The Union Government has confirmed that a comprehensive master plan has been prepared for the expansion of Puducherry Airport, aimed at enabling operations of larger aircraft and enhancing regional air connectivity.

In a written reply to Puducherry MP V. Vaithilingam in the Lok Sabha, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu stated that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has drawn up a proposal to upgrade the airport infrastructure. The plan includes extending the runway to 2,300 metres in length and 45 metres in width, allowing it to accommodate Airbus A320-class aircraft, widely used in domestic aviation.

To implement the expansion, 402 acres of land will be required, 217 acres in Tamil Nadu and 185 acres within Puducherry. The proposal has already been submitted to the Puducherry administration for further action.

At present, Puducherry Airport operates limited flights to Bangalore and Hyderabad. Responding to inquiries on the feasibility of launching new flights to Kochi and Shirdi, the Minister clarified that since the repeal of the Air Corporation Act in 1994, India’s aviation market has been deregulated. This allows airlines the freedom to choose routes based on commercial and operational viability.

“The Ministry does not interfere in route selection. Airlines are free to launch flights to any destination, including Kochi and Shirdi, if deemed viable,” Minister Naidu said.

The expansion is expected to be a transformative step for Puducherry, helping unlock tourism potential, stimulate economic development, and provide better air access for residents and visitors. Local authorities in Puducherry and Tamil Nadu are expected to coordinate with the Centre to address land acquisition and infrastructure requirements as the project advances.