Coimbatore International Airport

Coimbatore International Airport (CJB) is the main aerial gateway to one of the largest industrial and textile hubs in South India, often referred to as the "Manchester of South India." With a history of commercial flights dating back to the 1940s, the airport today stands as a modern complex that received official international status in 2012. It plays a key role in the transport system of Tamil Nadu state, providing convenient connections to major Indian cities as well as important international destinations, such as Singapore and Sharjah.

Coimbatore Airport is valued by travellers for its compactness and efficiency. Despite a significant passenger flow, it is rarely overcrowded, making the completion of all formalities quick and comfortable. Modern infrastructure, including two terminals, an Instrument Landing System (ILS), and various services, meets all the needs of tourists. Passengers have access to lounges, free Wi-Fi, currency exchange counters, several restaurants and shops, as well as car rental desks.

One of the airport's main advantages is its excellent transport connection to the city. You can reach the centre by bus, pre-paid taxi, or auto-rickshaw, which takes on average 25-30 minutes. Thanks to plans for further runway expansion to accommodate the world's largest aircraft, Coimbatore Airport promises to become an even more significant transport hub in the future.

• Official Website: For the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and regulations, visit the official airport website, which is part of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) portal: www.aai.aero/en/airports/coimbatore.
• Inquiry Service Phone: For general queries, you can contact the number: +91 422 259 2155.
• Address: Airport Road, Peelamedu, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641014, India.
• Email: For official inquiries, you can use the airport administration email: apdcoimbatore@aai.aero.
• Social Media: The airport does not have its own verified pages; however, news and updates can be found on the official channels of the Airports Authority of India.
• Lost Baggage Information: If you have lost luggage during a flight, you should first contact your airline's representative at the airport. regarding items forgotten or lost within the terminal, please contact the information desk or airport security.
• Passenger Support Contacts: for on-site assistance, please approach the information desks located in the terminal or use the inquiry phone number listed above.

Getting to Coimbatore International Airport (CJB) from the city centre is quite simple, as it is located just 10-12 kilometres east of the main districts of Coimbatore. Travellers have access to various transport options — from budget buses to comfortable taxis, allowing you to plan your trip according to your needs and budget.

The most affordable option is the city bus. Special bus routes run regularly between the airport and key city points, such as the Gandhipuram Central Bus Stand. Although the trip may take about 45-60 minutes due to stops and traffic, it is an excellent choice for budget-conscious tourists and those wishing to see the city's daily life closer. Note that buses can be overcrowded during peak hours.

For greater comfort and speed, you can use a taxi or auto-rickshaw. Official pre-paid taxi counters will help avoid unnecessary price negotiations. Popular ride-hailing services like Uber and Ola also operate actively in the city, offering competitive rates. A taxi ride will take approximately 30-45 minutes. An auto-rickshaw is a cheaper alternative to a taxi, especially for short trips, but do not forget to agree on the fare in advance or ensure the driver turns on the meter.

If you prefer maximum freedom of movement, you can consider car rental. In India, the service of renting a car with a driver is popular, which eliminates the need to navigate heavy local traffic yourself. For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented car, parking is available on the terminal premises, offering both short-term and long-term vehicle storage options.

Ultimately, the choice of transport depends on your priorities. The bus is the most budget-friendly way, the taxi is the fastest and most convenient, and the auto-rickshaw is a compromise and colourful option. It is strongly recommended to leave for the airport in advance, allowing extra time for potential traffic jams, especially during morning and evening peak hours.

Coimbatore International Airport (CJB) is distinguished by a thoughtful and passenger-friendly structure. All passenger service operations are concentrated in one modern integrated terminal, which handles both domestic and international flights. Such an organization significantly simplifies navigation and eliminates the need to move between different buildings.

The terminal layout is logical and intuitive. The space is divided into several zones to optimize passenger flows. The departure area with check-in counters is located in the main part of the hall, after which passengers proceed to the security check zone and then to the boarding gates. The arrival zone is separate and includes baggage claim belts, customs control counters (for international flights), and the exit to the city, where taxis and other transport can be found.

Because all flights are serviced under one roof, transfers between sectors for domestic and international lines do not take much time. Navigation through the airport is facilitated by clear signage in English and Tamil. The airport is not very large, so getting lost here is practically impossible. Nevertheless, you can always ask for help from staff or at the information desk.

To go through all pre-flight formalities without rushing, it is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance. For domestic flights, it is advisable to be on-site 1.5-2 hours before departure, and for international flights — 2.5-3 hours. This time will be sufficient to check in for the flight, drop off luggage, pass passport control and security checks, especially during peak hours.

The history of the airport in Coimbatore, known today as Coimbatore International Airport, dates back to the 1940s with the establishment of the small Peelamedu civil airfield. In the early decades, it served primarily light aircraft, and a significant step in its development was the commencement of Indian Airlines flights in the 1960s, which connected the industrial city with Chennai and Bangalore.

A key moment in the airport's history was the large-scale modernization that began in 1980. The airport was temporarily closed to extend the runway, which was necessary to accommodate modern jet aircraft such as the Boeing 737. After the completion of works, it reopened in 1987, which radically changed its capabilities and laid the foundation for future growth.

The new century brought new stages of development. In 2010, a modern integrated terminal was opened, capable of handling both domestic and international passenger flows. The culmination was a landmark event: in October 2012, the airport was officially granted international status. The first international flight was an Air Arabia service to Sharjah, which opened direct aerial gateways to the world for the region.

Since then, Coimbatore Airport has firmly established itself as an important transport hub in southern India, contributing to the economic prosperity of the entire region. An interesting fact: starting its history as a modest airstrip, it has transformed into an airport that today serves millions of passengers annually and constantly considers plans for further expansion to meet the growing needs of one of the country's most dynamic cities.

Coimbatore International Airport (CJB) offers passengers a full range of services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Whether you are travelling for business or leisure, conditions here are created to make your stay at the airport pleasant and convenient.

In the airport terminal, you will find several options for dining and shopping. At your service are restaurants and cafes offering both local cuisine and international snacks. In shops, including the Duty-Free zone, you can purchase souvenirs, perfumes, local goods, and press. This is a great opportunity to buy gifts for loved ones or something to remember the trip by.

For those who prefer to wait for departure in a calmer atmosphere, premium lounges are available. Lounge guests have access to complimentary drinks and snacks, fresh newspapers, and comfortable seating. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous power outlets and special stations are provided for charging gadgets.

Financial matters can be settled right at the airport: ATMs of various banks are installed here, and currency exchange counters are in operation. In case of illness or the need for medical assistance, medical personnel are on duty at the terminal around the clock.

Families with children will appreciate the availability of baby care rooms, where you can feed and change a baby in a quiet environment. Special assistance is provided for passengers with reduced mobility, including escort and provision of wheelchairs. It is recommended to book this service in advance through the airline.

Although there are no hotels directly within the terminal building, there are many hotels of various comfort levels and price categories in the immediate vicinity. For business travellers, basic services such as work zones may be available in business lounges, allowing for efficient use of time before departure.

Coimbatore International Airport (CJB) offers passengers a variety of establishments where you can grab a quick snack or have a full meal before departure. Food outlets are conveniently located both in the public zone before security control and in the sterile departure zone.

In the main part of the terminal (landside), accessible to all visitors, the choice of restaurants and cafes is generally wider. This is a great place to eat leisurely with those seeing you off. After passing passport control and security (airside), the departure hall also has several establishments where you can have a snack or drink a cup of coffee while waiting to board the flight.

Being in South India, be sure to take the opportunity to taste local cuisine dishes. In the airport, you can find cafes offering classic Tamil treats such as Idli (steamed rice cakes), crispy Dosa with various fillings, or spicy Vada (lentil doughnuts). Do not miss the chance to enjoy a cup of aromatic filter coffee — the region's calling card.

Most menus at the airport include a wide selection of vegetarian dishes, which is the norm for this region of India, so finding a suitable option will not be difficult. Regarding other dietary requirements, such as vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes, it is recommended to verify information directly with the cafe or restaurant staff.

The price range in airport establishments is generally moderate and comparable to prices in mid-level city cafes. Major restaurants and coffee shops operate according to the flight schedule, opening early in the morning and closing after the departure of the last planes, so you will always be able to find an open establishment regardless of your departure time.

When planning a departure from Coimbatore International Airport, allow enough time for travel and pre-flight formalities. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2-3 hours before a domestic flight and 3-4 hours before an international one. During holidays and peak morning/evening hours, queues for check-in and security may be longer than usual, so a small time buffer never hurts.

To save time, take advantage of online check-in, which most airlines offer. This will allow you to head straight to the baggage drop-off counter or, if you are travelling light, directly to security. The security screening procedure at airports in India is standard, but be prepared to present a printout of your ticket or its electronic version at the terminal entrance. Large electronics, such as laptops and tablets, as well as power banks, must be removed from carry-on luggage for separate scanning.

Pay close attention to packing your carry-on luggage. Remember the standard restriction on carrying liquids: containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects, flammable substances, and other dangerous goods are strictly prohibited. Important point: external batteries (power banks) are permitted only in carry-on luggage. As for choosing a seat on the plane, it all depends on your preferences. Window seats offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while aisle seats provide more legroom and the ability to stand up freely.

If you have a connecting flight in Coimbatore, clarify with the airline in advance whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. This is especially relevant when transferring from an international flight to a domestic one. When passing through customs control upon arrival in India, be ready to choose the appropriate channel: "Green" for those with no goods to declare, and "Red" for everyone else. Familiarize yourself with current duty-free import allowances to avoid misunderstandings.

A few tips for budget travellers: book a taxi through official apps or pre-paid counters at the airport to avoid inflated prices. Bring an empty water bottle with you — after passing security, it can be filled at drinking water fountains. To avoid spending on expensive food at cafes, bring light snacks with you. Also, check if your bank or airline provides access to business lounges — sometimes this can be better value than waiting in the general hall.

In case of flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative for up-to-date information and clarification of your rights. Depending on the duration of the wait, you may be offered vouchers for food, drinks, or even hotel accommodation. Be sure to keep all receipts for forced expenses — they may be needed to claim compensation from the airline or via travel insurance. Try to use the free time usefully: explore the shops, rest, or simply read a book.