Tiruchirapalli International Airport

Tiruchirappalli International Airport is more than just a transport hub; it is a truly modern gateway to the heart of Tamil Nadu, where ancient traditions meet cutting-edge technology. Located just a few minutes' drive from majestic temples and bustling streets, this airport surprises travelers with its upgraded terminal, the architecture of which is inspired by the vibrant colors and shapes of local gopurams (temple towers). For many tourists, this is where their introduction to the cultural richness of South India or their journey to Southeast Asian countries begins. Despite its relatively compact size, the air harbor is distinguished by its coziness and intuitive navigation, making arrival and departure as comfortable as possible.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Tiruchirappalli Airport stands out among other regional hubs in India thanks to extensive modernization. In 2024, a new integrated terminal opened here, the design of which reflects the rich heritage of the region: the interiors are decorated with traditional murals and elements of "Kolam" art, creating a festive atmosphere from your very first steps.

A key advantage is its convenient location. The airport is located just 5 kilometers from the city center, allowing you to reach major attractions, such as the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, in literally 15–20 minutes. This makes it an ideal entry point for pilgrims and tourists exploring the temple towns of Tamil Nadu.

Furthermore, the airport is renowned for its eco-friendliness and efficiency. The new terminal is designed with sustainability principles in mind, actively utilizing natural lighting and solar energy. Despite its status as a "non-capital" airport, it serves as a crucial hub for flights to Singapore, Malaysia, and the Gulf countries, ensuring high connectivity between the region and the world.

• Official Website: Up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations can always be found on the official Airports Authority of India (AAI) website for Tiruchirappalli: www.aai.aero/en/airports/tiruchirappalli.
• Inquiry Service Phone: For general questions and inquiries, you can call the numbers: +91-431-2340551, +91-431-2340554.
• Airport Address: Tiruchirappalli International Airport, National Highway 336, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620007, India.
• Email: For official queries, you can use the Airport Director's email: apdiadtr@aai.aero.
• Social Media: You can follow airport updates and news on its official page on X (formerly Twitter): @aaitrzairport.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you must first contact the Lost & Found service of the airline that operated your flight.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance directly at the airport, please approach the information desks in the terminal or use the inquiry service phone numbers listed above.

Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ) is conveniently located just 5-7 kilometers from the city center, making the journey there quick and simple. Travelers heading to the airport from Tiruchirappalli can choose from several convenient modes of transport depending on their budget and preferences.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly option. City buses run regularly between the airport and key points in the city, including the central bus stand and the railway station. While this is the most economical method, it is worth noting that buses can be crowded, especially during peak hours. The trip usually takes about 30-40 minutes, and the fare is very affordable — around 15-30 Indian Rupees (INR).

Taxis and Auto-rickshaws are the most popular and convenient choice. You can use pre-paid taxi services, with counters located in the city, or book a car through popular apps in India such as Ola or Uber. A taxi ride from the city center will take approximately 15-25 minutes and cost on average 300-450 INR. A more colorful and often cheaper option is an auto-rickshaw (tuk-tuk), the cost of which will be around 150-250 INR. It is important to agree on the price with the driver in advance or ensure they turn on the meter.

For those who value independence, car rental is available. Several rental agencies offer their services both in the city and at the airport itself. This is an excellent option if you plan to travel around the region. For drivers arriving at the airport in their own or a rented vehicle, parking is provided. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking at reasonable rates.

Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ) is distinguished by a structure that is simple and easy for passengers to understand. Currently, all passenger flights — both domestic and international — are handled in one modern integrated terminal. This significantly simplifies navigation, as you do not have to move between different buildings.

The terminal layout is intuitive and follows a standard two-level organization. The Arrivals Area is located on the ground floor. Here you will find baggage claim belts, customs control counters, and exits to taxi and bus stands. The Departures Area is located on the first floor and includes airline check-in counters, security checkpoints, and passport control for international passengers. After clearing formalities, passengers enter the general waiting area with boarding gates.

Since all operations are concentrated under one roof, transfers between terminals are not required. The process of passing through control at Tiruchirappalli Airport is generally faster than in the major hubs of India. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance: approximately 2-3 hours before an international flight and 1.5-2 hours before a domestic one.

For convenient navigation throughout the terminal, numerous signs are installed in Tamil, Hindi, and English. Airport staff are always ready to help and give directions. Thanks to the terminal's compact size and logical layout, orienting yourself is easy even for those visiting for the first time.

The history of Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ) begins in the 1930s, during the British rule in India. Originally built as an airfield, it was actively used by the Royal Air Force during World War II, serving as an important base in the region.

After the country gained independence, the airfield was converted for civil aviation needs. One of the key moments in its early history was the commencement of flights to Colombo (Sri Lanka), which effectively made it one of the country's first airports to serve international routes. However, official international airport status was granted much later — on October 4, 2012, highlighting its growing importance.

The airport has undergone several stages of modernization. A significant step was the opening of a new integrated passenger terminal in 2009. This allowed not only for increased capacity but also significantly improved service quality. Thanks to this expansion, the airport was able to attract new airlines and launch flights to Southeast Asian countries and the Middle East, which continue to form the backbone of its international traffic today.

The latest and most extensive reconstruction was completed in early 2024 with the opening of yet another, more modern and spacious terminal. This project took the airport to a new level, allowing it to handle up to 4.5 million passengers per year. Today, Tiruchirappalli Airport consistently ranks among the top three busiest airports in the state of Tamil Nadu for international traffic, second only to Chennai and Coimbatore.

Interesting fact: despite its long history and important role in regional aviation, the airport remained quite compact for a long time while being renowned for its efficiency and quick flight processing. Its strategic location makes it a popular aerial gateway for millions of pilgrims and tourists visiting the numerous temples and cultural sites of central Tamil Nadu.

Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ) offers passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its relatively small size, the airport is well-equipped to meet the needs of both domestic and international travelers arriving in this region of India.

Within the terminal, you will find several options for dining and shopping. There are cafes and snack bars where you can have a coffee or try local cuisine. For those looking for souvenirs or travel essentials, shops are available, including a Duty-Free zone featuring a range of perfumes, spirits, and confectionery.

For a more comfortable wait, the airport provides premium Lounges. Passengers can relax in a quiet atmosphere and enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, as well as designated mobile charging zones, ensuring you always stay connected.

TRZ Airport has functioning ATMs and currency exchange counters where you can withdraw cash or exchange money upon arrival or before departure. For urgent medical assistance, a medical center is in operation, ready to attend to passengers in case of illness.

The airport caters to all categories of passengers. For travelers with children, there are mother and child rooms where you can feed and change your baby in privacy. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with necessary assistance, including wheelchairs and escorts through the terminal. It is recommended to notify your airline in advance regarding the need for special services.

Although there are no hotels directly inside the airport building, several hotels of varying comfort levels are located in the immediate vicinity, which is convenient for transit passengers or those with early flights. Regarding business services, these are mainly limited to amenities within the VIP lounges. For large business meetings or conferences, it is better to utilize the infrastructure of nearby hotels.

At Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ), passengers will find several options for a snack or a full meal that will introduce them to authentic South Indian cuisine. While the selection is not as vast as in major metropolises, you certainly won't go hungry.

The main dining points are located in both the public area (landside) and the departures area after security check (airside). In the arrivals and check-in area, there are usually small cafes and kiosks where you can quickly grab a coffee or tea. In the departure lounge, the choice is slightly wider — here you can find a food court with several counters offering hot meals.

It is highly recommended to try local specialties. Look out for dishes such as Idli (steamed rice cakes), Vada (spicy lentil donuts), and of course, various types of Dosa (crispy savory pancakes with fillings). This is an excellent option for a hearty breakfast or a light lunch. Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy a cup of aromatic South Indian filter coffee, which is served in many establishments at the airport.

For travelers with specific dietary preferences, there is good news: South Indian cuisine is rich in vegetarian dishes, so finding meat-free food will not be difficult. Most traditional snacks are vegetarian by default. Finding certified Halal or gluten-free options may be difficult, so it is best to check the ingredients of dishes on the spot.

The price range at TRZ airport can be described as moderate. Prices here are higher than in the city but quite affordable. Most cafes and restaurants operate according to the flight schedule, so you will be able to get a bite to eat even early in the morning or late at night. For a quick snack, kiosks with packed sandwiches and pastries are suitable, while the food court in the departures area is better for a more substantial meal.

When planning a departure from Tiruchirappalli International Airport, allow sufficient time. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive 2-3 hours before departure, and for international flights — 3-4 hours. Airports in India can be busy, especially during peak hours, so extra time will help avoid unnecessary stress and allow you to clear all pre-flight formalities calmly.

To save time, use online check-in for your flight if your airline offers this facility. This will allow you to head straight to the baggage drop counter or, if you are traveling light, to the security check zone. Be prepared for security checks to be quite thorough. Have your passport and boarding pass ready, and remove laptops and liquids in allowed quantities from your bag in advance.

Seat selection on the plane can significantly affect flight comfort. If you enjoy the views, choose a window seat. If legroom or a quick exit after landing is important to you, an aisle seat is better suited. For long flights, you can study the aircraft layout on specialized websites beforehand to avoid being near toilets or in a row with non-reclining seats.

Carefully review your airline's hand luggage rules. Standard restrictions include carrying liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Remember that power banks and other lithium-ion batteries are usually permitted only in hand luggage. Sharp objects, such as knives and scissors, are prohibited in the cabin.

If you have a connecting flight in Tiruchirappalli, check in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage. Usually, when flying with the same airline or within the same alliance, luggage is transferred automatically. Also, check if you require a transit visa if the transfer involves leaving the international zone of the airport.

When passing through customs control, as in most countries, "Green" and "Red" channels operate. If you have no goods to declare, proceed through the "Green" channel. If you are carrying items that may require duty payment (e.g., expensive electronics exceeding the limit or large sums of cash), you must fill out a declaration and go through the "Red" channel. In case of doubt, it is better to consult with a customs officer.

To save money on airport transfers, use the official pre-paid taxi counters or car-hailing apps. This will help avoid inflated prices from private drivers. You can also carry an empty reusable water bottle and fill it at drinking fountains after passing security to avoid buying water at a premium price.

In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, contact your airline representative immediately. Depending on the duration of the delay, you may be provided with drinks, meals, and in some cases — hotel accommodation. Be sure to keep all receipts for unforeseen expenses (food, drinks) so that you can claim compensation later.