From WWII airbase to an award-winning gateway of Dravidian art

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Tiruchirappalli International Airport is more than a transit hub; it is a site of deep historical layers. From hosting Royal Air Force squadrons during World War II to its recent recognition as one of the best airports in the Asia-Pacific, its evolution mirrors India's aviation journey.

The airport's history dates back to 1936, when it hosted its first flight—an airmail service between Madras and Colombo operated by Tata Sons. By 1938, regular airmail services were established, utilizing a modest 600 m runway. During World War II, the site was transformed into RAF station Kajamalai. From May 1942 to early 1944, it served as a base for three squadrons and functioned as a headquarters for No. 173 Wing and No. 171 Wing. Post-war, it remained a vital center for aircraft maintenance, calibration, and ferry flights until the late 1940s.

The transition to commercial aviation was marked by international cooperation. In 1948, flight operations to Colombo began, followed by daily services from Air Ceylon in 1950. The airport's status evolved significantly over decades: it became a hub for low-cost carriers in the late 2000s and finally received official international status on October 4, 2012. Airports Council International recognised its superior facilities by crowning it Asia-Pacific's top hub for those handling fewer than two million annual travellers during March 2023.

Modern expansion has focused on massive capacity upgrades and cultural integration. A new integrated passenger terminal opened in June 2024, designed by Egis Group and Pascall+Watson. This facility handles up to 4.5 million passengers annually and features a design inspired by local Tamil festivals and Dravidian architecture, including a replica of the Ranganathaswamy temple's south gopuram. While the primary runway currently measures 2,427 m, plans are underway to extend it to 3,800 m to accommodate growing international traffic.

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