Karaikal - Karaikal Airport

Karaikal Airport

Karaikal Airport is a greenfield airport being constructed in Karaikal, India. When completed in 2014, it will be the first airport in the country to be built entirely with private capital. The project, proposed with 100% private ownership for public use, received in-principle clearance from the Ministry of Civil Aviation in February 2011. Karaikal Airport's Air Traffic Control, however, will be operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The Airport, spread across 562 acres, is being developed by Karaikal Airport Private Limited, a subsidiary of Super Airport Private Limited. The first phase of construction includes construction of a 1200 metre runway and a terminal building capable of handling 120 passengers during peak hours. The airport is expected to handle regional turboprop airliners like the ATR-42. The company plans to expand the airport after five years, extending the runway to 2600 metres and increasing terminal building capacity to 500 passengers per hour. A further expansion is planned ten years down the line with a 3500 metre runway and a passenger capacity of 1,000 per hour. Besides serving Karaikal, the Airport will bring air connectivity to the various pilgrim centres and temple towns in the neighbouring regions, tapping its spiritual tourism potential.