Coimbatore: In spite of the constant hue and cry being raised about the Coimbatore International Airport lacking facilities and the government's apathy toward developing the airport, the good news is that in a span of four years, air passenger traffic has grown to 100 percent.
Coimbatore: In spite of the constant hue and cry being raised about the Coimbatore International Airport lacking facilities and the government's apathy toward developing the airport, the good news is that in a span of four years, air passenger traffic has grown to 100 percent.
The total number of passengers handled by the Coimbatore airport in 2012-13 was 12,97,804 and in 2018-19 it has risen to 30,00.882. Last year, it was a 100 percent growth with 24,03,935 passengers using the airport.
Year : Passengers
2012-13 : 12,97,804
2013-14 : 12,44,300
2014-15 : 14,29,198
2015-16 : 16,91,553
2016-17 : 21,04,904
2017-18 : 24,03,935
2018-19 : 30,00,882.
The above data not only shows the rise in the number of passengers using the airport but also shows that the airport has more avenues for growth, year on year, provided the necessary facilities are taken care of.
Another date statistic shows that among the top 20 airports based on passenger traffic in India, Coimbatore stands at the 19th place with 30 lakh passengers. Delhi tops the chart with 6.92 crores, followed by Mumbai with 4.88 crores and Bangalore with 3.33 crores.
Public opinion is that the State government must buy the 675 acres of land from the owners, for the expansion of Coimbatore Airport and give it to the Central government. The Airport Authority of India in turn will be required to make a holistic plan, taking into account the future growth of the region and build facilities. Terminal buildings, Runway expansion, Taxiway, Parking bay, Cargo complex and other facilities is a must to sustain the rise in number of passengers in Western Tamil Nadu at CJB. Infrastructure is also key for the development of CJB, and developing infrastructure at the airport not only serves the airport but adds to the economy of Coimbatore and the neighbouring districts as well. All this will help in increasing the air traffic at Coimbatore, and could result in Coimbatore International Airport cruising into the elite top 10 airports club.