Delay in opening entrance to Thoothukudi airport’s new terminal burdens passengers with toll charges

Even four months after inauguration of the new terminal at Thoothukudi airport, passengers are still required to use the old terminal entrance for entry and exit. As a result, passengers travelling to or from Tirunelveli and other regions along the route are compelled to pay toll fees at Vagaikulam toll plaza.

The new terminal at Thoothukudi airport inaugurated in July 2025, continues to witness a steady increase in passenger traffic, despite having connectivity to only two destinations- Chennai and Bengaluru. In the months of August and September, the domestic airport recorded a 54.8% and 53.3% rise respectively, comparing the corresponding period last year.

This indicates that travellers from southern districts particularly from Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli districts are extensively using the domestic terminal for convenient access to Chennai and Bengaluru.

However, currently the passengers have to enter through the old terminal gate, located after the Vagaikulam toll plaza, when approaching from Tirunelveli. Meanwhile, the entrance to the new terminal, located before the toll plaza, has remained closed for months and is now blocked with metal sheets. Passengers feel that opening of this gate would save them from unnecessary toll charges.

Mari, a taxi driver from Tirunelveli said, “For the airport, the toll fee is ₹80 and for the return trip it is ₹45, if completed within 24 hours. If the new gate is opened, it would greatly benefit taxi drivers, especially when we make multiple trips a day.”

Antony, a resident of Valliyoor, pointed out that despite the new terminal being functional, passengers are still forced to pay toll charges. “Earlier we had no option except paying the toll. But now, even after the new terminal’s inauguration, the situation remains the same, although both gates are few metres apart” he said.

Speaking on the issue, J. R. Anoop, Director of Thoothukudi Airport told The Hindu that, the new terminal’s entrance includes both entry and exit access, but it has been closed due to objections from National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).

He added that the path will be opened after discussions with Thoothukudi district administration and NHAI are completed.