Madurai Airport to operate 24/7 this winter: A game-changer for travel and trade | Madurai News

Madurai: Madurai Airport will operate 24 hours a day from the coming winter schedule, representing a significant operational improvement. Airport Authority of India (AAI) has asked airlines to submit their flight schedules and called for the use of night-time slots to improve efficiency.
Currently, the airport operates from 6:55 am to 9:25 pm IST. The move to 24-hour operations will provide more flexibility in flight scheduling and better utilisation of the airport’s infrastructure. The AAI notification highlighted the benefits of night operations and urged airlines to optimise their flight schedules to make full use of the facilities. “This extension provides a significant opportunity for airlines to use our existing capacity more effectively. Infrastructure and resources,” the statement said.
Madurai Airport Director P. Muthukumar confirmed that preparations for the transition are underway. With the existing infrastructure providing overnight parking for up to 12 aircraft, the airport is ready for this expansion. The director also noted that an investment of Rs 5.92 crore will improve passenger services by adding check-in counters, immigration counters, X-ray machines, conveyor belts and departure gates.
The decision to switch to 24/7 operations was delayed due to administrative reasons, despite being announced over a year ago. However, local trade and industry leaders have welcomed the move. Uthaman Mahendran, senior mentor of Madurai Infrastructure Development Association, urged the AAI to make 24/7 operations permanent. He also stressed the need to increase cargo operations, including cold storage for export of perishable goods, which would benefit local traders like jasmine flower exporters who currently depend on other airports like Trichy.
S Rethinavelu, president of the Agro Food Chamber, expressed optimism that the new flight schedule could attract more international flights. He suggested that Air India Express may soon introduce a direct midnight flight to Kuala Lumpur, which would open up new travel and trade opportunities. He also encouraged IndiGo to establish Madurai as a hub for domestic and international flights and urged Akasa Air to expand its domestic services from the airport.
Tourism expert and former president of Travellers Club M Mustafa said round-the-clock operations could significantly boost tourism in Madurai. “Currently, most of the international tourists visiting the Meenakshi Amman Temple land at Trichy airport. I hope more airlines will tap into Madurai’s potential, which will greatly benefit the local economy, including hotels and restaurants,” he said.
Madurai MP Su Venkatesan shared the news on social media and said that official confirmation from the Ministry of Civil Aviation is expected soon. He expressed confidence that the move will enhance Madurai’s status as a major airport in South India, increase both passenger and cargo traffic and contribute to the economic growth of the region.