Thiruvananthapuram International Airport will begin work on a ₹2,500-crore international terminal expansion on Thursday, a project designed to raise annual passenger-handling capacity from 3.5 million to approximately 11.5 million.
The expansion, being undertaken under Project Anantha, will cover about 92,552 square metres and include upgrades to the terminal, landside and airside infrastructure, utilities, safety systems and passenger facilities. A groundbreaking ceremony will mark the start of the work.
The project will add capacity across both departure and arrival operations. The 78,522-square-metre departure facility will include 48 check-in positions, 38 emigration counters, seven security-check positions and nine aircraft stands. It will also have improved baggage facilities, a security-hold area, dedicated spaces for security and government agencies, and expanded retail and passenger amenities.
The 14,030-square-metre arrival facility will include 40 immigration counters, four baggage belts and dedicated baggage-handling areas. It will also provide space for key airport agencies and international duty-free facilities.
The expansion comes as the airport has recorded a sharp increase in operations over the past five years. Daily aircraft movements have doubled from 45 to 90, while daily passenger handling has risen from approximately 5,500 to 15,000, according to a statement cited in the announcement.
During the 2025–26 financial year, the airport handled 4.7 million passengers and recorded 31,366 aircraft movements. Its airline network expanded from 11 to 17 operating airlines, providing direct connectivity to 14 international and eight domestic destinations.
The planned terminal capacity is substantially higher than the passenger traffic recorded in 2025–26. The additional processing, baggage and aircraft-stand capacity is intended to accommodate increased international operations while improving passenger movement through the airport. The project also includes supporting infrastructure beyond the terminal building, including utilities, safety systems and airside facilities.
The airport has also reported a recent operational upgrade involving the re-carpeting of its 3.4-kilometre runway. The work was completed in 75 days while airport operations continued, according to the statement.
The expansion is being presented as part of the airport’s broader effort to strengthen operational resilience, improve passenger experience and support connectivity from Kerala’s capital. The next formal milestone is the groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for Thursday, after which the terminal and associated infrastructure works will proceed under Project Anantha.
