‎Cabinet grants international status to Madurai Airport to boost tourism, global connectivity

‎The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the declaration of Madurai Airport as an international airport, a step aimed at strengthening global connectivity and boosting tourism and economic activity in southern Tamil Nadu.

‎Announcing the decision after the Cabinet meeting, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw said the government had cleared the proposal to grant international status to the airport. “The Union Cabinet has approved the declaration of Madurai Airport in Tamil Nadu as an international airport,” Vaishnaw told reporters during a briefing on Cabinet decisions.

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‎Situated in the historic temple city of Madurai, the airport is among the oldest aviation facilities in the state and serves as an important gateway to several southern districts. The government said upgrading the airport’s status is expected to enhance international connectivity, making travel easier for tourists, pilgrims and business travellers.

‎Madurai is one of India’s prominent religious and cultural centres and is home to the renowned Meenakshi Amman Temple, which attracts millions of devotees and visitors every year from across the country and overseas.

Officials said improved international flight connectivity would facilitate easier access for pilgrims and tourists visiting the temple and other heritage sites in the region.

‎According to the government, granting international status to the airport will help unlock its potential to attract foreign travellers, investors and businesses while also supporting exports and regional trade. The move is expected to strengthen economic development in southern Tamil Nadu by integrating the region more closely with global aviation networks.

‎Officials added that the decision is part of the Centre’s broader strategy to expand aviation infrastructure and improve regional connectivity across India, particularly in cities with strong tourism, cultural and economic potential. The upgrade is expected to position Madurai as a key international gateway for the southern part of the state while reinforcing its long-standing role as a hub for pilgrimage and cultural tourism.