Work on a new third terminal to cater to the increasing load of international passengers commenced in 2006 at Trivandrum International Airport, the state’s first airport. It is undertaken as part of a INR2.5 billion ($51 million approx.) airport modernization project.
The 28,800 square meter facility is designed to handle 1,600 passengers at a time. The electric works are expected to be completed by October 2009. When completed, Trivandrum International Airport would be the biggest airport in Kerala.
The three-story building, including a mezzanine level, displays tubular structure of elliptical geometry. The structure is clad in heat-reflecting toughened glass. The new entrance will also reduce the distance from the city to the airport considerably.
The facility features eight parking bays, four aerobridges, and parking space for 600 cars. There are 30 check-in counters, 18 emigration counters, three security units, 18 immigration counters, 18 customs counters, and four conveyor belts. Other facilities such as shops, duty free area, restaurants and lounges, including a special lounge for commercially important people, will also be part of the terminal.
To top it all, the terminal showcases eco-friendly design, automatic temperature control system, and the use of glass that provides brilliant visual effect at night.
With almost 80 to 85% of the work completed, and the length of the runway extended to 3,996 meters, the long expected airport is expected to give some relief to passengers who complain about the over crowded existing terminal.
