Madurai, November 13:
The new Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower at Madurai Airport is set to become operational by the end of January 2026, according to the Airport Director. The ₹88-crore tower, equipped with advanced technology and modern facilities, will mark a major milestone in Madurai’s aviation infrastructure development.

A Key Step in Madurai Airport Expansion

As passenger numbers continue to rise sharply, expansion work at Madurai Airport has intensified to accommodate more flights and improve operational efficiency. Among these initiatives are the runway extension and various infrastructure upgrades, all aimed at transforming the airport into a full-fledged international hub for southern Tamil Nadu.

Construction of the new Air Traffic Control Tower began in 2021, with a total investment of ₹88 crore. The project has now reached completion, with final testing and trial runs successfully concluded.

Advanced Design and Modern Features

Standing at a height of 44.9 meters, the new ATC Tower is a seven-storey structure — comprising four main floors and three additional tower levels. The facility is designed to give air traffic controllers a 360-degree, three-dimensional view of all flight movements, ensuring precise coordination of takeoffs and landings.

This new system will significantly improve the management of arrivals and departures, enabling controllers to handle a higher volume of flights with enhanced safety and efficiency.

Operational by January 2026

According to airport authorities, the new tower will be fully operational by the end of January 2026. Once live, it will play a critical role in managing air traffic seamlessly across all flight corridors.

The upgraded system allows for real-time monitoring in multiple directions, ensuring aircraft safety and smoother scheduling during peak hours.

Currently, Madurai Airport operates 24 hours a day, with round-the-clock air traffic control and maintenance activities. Even though passenger traffic is relatively lower at night, the airport’s operations and safety systems remain fully active throughout the day, as confirmed by the Airport Director.

Expanding Air Connectivity

Madurai Airport currently offers domestic services to Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Mumbai, as well as international connections to Dubai, Colombo, and Abu Dhabi.

Recently, the airport was upgraded from Category III to Category II, reflecting its growing passenger volume and operational capacity.

With the upcoming ATC Tower and continuous infrastructure improvements, Madurai Airport is on track to become one of South India’s most advanced and reliable regional airports.

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