017. Retrieved 5 May 2014.
  22. ^ "World class terminal for Thiruvananthapuram International Airport". The Hindu. Thehindu.com. 16 October 2009. Archived from the original on 3 September 2011. Retrieved 27 December 2018.
  23. ^ "Trivandrum International Airport" (PDF). Airports Authority of India. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 December 2017. Retrieved 6 December 2017.
  24. ^ "New upgraded radar at Thiruvananthapuram airport". The Hindu. 18 September 2013. Archived from the original on 6 December 2017. Retrieved 6 December 2017.
  25. ^ "Air India's MRO Facility at Thiruvananthapuram Commissioning Today". Some Updates from Thiruvananthapuram. 16 December 2011. Archived from the original on 9 July 2018. Retrieved 27 December 2018.
  26. ^ Radhakrishnan, S. Anil (16 December 2011). "Air India's MRO unit to be opened today". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 15 February 2020. Retrieved 15 February 2020.
  27. ^ a b Mehta, Devinder C. (March 2011). "Trivandrum Airport Gets an Impressive International Terminal" (PDF). Airports International Indian Edition. 3 (5): 8–11. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 March 2017.
  28. ^ K., Krishnachand (29 November 2023). "Runway expansion at Thiruvananthapuram airport: State may take final call by December-end". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  29. ^ K, Krishnachand (29 October 2024). "Land proposed in Nettukaltheri to relocate BrahMos Aerospace". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  30. ^ "Destinations". Air Arabia. Retrieved 3 February 2022.
  31. ^ a b "Airlines INTL Schedule". Retrieved 30 March 2022.
  32. ^ "Airlines DOM Schedule". Retrieved 30 March 2022.
  33. ^ "Air India Express to commence Bangalore-Thiruvananthapuram service in Nov-2023". CAPA. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  34. ^ "Air India Express to launch Hyderabad-Thiruvananthapuram flight from January 22". JetArena. Retrieved 13 January 2024.
  35. ^ "Air India Express resumes direct flights from Thiruvananthapuram to Riyadh". onmanorama. Retrieved 5 August 2024.
  36. ^ "AirAsia Resumes Thiruvananthapuram Service From Feb 2024". AeroRoutes. 13 December 2023.
  37. ^ "Thiruvananthapuram". Emirates. Retrieved 3 February 2022.
  38. ^ "Etihad NW23 Network Changes – 09AUG23". Aeroroutes. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
  39. ^ "FitsAir Adds Thiruvananthapuram Service From late-Dec 2024". Aeroroutes. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  40. ^ "Trivandrum". Gulf Air. Retrieved 3 February 2022.
  41. ^ "Flights Schedule for Domestic & International Flights – IndiGo". IndiGo. Retrieved 5 March 2024.
  42. ^ "IndiGo to commence Ahmedabad-Thiruvananthapuram service in Dec-2024". CAPA. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  43. ^ "JAZEERA AIRWAYS RESUMES 2 INDIA ROUTES IN 4Q24". Aeroroutes. Retrieved 12 August 2024.
  44. ^ "Indian Sub-continent Flights". Kuwait Airways. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
  45. ^ "MALAYSIA AIRLINES FURTHER EXPANDS INDIA NETWORK IN NW23". Aeroroutes. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
  46. ^ Khan, Faiz (4 September 2023). "Oman Air and Salam Air Launches New Flights to Kerala". Aviation A2Z. Retrieved 5 September 2023.
  47. ^ "Trivandrum, India". Qatar Airways. Retrieved 3 February 2022.
  48. ^ "Destinations Map". Scoot. Retrieved 3 February 2022.
  49. ^ "Route Map". SriLankan Airlines. Retrieved 2 February 2022.
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