The surge in the number of domestic flyers and Indian and foreign carriers operating flights to and from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport has put the facility under severe strain.
With airlines operating in the domestic leg preferring the international terminal on the city side, the airport authorities are struggling to cater to the increasing activity with the existing facilities.
As the arrival and departure wings are located on the same floor of the modern terminal on the Chakka side, airlines find it difficult during peak hours, especially early hours of the day when most of the foreign carriers from West Asia operate.
Although 60 check-in counters are needed, space constraints had forced the airport authorities to limit the number to 38. Only four conveyor belts are provided in the terminal though the volume of passengers demands at least six. The number of aerobridges that facilitate easy movement of passengers to the aircraft is also not enough. At present, there are two aerobridges in the domestic terminal and three in the international terminal.
The passenger movement has gone up from 34.47 lakh in 2015-16 to 38.77 lakh in 2016-17, registering a 12.4% increase. The passenger movement in the foreign sector went up from 22.50 lakh in 2015-16 to 23.09 lakh in 2016-17. The domestic passenger movement went up from 11.97 lakh in 2015-16 to 15.68 lakh in 2016-17, registering an increase of 30.99%.
The decision of low-cost airlines IndiGo and SpiceJet to operate more domestic flights and enhanced connectivity to metro cities are the main reason for the increased passenger movement last year. Another reason cited is the good connectivity being offered to the national capital with five flights operating to Delhi from the State capital.
Expansion plans
“The only solution is to expand the terminal. We are ready for a two-storeyed building and is awaiting the handing over of the land by the State. Steps are also on to install one more aerobridge each at the domestic and international terminals,” Airport Director George G. Tharakan told The Hindu on Wednesday.
The number of airlines operating to the State capital will go up from the present 16 to 17 with Saudia (Saudi Airlines) launching flights from next month. The only solace is that it has opted for a late morning arrival and departure.
The AAI has allotted office space at the terminal for the airline, which is yet to submit its flight schedule to the authorities.
IndiGo has informed that they will soon launch flights to Doha and Abu Dhabi from the State, the director said. At present, IndiGo operates 12 flights in the domestic sector and two in the international sector.
