Coimbatore Airport Set to Emerge as a Major Aviation Hub; Handles 3.42 Million Passengers in 2025–26

Coimbatore International Airport recorded 3.42 million passengers in FY 2025–26, reflecting sustained growth in passenger and cargo traffic. Backed by infrastructure expansion and the region’s robust industrial base, the airport is projected to handle nearly 11.6 million passengers by FY 2036–37.


Coimbatore: Coimbatore International Airport handled 3.42 million passengers during 2025–26, further consolidating its position as one of South India’s fastest-growing regional aviation gateways. Passenger traffic at the airport is projected to reach approximately 11.6 million by 2036–37, reflecting the region’s expanding economic footprint and rising aviation demand.

Sharing the details, Airport Director Mohammad Arif said Coimbatore’s diversified economy continues to be a major driver of air travel demand. As Tamil Nadu’s second-largest city and one of its most industrialised centres, Coimbatore has evolved beyond its traditional identity as the “Manchester of South India” into a multifaceted economic hub encompassing manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, education and tourism.

He noted that the city’s growing Global Capability Centre (GCC) ecosystem, coupled with its established strengths in textiles, engineering, precision manufacturing and export-oriented industries, has contributed significantly to the steady rise in both business and leisure travel.

Airport data indicate that passenger traffic has grown substantially over the past 12 years, increasing from approximately 1.32 million in 2014–15 to 3.42 million in 2025–26. This represents an overall growth of nearly 159 per cent, translating into a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 9 per cent.

The airport has also recorded notable growth in cargo operations. Leveraging Coimbatore’s strong manufacturing ecosystem, export-oriented units and strategic location, it is steadily strengthening its position as an important air cargo and logistics gateway in South India.

Key sectors contributing to cargo volumes include textiles, engineering goods, pumps, machinery, automotive components, perishables, spices and processed food products, highlighting the city’s increasing significance in regional and global supply chains.

Over the past decade, the airport has undergone significant infrastructure augmentation. Passenger Boarding Bridges have been commissioned, apron facilities expanded and additional parking bays created to enhance aircraft handling capacity and operational efficiency.

To ensure safe and seamless flight operations, runway recarpeting works were completed in 2023 in line with regulatory requirements. In the Air Traffic Services (ATS) domain, technology-driven initiatives such as the implementation of Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) and the Online Flight Plan (OFPL) system have further strengthened operational safety and efficiency.

With sustained investments in infrastructure and technology, coupled with rising demand across passenger and cargo segments, Coimbatore International Airport is poised to play an increasingly significant role in supporting the region’s industrial growth, trade connectivity and long-term economic development.

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