Date:16/06/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/06/16/stories/2005061600631700.htm

Back Tiruchi airport expansion may be completed by Oct

Our Correspondent

Madurai , June 15

THE runway expansion works at Tiruchi Airport taken up at a cost of Rs 25.93 crore are expected to be completed by the end of October, in time for the schedule of major air transport operators. The runway is being increased to about 8,000 ft from 6,115 ft.

According to Airports Authority of India (AAI), about 60 per cent of the works have been completedand the remaining works relating to civil, electrical, and communication could be completed if there are no major unforeseen hiccups. Major airlines like Malaysian Airlines are said to be keen to introduce services to Kuala Lumpur at the earliest opportunity from Tiruchi. Likewise, Sri Lankan Airlines is considering operation of an additional flight to Colombo.

India Airlines too is said to be keen on introducing services to Dubai, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.

Air India Express is also likely to operate from Tiruchi. If there is any delay in completion the works, introduction of new services will have to wait for the next summer, the sources said.