TN starts preliminary works to convert the unused Chettinad Airport into an aviation hub

The Tamil Nadu government has started preliminary works to convert Chettinad Airport into an aviation hub.

The State government has issued a tender seeking private participation in developing infrastructure works for the Chettinadu Aeronadu Aviation Hub.

The airport, also known as the Karaikudi Kanadukathan Airport, is located in Karaikudi Taluk of Sivaganga district in Tamil Nadu. The state government is considering providing the airstrip for Flying Training Organisations and also for drone testing, sources said.

In 2023, EKVI got Flying Training Organisation (FTO) approval to operate from Salem Airport – the state’s first Flying Training Organisation. The State government is also planning to provide the Kovilpatti airstrip to an FTO. Chettinad airport will be the third to be used for FTO, said sources.

The land surrounding the Chettinad airstrip is now barren, but the runway of this airstrip is still in working condition with no damage, sources said.

The airstrip with two small runways was used by the British government as an airbase during World War II. Fighter planes from the Royal Air force would land at this airstrip to refuel and reload bombs and also there was a helipad at that airbase. It housed DC3, the Hawker Hurricanes and the spitfires at that time, said sources.

Sources said that in the 1930s the Chettinad Airstrip had one of India’s first flying clubs. It had also served as a primary hub airport for Jupiter Airlines in 1953, which was then operated by Alagappa Chettiar, founder of Alagappa Group of Educational Institutions.

Published on December 20, 2025