Disruption of flight services, including international air connectivity, from Madurai following US-Iran war, has brought down the passenger footfall by 10,000 in 2025-26.

Addressing the media here on Sunday, Madurai Airport Director, P. Muthu Kumar, said that while the number of passengers using Madurai airport had increased from 12.69 lakh in 2023-24 to 13.98 lakh in 2024-25.

However, this number fell by 10,000 in 2025-26.

This was caused by the reduction in number of aircraft movement.

The aircraft movement had increased from 12,072 in 2023-24 to 13,824 in 2024-25. However, it came down to 13,105 in 2025-26 due to the war.

Two international flight services from Madurai Airport to Dubai and Abu Dhabi continued to remain suspended due to the war situation.

However, the freight movement continued to show a positive trend for the second consecutive year. The airport that had handled 32.92 tonnes of goods, mostly perishable items, in 2023-24 had carried 34.94 tonnes the next year.

However, 2025-26 has seen a sharp rise in cargo movement to 44.44 lakh tonnes in 2025-26.

Similarly, despite the declining aircraft movement and passenger footfall, Madurai Airport has drastically reduced its operational loss to ₹2.78 crore in 2025-26. The annual loss was ₹25.11 crore and ₹3.18 crore in the two previous years respectively.

“This was possible due to increase in user development fee,” he added.

Though the night operations began in October 2024, it has failed to attract airlines to operate during night hours.

“The airlines could also make use of the parking bays that are available in Madurai International airport,” he added.

However, defence aircrafts are making use of the night operation. Similarly, the fully-functional airport during night hours has helped for diversion of aircraft from other nearby airports to Madurai due to inclement weather condition, Mr. Muthu Kumar said.

The Airport Director said that Madurai Airport would celebrate ‘Yatri Suvidha Day’ or Passenger Facility Day on June 15.

The passengers would get special welcome on arrival. Cultural programmes would be held on the airport premises. Tree plantation, quiz and painting competition for children and selfie photo booth would be organised.

Besides, blood donation camp, health check and eye check up camps would be held.

Deputy General Manager (Operations), E. Boby Dorin, was present.