The Tamil Nadu government is preparing to seek approval from the Centre for a proposed airport at Manikaneri in Ramanathapuram district. The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) will approach the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation for site clearance for the planned 600-acre Rameswaram airport. The project aims to improve air connectivity to Rameswaram and support tourism and economic activity in the region. Why is Tamil Nadu seeking Centre clearance for Rameswaram Airport?Tamil Nadu needs site clearance before the proposed airport can move ahead at the selected location. TIDCO is preparing to submit its application to the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation. Site clearance is an important early regulatory step for a new airport project. The proposed airport is planned across around 600 acres at Manikaneri. The location was finalised in January 2026 after an inspection by a team from the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The state government has also allowed the project to proceed, while land acquisition work is progressing. Why was Manikaneri selected for the proposed airport?Five locations in Ramanathapuram district were initially considered for the airport. These were Palankulam, Devipattinam, Kumbaram, Kalari and Manikaneri. After an initial assessment, Kumbaram and Manikaneri were shortlisted for further examination.An AAI team later inspected the two shortlisted locations after a request from the Tamil Nadu government. Following the assessment, Manikaneri was selected as the proposed site for the Rameswaram airport. The airport proposal was announced by the state government in 2025. The project was planned to improve connectivity to Rameswaram, encourage tourism and support economic activity around the region. How will the airport improve Rameswaram connectivity?Rameswaram is a major pilgrimage and tourist destination in Tamil Nadu. Visitors travel to the Ramanathaswamy Temple, Dhanushkodi, Arichalmunai and the memorial of former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. At present, visitors mainly depend on road and rail transport to reach the destination.A new airport would provide an additional transport option for tourists, pilgrims and other travellers visiting Rameswaram. The state government has linked the proposal with better regional connectivity, tourism development and increased economic activity.What is the next step for Rameswaram Airport?The immediate next step is for TIDCO to submit its application for site clearance to the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation. The approval would concern the suitability of the selected airport location and would represent an early regulatory milestone for the project. The project is currently moving forward with land acquisition and preparations for the clearance application. However, the latest information does not specify the final project cost, construction schedule or date for starting flight operations. Therefore, the airport is still at the approval and development stage.The development comes after the Tamil Nadu government recently cancelled the proposed second airport project at Parandur in Kancheepuram district. Despite that decision, the state has allowed the Manikaneri airport proposal for Rameswaram to continue.
