International status for Madurai airport will draw more tourists, pilgrims, says Union Minister

## Madurai Airport Becomes International, Tamil Pride Celebrated India's Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu officially declared the Madurai airport an international airport on Saturday. Naidu highlighted the airport's significance as a driver of economic growth, noting that it will boost tourism and export opportunities for the region's famous jasmine flowers. The minister also emphasized the expansion of air travel accessibility, making it possible for more people to fly today than in 2015. This development comes alongside the construction of new terminals at Chennai and Thoothukudi airports, along with runway extensions that allow larger aircraft to land. In another event, Naidu renamed the Tuticorin airport as Thoothukudi airport, signifying a shift away from colonial terminology and a celebration of Tamil heritage. He also noted the airport's growing passenger traffic, which has increased significantly since 2014, making it an important hub for future investment in tourism, power, and industry.