TRIVANDRUM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

SINCE 1932 – A WALKTHROUGH

Project report submitted to

KITTS, THYCAUD, TRIVANDRUM

In partial fulfillment of the requirements of

DIPLOMA IN AIRPORT OPERATIONS

Submitted by Candidate No:

SYAM KUMAR S 8001
AKSHARA K S 8004
VARUN SAM JACOB 8006

UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF

SIR VARGESE M.M
SIR BALAKRISHNAN
[DEPARTMENT OF AIRPORT OPERATION]
 DECLARATION

Undersigned, here by declares that this project work entitled,

“TRIVANDRUM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT SINCE 1932- A
WALKTHROUGH”. This is submitted to the KERELA INSTITUTE OF
TOURISM AND TRAVEL STUDIES in the fulfillment of the
requirements for the project assigned as part of diploma in
AIRPORT OPERATIONS for the career development in airport and
airlines industry. In the result of original work based of public
private participation caried on by us at Kochi, Cochin International
Airport with the guidance based on the working under public
private participation. This project work is done under the
guidance of Sir BALAKRISHNAN, VARGESE M.M who are the
teaching faculties in airport operations in KITTS, Thycaud during
the academic year 2022-23. We also declare that no part of this
project has been previously formed in the basis of any diploma
courses.

SYAM KUMAR S 8001

AKSHARA K S 8004
VARUN SAM JACOB 8006
 KERALA INSTITUTE OF
TOURISM AND TRAVEL STUDIES
( Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram )

CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the dissertation entitled the “THE ROLE OF
PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTICIPATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF
AIRPORT” is a bonafide record of studies carried out by SYAM
KUMAR S (8001), AKSHARA K S (8004), VARUN SAM JACOB (8006)
in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the diploma in career
related Airport Operations course in the institute Kerala Institute of
Tourism and Travel Studies for the academic year 2019-2020
under the guidance of VARGESE M.M and BALAKRISHNAN Sir,
Department of Airport Operations.

Sir. Balakrishnan Sir. Vargese M.M

(Department of airport operations) (Department of airport operations)
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This accomplishment is successfully achieved with the efforts of

many people and this work is not different. First of all we thank the
Almighty God, The guiding light of our life, for giving as the
strength and courage on completing this project successfully with
no complications. We are extremely grateful to our principal Dr.
B. RAJENDRAN and the director Dr. RAJASHREE AJITH of KITTS
college, Thycaud for their blessings and inspirations
We also express our deep appreciation and gratitude to our
guiders VARGESE M.M and BALAKRISHNAN sir [DEPARTMENT OF
AIRPORT OPERATIONS] for their valuable help, guidance and also
for the encouragement to the way to success. We are also grateful
to all teaching and non-teaching staff, MONISHA MAAM and our
librarian of our college for rendering their help and immense
encouragement. We also extend our sincere thanks to officials and
the airport associates of Cochin International Airport who
cooperated with our study
We also wish to thank our parents and our beloved friends and all
those who helped us in the endeavor

SYAM KUMAR S 8001

AKSHARA K S 8004
VARUN SAM JACOB 8006
Index
 TRIVANDRUM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT SINCE 1932 – A WALKTHROUGH

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The Indian aviation sector is growing at an accelerating rate and the country is getting the

benefits of its improved connectivity. Since its inception, the industry has seen many

changes. The vast geographical coverage of the country and its industrial growth makes

the aviation sector more meaningful.

Fig 1.1 Air Traffic Network in India

The rising working group and economic improvement of the Indian middle class are also

expected to boost the growth of the industry further. As a result of this growing demand,

the Government of India is planning to increase the number of airports to 250 by 2030.

This improvement in infrastructure has happened to be a result of improved business and

leisure travel. The major requirement of the aviation sector is the development of ground

infrastructure. Private investment is one of the essential components to develop the

ground infrastructure. It is not possible for the government to develop a robust nature

like this without the help of private players. More importantly, the private players have

the expertise to develop a technology-enabled airport which is the need of the hour.

Another area that the government is currently focusing on is creating more green airports

to reduce the environmental impact. Thus, the sector which was mainly dominated by the

government agencies now is going hand in hand with the private players. The increased

competition in the market helps to improve the on-air as well as ground services. The

Indian aviation sector has a long history and moved from the private sector to the

government sector in the hands of both government and private sectors. With every

passing year, the sector witnessed significant improvement in the movement of traffic in

both the passenger and cargo segments. These huge improvements in airport

infrastructure surely benefit the people in the long run. The government of India has

realized the potential of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model to develop airports in

India. The growing trend has many advantages.

 Fig 1.2 Public Private Partnership Comparison Among Public and Private Sector

One of the primary advantages is the creation of jobs in the local market and revenue

generation for the government. The government is also in a better position to attract

foreign investors to develop the airports. If we look at the vast areas of airport

connectivity and the addition of emerging areas it may not be possible to develop the

entire infrastructure single-handedly. In total there are 464 airports in India out of these

137 airports are operated by AAI. Out of the 137 airports, 137 are operational. These 137

operational airports can be divided into three different segments, 103 domestic airports,

10 customs airports, and 24 international airports. Indira Gandhi International Airport is

the largest International airport constructed in 5495 acres. It is also the busiest airport in

India followed by the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.

 Fig 1.3 List of International and Domestic Airports in India

Cochin International Airport, Kerala is the first international airport in India developed

under PPP Public-Private Partnership Model which is the only airport which made profit

in the financial year 2021-22, it is the first self-sustainable airport with its own solar plant

for energy generation. Calicut International Airport, Kerala is recently added to the list of

International Airports in India. Juhu Aerodrome in Mumbai is the First and oldest Airport

in India founded in 1928. Among all these Airports the Airport of Trichy is the smallest

airport in India. Kushok Bakula Rimpochee, Ladhak is the 23rd highest commercial airport

in the world at 3256 meters.

The expansion of the sector results in improved passenger flow and the same has seen

significant improvement in the last decade after the introduction of low-cost carriers. The
rising income level of the Indian middle class also happens to be the most crucial factor

which stimulates growth. The growth of air travel created a need for new business

opportunities and infrastructure requirements. The growth has been rightly witnessed by

the scheduled commercial airlines which decided to increase their capacity. Since air

travel is becoming cheaper, a section of the consumers has become the target consumers

for the airline service providers. The first-time buyers also decided to opt for air travel via

multiple modes of travel options that are available. Saving time and money may be the

most significant factor which helps the customers to go for alternative options. The huge

geographical spread of the country is another reason and it is only air transport which has

the capacity to reduce the distance to a great extent. If we look at the passenger traffic

carried by scheduled carriers over the past decade, then this incremental growth can be

witnessed.

1.2 HISTORY OF COMMERCIAL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS

The development of commercial aviation required the creation of a network of specialized

facilities--"airports"--dedicated not just to take-offs and landings but also to the efficient

transfer of people and goods from air to ground, from one geographic area to another.

The earliest airplane landing sites were simply open, grassy fields. The airplane could

approach at any angle that provided a favourable wind direction. Early airfields were

often built for the purpose of entertainment. These aerodromes consisted of a grassy

field, with a hangar for storage and servicing of airplanes, and observation stands for the
visitors. Increased aircraft traffic during World War I led to the construction of regular

landing fields. Airplanes had to approach these from specified directions. This led to the

development of navigation aids for directing the approach and landing slope. Following

the war, some of these military airfields added commercial facilities for handling

passenger traffic. The title of "world's oldest airport" is disputed. Toussus-le-Noble airport

near Paris, France was established in 1907 and has been operating since. College Park

Airport in Maryland, US, established in 1909 by Wilbur Wright serves only general aviation

traffic.

Fig 1.4 College Park Airport in Maryland, US

One of the earliest such fields was Le Bourget, near Paris. The first airport to operate

scheduled international commercial services was Hounslow Heath Aerodrome in August

1919, but it was closed and supplanted by Croydon Airport in March 1920 in South

London. In 1922, the first permanent airport and commercial terminal solely for

commercial aviation were built at Königsberg, Germany. The airports of this era used a

paved "apron", which permitted night flying as well as landing heavier airplanes. The first
lighting used in an airport was during the later part of the 1920s; in the 1930s approach

lighting came into use. These indicated the proper direction and angle of descent. The

colours and flash intervals of these lights became standardized under the ICAO. In the

1940s, the slope-line approach system was introduced. This consisted of two rows of

lights that formed a funnel indicating an aircraft's position on the glideslope. Additional

lights indicated incorrect altitude and direction. Following World War II, airport design

began to become more sophisticated. Passenger buildings were being grouped together

on an island, with runways arranged in groups about the terminal. This arrangement

permitted the expansion of the facilities. But it also meant that passengers had to travel

further to reach their airplane.

1.3 INDIAN AVIATION HISTORY

The first commercial aviation flight in India took place on 18 February 1911. It was a brief

demonstration flight of about 15 minutes from the United Provinces Industrial and

Agricultural Exhibition in Allahabad, across the Yamuna River to Naini, a distance of 9.7

kilometres (6 mi). The aircraft used was a Humber Biplane shipped from England

specifically for the event, was flown by French aviator Henri Pequet and carried 6,500

pieces of mail, making it the first official airmail service. Regular airmail was not

established until two decades later, notably by J. R. D Tata, who was awarded a contract

to carry mail in 1932 and founded an airline that grew to become Air India.
 Fig 1.5 J R D Tata After First Flight from Karachi to Mumbai

Until 1990, international aviation was restricted to the four major metros of India, New

Delhi (Palam), Bombay (Santa Cruz), Madras (Meenambakkam), and Calcutta (Dum Dum).

The first airport in India was the Juhu aerodrome, In Juhu, Maharashtra. t was founded in

1928 as India's first civil aviation airport, In 1932, JRD Tata landed at the Juhu aerodrome,

inaugurating India's first scheduled commercial mail service. J. R. D.

Fig 1.6 Old Indian Air Connectivity Map

Tata, the father of civil aviation in India, made his maiden voyage to Juhu airport from

Drigh Road Airstrip in Karachi, via Ahmedabad, on 15 October 1932 carrying mail in a Puss

Moth aircraft. The Tata Airmail Service, as it was called, continued on to Pune, Bellary,

and Madras. Juhu served as the city's primary airport during and up to World War II.

Fig 1.7 J R D Tata Celebrating 30th Anniversary of Air India

 Fig 1.8 J R D Tata in Cockpit

In 1948, commercial operations were

moved to the much larger RAF

Santacruz (now Chatrapati Shivaji

International Airport; CSIA) which was

built 2 km east of Juhu aerodrome during the war. Today, the aerodrome handles all

helicopter operations out of Mumbai. It also hosts the Bombay Flying Club and several

executive and light aircraft and gliders.

Fig 1.9 Santa Cruz Airport

In 2010, the Airports Authority of India (AAI), which runs the airport, proposed to extend

runway 08/26 into the sea to allow larger aircraft to land, however permission for this

was denied by the Ministry of Environment and Forests.

Fig 1.10 Constellation in Mumbai

With the New Coastal Regulation Zone

(CRZ) rules of 2011 permitting roads on

stilts, the Airports Authority of India

announced in January 2012 that it would once again pursue its plan of extending the

runway at Juhu Aerodrome into the sea.

In 1947, following Indian independence, Tata Airways was renamed Air India, and the

government took a 49% stake in the airline. The airline began flying its first international

flights in the next year. On June 8th, 1948, Air India flew its 1st international flight to

London.

Fig 1.11 Lockheed Constellation Flying from Mumbai to London

The Malabar Princess, a Lockheed Constellation, was our 1st international plane. The

passengers included JRD Tata, Duleepsinhji, who traveling to watch the Ashes, Neville

Wadia & Narottam Lalbhai.

By the 1950s, India was home to a number of

smaller airlines operating in different parts of the

country. Some notable airlines were Deccan

Airways, based in Hyderabad, and Kalinga

Airlines, based in Kolkata. Air India remained the

national carrier, flying multiple domestic and

international routes.

Fig 1.12 Poster Promoting First International Flight

In 1953, the Indian government nationalized the aviation industry, taking control of all

major airlines. This resulted in the eight major airlines being merged into two airlines run

by the government. These two airlines were Air India and Indian Airlines. The two

government airlines were simplified for efficiency. Indian Airlines operated domestic

flights in India, and Air India focused on international routes. This led to a significant

streamlining of operations, allowing the government to manage these airlines.

 Fig 1.13 Pre and Post 1953

Air India International, the new airline, was India's flag carrier and quickly became a major

international carrier. Air India became known for its superior service and profitable

business model, led by J.R.D Tata, who stayed on as Chairman of the airline post-

privatization. The airline also became of the first few to purchase the Boeing 747, hoping

to keep its status as a premier airline.

Fig 1.14 J R D deplaning from Boeing 747

However, the 1970s were marred with

war and domestic disputes, leading Air

India and Indian Airlines to struggle.

Indian struggled in particular since it operated a number of unprofitable routes and was

forced to manage its aging fleet. In the 1990s, the peak of India's financial crisis, India

reversed its stance on regulation and allowed private airlines once again. By 1994, India

repealed all laws regulating the formation of airlines and allowed the introduction of

scheduled private airlines. This deregulation allowed for the formation of new airlines

such as Jet Airways and ModiLuft. This laid the groundwork for the current Indian aviation

industry. Following the 1994 reforms, India saw a number of airlines crop up. Air India

and Indian Airlines continued to operate as government-run airlines. However, carriers

such as Jet Airways and Air Sahara began chipping away at the legacy airlines, trying to

establish themselves.

India's deregulation also attracted foreign players. For instance, Lufthansa invested in

ModiLuft, a joint-venture airline that failed to succeed. However, ModiLuft did go on to

become SpiceJet, a key low-cost carrier. The 2000s marked the beginning of India's

aviation boom. Full-service carriers such as Air India and Jet Airways were challenged by

a slew of low-cost airlines. Low-cost airlines drastically reduced fares, allowing millions

more to fly and challenging the larger airlines.

Notable examples of low-cost airlines were IndiGo, SpiceJet, GoAir, and AirAsia India.

These airlines now occupy over 70% of the domestic market and continue growing. This

explosion of airlines and low fares has propelled India into the third-largest aviation

market, requiring thousands of new aircraft in the coming decades.

 Fig 1.15 New Airlines in India

The growth of the Indian aviation market has also attracted a number of foreign airlines.

Carriers such as Emirates and Qatar Airways have become major long-haul carriers, flying

to nearly a dozen cities each and holding a significant share of the market. Air India went

full circle last year following the purchase of the carrier by the Tata Group. The carrier will

be hoping for a major bounce back following years of financial difficulty. Moreover, With

Tata also behind Vistara, there have been reports of a merger in the coming years. While

Vistara has seen strong growth, new start-ups such as Akasa Air have formed. This airline

is planning to deploy the Boeing 737 MAX this summer and seeks 18 aircraft by the time

this year 2022 is over.

 Fig 1.16 Akasa Air

India remains the fastest-growing aviation market in the world. This has meant both

aircraft manufacturers and airlines are looking to expand into the Indian market. As the

aviation industry starts its recovery from the current downturn. It has already seen new

opportunities in the domestic market, and with the country relaxing its international

restrictions, there are high hopes.

Both Airbus and Boeing are pushing to sell their aircraft to the Indian market, which is set

to buy nearly 2000 planes in the next two decades. Airbus has found success with its A320,

which is the common plane in India, while Boeing has dominated the smaller, yet growing,

widebody market.

Airlines are also making a play to expand their operations. Vistara recently became India's

first private airline with a widebody aircraft, hoping to capture the long-haul market. The
fall of Jet Airways created a place for a new long-haul airline. Yet, even this carrier is

finding its way back in the air.

With the Thiruvananthapuram Airport having upgraded to an international airport on 1

January 1991, making it the fifth international airport in India, international aviation was

expanded to minor metros and non-metros across the country. India had the world's

third-largest civil aviation market in 2017, with the number of passengers growing at an

average annual rate of 16.3% between 2000 and 2015. It recorded air traffic of 131 million

passengers in 2016. Air India is India's national flag carrier after merging with Indian

Airlines in 2007 and plays a major role in connecting India with the rest of the world.

IndiGo, Air India, Spicejet, Go First and Vistara, AirAsia India are the major carriers in order

of their market share.

Fig 1.17 Airline Capacity in 2022

These airlines connect more than 80 cities across India and also operate overseas routes

after the liberalization of Indian aviation. Several other foreign airlines connect Indian
cities with other major cities across the globe. However, a large section of the country's

air transport potential remains untapped, even though the Mumbai–Delhi air corridor is

ranked the world's third-busiest route. Despite this growth, much of the country's

aviation potential remains untapped. IndiGo, AirIndia, SpiceJet, and GoAir are the major

carriers in order of their market share. These airlines connect more than 80 cities across

India and are joined by several foreign airlines in providing international routes.

Currently, The Airports Authority of India (AAI) operates a total of 137 airports, including

103 domestic airports, 35 international airports, and 10 customs airports. The Ministry of

Civil Aviation is responsible for civilian aviation, through regulatory oversight by the

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Airport Authority of India (AAI) is

responsible for setting up, maintaining, upgrading, and managing the civil aviation

infrastructure in India and operates under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. National Civil

Aviation Policy 2016 sets broad goals for safety and operations. The UDAN (regional

connectivity scheme) is a plan to develop a sustainable air network in over 400 tier-2 cities

across India, with an estimated expenditure of ₹500 million (US$6.3 million) per airstrip.

The UDAN (Udey Desh ka Aam Nagrik) program was launched in October 2016 by the

central government as part of the National Civil Aviation Policy for 2016.
 The government compensates in the form of the

Sustainability Gap (VGF) funding for losses due to

low fares.

Fig 1.18 UDAN Logo

1.4 HISTORY OF TRIVANDRUM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Trivandrum International Airport (TIA) (IATA: TRV, ICAO: VOTV) is in Thiruvananthapuram

and is the first airport in the state of Kerala, India. It was the fifth international airport in

India declared by then Prime Minister Shri V.P. Singh in 1991. TIA is considered an "all-

weather" airport and is ISO 9001-2000 certified. It is the second largest and second

busiest airport in Kerala after Cochin International Airport.

In addition to civil operations, Trivandrum Airport caters to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and

the Coast Guard for their strategic operations. IAF has an exclusive apron to handle all its

operations. Trivandrum airport also caters to the Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation

Technology which carries out pilot training activities.

 Fig 1.19 Rajiv Gandhi Academy,

Trivandrum

The airport was established in

1932 as part of the Royal Flying

Club under the initiative of Lt.

Col. Raja Goda Varman, Consort

of Rani Karthika Thirunal

Lakshmi Bayi, Rani of Attingal

and of Travancore Kingdom.

Raja Goda Varman, a trained

pilot, felt the need for an airport to accommodate Travancore in the aviation map of India

and requested the Travancore Durbar to initiate the process of establishing an

aerodrome. A detailed report was made and presented to the King by Consort Prince in

this regard. It may be mentioned that the King was the brother of Lt. Col. Raja's wife, and

the colonel's own children were the heirs to the throne. In 1935, under the royal

patronage of H.H Maharaja Chithira Thirunal, Tata Airlines made its maiden flight to the

airport using DH.83 Fox Moth aircraft under command of India's first pilot Nevill Vintcent

carrying Jamshed Navoroji, a Tata company official, and Kanchi Dwarakadas, commercial

agent of Travancore in Karachi, with a special mail from the Viceroy of British India, Lord

Willingdon, wishing birthday greetings to the Maharaja.

 Fig 1.20 Lt. Col. Raja Goda Varman

The first flight took off on 1 November 1935,

carrying mails of Royal Anchal (Travancore Post)

to Bombay. In 1938, the Royal Government of

Travancore acquired a Dakota as Maharaja's

private aircraft and placed the first squadron of

the Royal Indian Air Force (Travancore) for

protection of the state from aerial attacks. After

Independence, the airstrip was used for domestic flights with the construction of a new

domestic terminal, Terminal 1.

Fig 1.21 DH.83 Fox Moth aircraft

International flights at the Airport at

Thiruvananthapuram started

operating in the year 1967 with the

introduction of bi-weekly flights to and from Colombo. Flights to Maldives started

operating in the year 1976. Direct flights from Middle East countries started in 1978. This

Airport was the 5th of its kind in India has been declared as an airport with 24 hours

operational facilities on two-shift basis with effect from 01.09.2000. An Air Intelligence

Unit is also working in the International Airport.

Though the exports through the Thiruvananthapuram Airport to Male and Colombo

started with effect from 1979, a full-fledged Cargo Complex was set up in July 1984 and

M/s. Kerala State Industrial Enterprises were appointed as the custodian. With effect from

01.01.1991 Trivandrum Airport was declared as International Airport and consequently,

International Airport Authority of India, took over the custodianship.

Fig 1.22 New International Terminal of Trivandrum Airport

On 1 March 2011, the first flight operated from the new international terminal. IX 536 (Air

India Express) from Sharjah marked the first arrival. Air India Express operated the first

departure to Dubai from this new terminal.

At present, on an average, approximately 40 (Inbound and Outbound) International

flights operates through Trivandrum International Airport every day, carrying more than

6000 passengers.

1.5 DECLARATION OF TRIVANDRUM AS AN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

International operations were initiated by Air India to cities in the Arabian Peninsula in

the late 1970s using Boeing 707.

Fig 1.23 Air India Boeing 707

The first international flight was operated in the year 1977 and by the early 80s, then

Indian Airlines started service to Colombo, followed by service to Male. Later, Sri Lankan
Airlines (then Air Lanka) and Air Maldives (now Maldivian started operations. Followed by

Indian Airlines, which started a service to Sharjah. On 1 January 1991, TIA was upgraded

to an international airport, making it the fifth international airport in India after Delhi,

Bombay, Madras & Calcutta.

On 1 March 2011, the first flight operated from the new international terminal, Terminal

2. IX 536 (Air India Express) from Sharjah marked the first arrival.

Fig 1.24 AI Flight 536

Air India Express operated the first departure to Dubai from this new terminal. Indian Oil

Sky tanking is the company that introduced single-man refuelling in India and started

refuelling operations at Trivandrum in March 2016. This was the main hub for the defunct

Kairali Airlines from January 9, 2013, to 2017.

1.6 LOCATION AND OTHER MAJOR SPECIFICATIONS OF THE AIRPORT

The Trivandrum International terminal is approximately 3.7 km (2.3 mi) due west from

the city centre, 16 km (9.9 mi) from Kovalam beach, 13 km (8.1 mi) from Technopark

Thiruvananthapuram and 21 km (13 mi) from the proposed Vizhinjam International

Seaport spread over an area of 750 acres (300 ha).

Fig 1.25 Areal View of Trivandrum Airport

Trivandrum airport is strategically located at the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent,

it serves as the shortest hopping point from India to Sri Lanka and the Maldives and is

thus the preferred airport for international tourists.

 Fig 1.26 Main International Tourist Destinations Connecting Trivandrum

In the fiscal year 2018-19, the airport handled more than 4.4 million passengers with a

total of 33,093 aircraft movements.

RUNWAY

Trivandrum International Airport has a single 3,407 m (11,178 ft)-long runway, equipped

to operate any type of aircraft. It has an 1,880 m (6,170 ft)-long parallel taxiway

Fig 1.27 Trivandrum Airport Runway

TERMINAL

The Trivandrum International Airport has two terminals. Terminal 1 is for domestic and

Terminal 2 for international flights. The domestic terminal has an area of 9,200 m2

(99,000 sq. ft) and can handle 400 passengers at a time. Terminal 3 (NITB: New

International Terminal Building) and the International Terminal can handle 1,600

passengers at a time.

Fig 1.28 International Terminal Trivandrum

The international terminal ground operations are handled by Adani Airport Services Pvt.

Ltd. It is fully air-conditioned with a Wi-Fi facility. The terminal features spacious lounges,

natural lighting with extensive use of glass roofing, and better conveyance facilities for

passengers. It has three baggage carousels and elaborate immigration/customs facilities.

Flemingo, India's first privately owned duty-free operator is managing the duty-free shop

at the international terminal.

The domestic terminal has basic amenities including cafés, a beer and wine bar, a book-

seller, free local calls, Free Wi-Fi, ATM, a Specialized baby care room, and phone-

recharging points.

Fig 1.29 Domestic Terminal Trivandrum

Terminal 1 (Domestic)

The domestic terminal was the first terminal of the airport inaugurated by the Chief

Minister of Kerala EK Nayanar in 1992.

Fig1.30 E K Nayanar Inaugurating Trivandrum Airport

It has an area of 9,200 m2 (99,000 sq. ft) and can handle 400 passengers at a time. The

terminal has two Aerobridges and two remote gates. All airlines except Air India are

served by the domestic terminal.

Fig 1.31 Aerobridge in Trivandrum Airport

Terminal 2(International)

The newly built Terminal 2 has three additional jetways and parking bays to accommodate

8 aircraft. The terminal is built opposite the current terminal across the runway and is

closer to the city side. The terminal, constructed by the AAI and designed by the UK firm,

Pascall+Watson architects, is expected to provide impetus to the development of the IT

sector and the tourism industry in the southern districts of Kerala.

 Fig International Terminal Trivandrum

The international terminal covers an area of 35,000 m2 (380,000 sq. ft). It is able to handle

the passengers of three Airbus A340s and one Boeing 747 aircraft simultaneously (roughly

1500 passengers). The annual handling capacity of the terminal will be 1.8 million.

The check-in area has a floor area of 950 m2 (10,200 sq. ft) and an arrival area of 600 m2

(6,500 sq. ft). To enable the passengers to check in at any counter, a Common Users

Terminal Equipment (CUTE) is installed. X-ray machines are attached to the side of the

conveyor belts for faster clearance of baggage.

The entrance to the terminal is from the Chacka-Eenchakkal road. A bridge has been built

across the Parvathy Puthanar canal to link the new terminal to the Kazhakuttam-Inchivila
NH (National Highway) 47 bypass. The new terminal has a car park area that can

accommodate about 600 cars.

Fig New Car Parking Facility

There is a pre-paid taxi service counter and foreign exchange (Thomas Cook India) counter

in the arrivals area.

Trivandrum Airport was included in the Ministry of civil aviation's strategic plan for 2010–

2015 to upgrade a Category-A airport by developing to aerodrome CODE 4E/4F,

constructing a parallel runway with taxiways alongside both runways, and so forth.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL

The air traffic control (ATC) tower is 18 m (59 ft) tall. There are plans to build a new 50 m

(160 ft) tall ATC tower for Trivandrum airport near the new international terminal.

The airport has a CAT-1

instrument landing system

(ILS), DVOR, and distance

measuring equipment

(DME).

Fig Inside Trivandrum ATC

Fig CAT I, II and III Landing Light System

The airport is also equipped with a Mono-pulse Secondary Surveillance Radar, Air Route

Surveillance Radar, and an Airport Surveillance Radar which allows approach and area

control of the airspace around the airport and nearby air routes.

Fig Current ATC Tower Trivandrum

MRO FACILITY

Trivandrum International Airport Hosts Air India's Narrow Body Maintenance, repair, and

overhaul unit—MRO consisting of twin hangars for servicing Boeing 737 type aircraft,

servicing mostly Air India Express aircraft. The Maintenance Repair Overhaul is set up on
6.07 hectares (15.0 acres) of land at a cost of Rs. 110 crores it was commissioned on 16

December 2011. The maintenance of two aircraft can be simultaneously done at the two

Fig MRO Facility Trivandrum

hangars present at the MRO. The facility is state-of-the-art with 5,000 sq. ft (460 m2) of

the workshop, 10,000 sq. ft (930 m2) apron, electrically operated and vertically moving

hangar door system, warehouse, and office space. The Maintenance, Repair, and

Overhaul (MRO) facility of Air India Charters Limited (AICL) at Trivandrum International

Airport were given permission to carry out the crucial ‘C’ checks of their Boeing 737-800

fleet.

OTHER OPERATIONS

In addition to Civil operations, Trivandrum airport also caters to IAF and Coast Guard for

their strategic operations. IAF has an exclusive apron to handle all its operations.
 Fig Indian Naval Command Trivandrum
Trivandrum Airport also caters to Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology. The

academy has its own hangar facility at the airport. The hangar facility can accommodate

10 trainer aircraft.

Fig Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy Trivandrum

1.7 EXPANSION PLANS

The increasing number of international tourists and passengers to Kerala prompted the

decision to add another terminal to the airport. The new terminal is being built on a

28,800m² area. It is a three-storey building with a total floor area of approximately

23,300m². The ground floor, mezzanine floor, and first floor areas will be 11,520m²,

5,354m² and 6,425m² respectively.

Fig Expansion Plan for Terminal T3 of Trivandrum

“Trivandrum International Airport is the first of three airports of the state of Kerala,

India.” The passenger-handling capacity of the new terminal will be approximately 1.95

million each year, with peak-hour handling capacity of 1,600 departing and arriving

passengers. The budgeted cost of the project is INR 2.45bn but it is expected that it will

reach INR 3.0bn by the time of completion.

Upon completion, the new terminal will handle all international flight operations and the

existing international terminal, Terminal 2, will handle domestic flight operations.

The project will be executed in two phases. The first phase, costing INR 1.65bn, includes

the construction of the terminal building, apron and car park, airline offices, plant rooms

and other supporting facilities. The terminal building will cost INR 1.15bn, with the car

park accommodating 575 cars.

Fig Satellite View of Trivandrum International Airport

It is estimated that the second phase will cost INR 800m. The key works include the lateral

expansion of the terminal building by 27m on the Chaka side and by 40.5m on the Kairali

side. An approach road from the NH 47 bypass crossing the canal will also be constructed

in this phase.

A new air traffic control tower

has also been proposed since

the existing tower does not

accommodate a complete view

of the operational area at the

airport. The plans for new ATC

tower are still pending and

under consideration by AAI.

Fig Expecting New ATC Tower in

Trivandrum
1.8 CHALLENGES FACED

PILING OF UP GARBAGE NEAR THE AIRPORT PREMISES AND THE INCREASED BIRD

HITS

Illegal dumping of poultry waste and garbage has led to a rise in incidents of bird hits at

the Thiruvananthapuram airport. Recently, the Adani Trivandrum International Airport

Limited (ATIAL) took up the matter with the Corporation seeking immediate actions to

resolve the issue.

Fig Airplane escapes Bird Hit

According to sources, the growing bird hit incidents could adversely affect ATIAL’s plans

to ramp up flight operations. The airport authorities have urged the civic body to take

immediate steps to prevent waste dumping at Chackai-Airport Road, Vallakkadavu, NH

and the areas surrounding the airport premises. The civic body has launched a

comprehensive cleaning drive at the land owned by the Navy near the airport which has

become a dumping ground. Authorities said the main challenge was the non-cooperation

of residents, poultry shops and meat traders in the area. “The residents, mostly belonging

to the fishermen community, are not ready to sign up for the waste management services

offered by the civic body.

Fig Bid Hit Issues Trivandrum Airport

Following similar complaints from the airport authorities, the civic body had initiated

action against illegal slaughterhouses at Vallakkadavu. It triggered widespread protest

among the meat traders. “Several meat shops and slaughterhouses were sealed.

However, since we don’t have an authorized slaughterhouse in the capital, we cannot

take strict actions,” said the official. The NH66 is also turning into a hotspot of poultry.

PANDEMIC INDUCED CHALLENGES

While many airports are on the path of a slow recovery post the pandemic phase,

Trivandrum airport's revenue dipped by 78% in the last four fiscals. As per figures

presented in the Parliament, the airport's revenue dropped to the lowest figures in 2021-

22 when compared to the last four fiscals.

Among the six privatized airports in India, Trivandrum airport alone failed to record an

increase in revenue, according to the figures.

The figures presented by Union minister of state for civil aviation V K Singh in Rajya Sabha

on March 21 shows the airport-wise revenue between 2018-19 and 2021-22.

Going by the data, the revenue of Trivandrum airport dipped from Rs 440.56 crore in

2018-19 to Rs 93.14 crore in 2021-22. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) had leased out

six of its airports at Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Mangalore, Jaipur, Guwahati and

Thiruvananthapuram through the public private partnership (PPP) for operation,

management and development on long-term lease basis. Out of these, three airports

Ahmedabad, Lucknow & Mangalore were handed over between October and November
in 2020, and the remaining three airports have been handed over to the concessionaire

in October 2021, according to the Parliament records.

Fig Ahmedabad Airport

Fig Lucknow and Jaipur Airport

Jaipur and Guwahati, the two other airports which were handed over to the

concessionaire along with Trivandrum airport, recorded a slight increase in revenue

between 2020-21 and 2021-22. Ahmedabad, Lucknow and Mangalore also recorded an

increase in revenue.

The private partner of the six airports has paid approximately Rs 331 crore to AAI as per

passenger fee (PPF) till January 2022. AAI has also received an amount of approximately

Rs 1,888 crore from the private partner of these six airports in the form of upfront fee

towards capital expenditure incurred by AAI at these airports. A statement presented in

the Parliament in 2021 showed that the profitability of Trivandrum airport dropped by

above 50% in past three fiscals. The statement showing airport-wise profitability in 2017-

18 to 2019-20 showed that the profit of Trivandrum airport dipped from Rs 141.87 crore

in 2017-18 to Rs 64.41 crore in 2019-20, marking a dip of 55%.

Fig Rate of Passengers from 2017 to 2021

CHALLENGES IN LAND ACQUISITION

Trivandrum International Airport requires It urgently requires 18 acres of land from the

Vallakadavu-Karali area for a new domestic terminal, the acquisition process of which is

halfway. The airport, which only has a temporary license now, has to extend the runway’s

width by 150m on both sides. It requires around 13 acres of land from the BrahMos and

Travancore Titanium Products sides for threshold lighting and increasing the length of

Runway End Safety Areas (RESAs). For setting up a parallel taxiway, it requires land from
 Fig Expansion Requirements

the Chakka fire station side. These urgent needs require a coordinated effort from various

Central and state agencies.

1.9 AIRPORT PRIVATIZATION

The Thiruvananthapuram airport has been privatized disregarding the protests by the

airport staff and the state government, which had later lost steam. Adani Enterprises Ltd

(AEL), takes over the airport’s reins from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) on October

14 2021. In August 2020 the Kerala Assembly unanimously passed a resolution flaying the

privatization bid and demanding the Central government to hand over airport

management to a special purpose vehicle run by the State government. Under the

concession agreement with the Airports Authority of India (AAI), ATIAL will be operating,

managing and developing the airport for the next 50 years. Infrastructure development

and attracting more flights to Thiruvananthapuram will be among ATIAL’s immediate

 Fig Trivandrum International Airport

priorities. Adani Enterprises Ltd emerged the highest bidder for five airports including the

one in Thiruvananthapuram in February 2019 following an offer by AAI. The Group had

quoted ₹168 as the passenger fee payable to AAI. The AAI and the Adani Group inked the

concession agreement on January 19, 2021. An MoU for providing Reserved Services —

customs, immigration, plant and animal quarantine services, health services, and

meteorological and security - was signed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Adani

Enterprises Ltd in August 2021. Likewise, the AAI and the Adani Group have executed an

agreement for communication navigation surveillance-air traffic management (CNS-

ATM). Under the original schedule, the airport should have been handed over to the Adani

Group on or before July 18, 2021. However, following the outbreak of COVID-19 second

wave, the deadline was extended up to October 14, 2021, at the request of the Adani

Group. The Union cabinet decided in august 2020 to privatize airport maintenance in six
key cities across India, Ahmedabad, Mangalore, Jaipur, Guwahati, alongside

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. The Kerala government, led by the

Communist party of Kerala, has petitioned the supreme court to stop the Adani Group

from maintaining the Thiruvananthapuram airport.

Fig Adani Airports Company Logo

The airport was requested to be leased by the Kerala State Industrial Development

Corporation, a Kerala government entity. However, Kerala's ruling Left Democratic Front

(LDF) has accused the central government of rejecting a state-owned company's

leasing application and instead awarded it to the Adani Group, stating that

the Adani Group's proposal was less than the necessary amount.

Yet The IT and tourism industries are optimistic as the Adani Trivandrum International

Airport Limited (ATIAL). According to many, the takeover is expected to bring massive

development to the airport and give a much-needed boost to the capital city’s overall

development.

Fig Areal View of Trivandrum

According to many development activists and other stakeholders, Adani’s take over can

offer better connectivity from and to the capital city at affordable fares. According to

sources, the Adani had already invited subcontracts to develop the airport which would

soon have new duty-free shops, brand outlets, food courts and a slew of other

amenities.

Fig Trivandrum Duty Free Logo

Fig Duty Free Shop Trivandrum

 Fig Hidesign Outlet Trivandrum International Airport

Though the state government had plans to expand the airport earlier by acquiring

around 19 acres of land, nothing materialized owing to the change in leadership. Even

land acquisition wasn’t initiated. Owing to the sorry state of the airport, many airline

companies had cancelled fleet operations from there, prompting commuters to switch

to other international airports. the introduction of more flight operations would

reduce airfares. “Over 40% of travelers were relying on other airports. Infrastructure

development would help bring them back. Introduction of flights to major cities

including Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune and Kolkata should be prioritized.

Currently, the Airport Authority of India is collecting user development fees, which

would be lifted once the Adani Group takes over. Also, they can adopt the Cochin

International Airport model and collect landing and parking fee to add to the revenue
The development of the airport has been pending for nearly three decades and this is

the first-ever domestic airport in South India. The takeover will benefit the public, since

more flights would mean more choices hence, an increase in quality.

Fig Flamingo Trivandrum International Airport

The same company operating the district’s seaport and airport will help coordinate

things better. Meanwhile, around 350 people employed at both the international and

domestic terminals of the airport are apprehensive about the takeover. As per the

current agreement, employees other than senior officials will become part of the Adani

Group for the next three years. As per the job agreement, they can transfer them to

any company under the group.

1.10 NEW FACE

On the anvil is a plan to develop an existing water body that passes near to the airport

and this is being done with a vision to make sure that the airport is accessible through the

water too.

Fig Executive Lounge Trivandrum Airport

It was just the other day they opened a state of the art all new luxurious lounge inside the

airport, which includes live counters and buffet for South, North Indian and continental

cuisine.

Fig Live Buffet in Trivandrum Airport

Apart from that, since they took over the airport they have been engaged in talks with

several international airlines and very soon they are confident of starting operations of a

few airlines, including one from Australia

Fig Scoot Airline in Trivandrum Airport

1.11 CONCLUSION

1.12 REFERENCE

Privatization of Thiruvananthapuram airport imminent, The New Indian Express

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2021/jan/21/privatisation-

of-thiruvananthapuram-airport-imminent-2252904.html

Adani group to take over Thiruvananthapuram International Airport operations

from October 14,The Hindu,

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/adani-group-to-

take-over-thiruvananthapuram-international-airport-operations-from-october-

14/article36980381.ece

Adani Takes over Trivandrum International Airport, India Herald,

https://www.indiaherald.com/Breaking/Read/994428523/Adani-Group-takes-

over-Trivandrum-International-Airport

Adani Group all set to acquire new 'space' for Thiruvananthapuram airport,

Business Standard, https://www.business-

standard.com/article/companies/adani-group-all-set-to-acquire-new-space-for-

thiruvananthapuram-airport-122021800552_1.html
Adani Trivandrum International Airport: Kerala capital hopes for smooth

takeoff, The New Indian Express,

https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2021/oct/14/

adani-trivandrum-international-airport-kerala-capital-hopes-for-smoothtakeoff-

2371340.html