The interim expansion works to increase the existing security hold area (SHA) are in progress at the Coimbatore International Airport, which registered 5.2% increase in passenger traffic in the 2025-26 financial year.

The works taken up at a cost of ₹13 crore aim to expand the existing domestic SHA by 920 sqm to support the passenger traffic, which during peak hours exceeds the capacity of the present building.

“The works are going on and likely to be completed within the stipulated timeline, that is August 2026”, said  Airport Director Mohammad Arif.

The interim expansion project was launched by Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan on February 20. As per the tender for the interim expansion, the existing SHA will be expanded by 920 sqm at the first floor-level, without affecting the regular operations at the airport. The works include steel deck floor, steel columns with precast footings over the existing baggage claim area, flooring, roofing, wall partitions, wash rooms, provision of adequate seating, food and beverages outlets and integration with the existing terminal.

The expansion of the SHA will enable the airport to accommodate 375 passengers in addition to the airport’s present capacity of 675 passengers.  

J. Sathish, Director of Kongu Global Forum, which had been mooting interim expansion to handle increased passenger footfall, said the airport will be able to handle two more flights per hour after the completion of works. The airport is currently handling an average of three flights per hour and about 500 to 550 passengers with the existing facilities.