Madurai Airport Introduces Direct Flights to 5 New International Destinations

In a major boost to Madurai's global connectivity, the Madurai International Airport will launch direct flights to five new international destinations starting March 2025. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) announced the expansion at a press conference on February 3, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the city's aviation history.

New International Routes

Flight Schedule (Starting March 15, 2025)

Singapore Route (Daily)

• Flight: 6E 1234

• Aircraft: Airbus A320neo

• Duration: 4.5 hours

• Starting Fare: ₹12,999 one-way

Dubai Route (Daily)

• Flight: IX 567

• Aircraft: Boeing 737-800

• Duration: 4 hours

• Starting Fare: ₹9,999 one-way

Kuala Lumpur Route (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun)

• Flight: AK 45

• Aircraft: Airbus A320

• Duration: 4 hours

• Starting Fare: ₹11,499 one-way

Colombo Route (Daily except Tue & Thu)

• Flight: UL 123

• Aircraft: Airbus A320

• Duration: 1.5 hours

• Starting Fare: ₹7,999 one-way

Bangkok Route (Tue, Thu, Sat)

• Flight: WE 234

• Aircraft: Airbus A320

• Duration: 3.5 hours

• Starting Fare: ₹10,999 one-way

Airport Infrastructure Upgrades

New International Terminal

To accommodate the increased international traffic, AAI has:

Terminal Expansion

• Added 10,000 sq.m international terminal space

• 8 new immigration counters

• 6 customs clearance desks

• Duty-free shopping area (2,000 sq.m)

• Premium lounges for business class passengers

Facilities

• Upgraded baggage handling system

• Enhanced security screening

• Foreign currency exchange counters

• International food court

• Prayer rooms and rest areas

Investment: ₹150 crores

Parking and Transportation

• Expanded parking: 500 additional car spaces

• Dedicated taxi and app-cab pickup zone

• Airport metro connectivity (under construction)

• Pre-paid taxi counters for international passengers

Expected Impact

Tourism Boost

Projected Increase:

• International tourist arrivals: +150% (from 1.5 lakh to 3.75 lakh annually)

• Foreign exchange earnings: +₹300 crores per year

• Hotel occupancy: Expected to rise from 65% to 85%

Business and Trade

Benefits:

• Easier access for international business travelers

• Faster cargo movement (especially textiles and exports)

• Enhanced trade opportunities with Southeast Asia and Middle East

• Potential for new business partnerships

Employment

Job Creation:

• 800+ direct jobs (airlines, airport services, immigration)

• 2,000+ indirect jobs (hotels, tourism, transportation)

• Opportunities for travel agents and tour operators

Connectivity to Popular Destinations

Singapore Hub

From Singapore, travelers can connect to:

• Australia and New Zealand

• Japan, China, and East Asia

• Europe via connecting flights

• Pacific Islands

Dubai Hub

From Dubai, access to:

• Europe (London, Paris, Frankfurt, etc.)

• Africa

• North America

• Middle East

Southeast Asian Cities

Direct and connecting access to:

• Thailand beaches and islands

• Malaysia (Penang, Langkawi)

• Indonesian destinations

• Vietnam and Cambodia

Special Launch Offers

Inaugural Fares

Limited Period Discounts (Bookings till Feb 28, 2025):

• Singapore: ₹9,999 (Save ₹3,000)

• Dubai: ₹7,499 (Save ₹2,500)

• Kuala Lumpur: ₹8,999 (Save ₹2,500)

• Colombo: ₹5,999 (Save ₹2,000)

• Bangkok: ₹8,499 (Save ₹2,500)

Bonus: First 1,000 bookings get free lounge access

Travel Packages

Tamil Nadu Tourism has partnered with airlines for:

• Madurai-Singapore-Madurai packages (₹35,000 for 4D/3N)

• Dubai shopping packages (₹45,000 for 5D/4N)

• Thailand beach holidays (₹40,000 for 6D/5N)

Includes: Flights, accommodation, sightseeing, and meals

Visa and Immigration

eVisa Facilities

Available for:

• Singapore (eVisa online - 2 hours processing)

• Malaysia (eVisa - 24 hours)

• Thailand (Visa on Arrival)

• Sri Lanka (ETA online - instant)

UAE: Visa through airlines or online portals

Facilitation: Airport has visa assistance desk

Airport Facilities for International Travelers

Services

• Immigration: Automated gates for faster processing

• Customs: Green and red channels

• Duty-Free Shopping: International brands, liquor, chocolates, electronics

• Currency Exchange: Competitive rates, 24/7 service

• SIM Cards: International and local SIM cards available

• Left Luggage: Secure storage facility

• Wi-Fi: Free high-speed internet

Food and Beverage

• South Indian vegetarian restaurant

• Multi-cuisine café

• International fast-food chains

• Traditional Madurai snacks corner

• Coffee shops

Comparison with Nearby Airports

Current International Connectivity

| Airport | International Destinations | |---------|----------------------------| | Madurai | 10 (including 5 new) | | Trichy | 12 | | Coimbatore | 8 | | Chennai | 45 |

Madurai is rapidly closing the gap with other Tamil Nadu airports.

Tourism Minister's Statement

The State Tourism Minister stated: "These new international flights will transform Madurai into a global tourism hub. Tourists from Southeast Asia and Middle East can now easily visit our magnificent temples, experience our culture, and contribute to our economy."

Airlines' Perspective

IndiGo CEO: "The Madurai-Singapore route taps into strong demand from both leisure and business travelers. We expect high load factors from day one."

Air India Express: "Dubai-Madurai connects a large expatriate community and facilitates religious tourism to Madurai's temples."

Passenger Benefits

Convenience

• No need to travel to Chennai or Bangalore for international flights

• Saves 4-6 hours of road travel

• Lower overall travel costs

• Easier for elderly and families

Flexibility

• Multiple weekly frequencies

• Good connection timings

• Competitive fares

• Baggage allowances up to 30kg

How to Book

Booking Channels

• Airline Websites: Direct booking

• Travel Portals: MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, Yatra, Cleartrip

• Travel Agents: Authorized IATA agents

• Airport Counter: Limited walk-in bookings

Recommendation: Book 45-60 days in advance for best fares

Travel Tips

For International Travelers

1. Arrive Early: 3 hours before international flights

2. Valid Documents: Passport with 6 months validity, visa (if required)

3. Baggage Rules: Check airline-specific allowances

4. Currency: Exchange at airport or bring forex card

5. SIM Card: Purchase upon arrival for connectivity

For Madurai Residents

1. Pre-book: Especially during festival seasons

2. Check Visa Requirements: Well in advance

3. Travel Insurance: Recommended for international trips

4. Pack Smart: Follow airline baggage guidelines

5. Airport Parking: Pre-book for long-term parking

Future Expansion Plans

Additional Routes (2026)

Under consideration:

• Jakarta, Indonesia

• Muscat, Oman

• Sharjah, UAE

• Male, Maldives

• Yangon, Myanmar

Infrastructure

• Runway extension for wide-body aircraft

• Cargo terminal expansion

• Second terminal building

• Hotel within airport premises

This expansion of international connectivity marks a new era for Madurai's aviation sector and positions the city as a major gateway for tourism and business in South India.

Start planning your international trips from Madurai today!

Last Updated: February 3, 2025