Chennai, March 15: The Indian government has officially approved the renaming of Tuticorin Airport in Tamil Nadu to Thoothukudi Airport. This announcement was made by Civil Aviation Minister K. Rajan Mohan Naidu on Sunday.
The decision comes after long-standing demands from local residents, representatives, and cultural organizations. They emphasized the need to restore the airport’s original Tamil name in official records.
Located in Vaigakulam, Thoothukudi district, the airport was inaugurated in 1992 and has commonly been referred to as Tuticorin Airport since then. The name “Tuticorin” originated during British rule and gradually became the city’s English designation in documents and international references.
Over time, various groups and local bodies argued that the airport’s English name should reflect the correct Tamil pronunciation and spelling, “Thoothukudi.” They contended that the colonial-era name does not accurately represent the region’s linguistic and cultural identity.
Central Minister of Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs L. Murugan, along with other Tamil Nadu representatives, had formally requested the Civil Aviation Ministry to make this change. The proposal received support from local leaders, business organizations, and residents.
With the central government’s approval, the airport will now be officially recognized as Thoothukudi Airport in all national and international aviation records.
Residents and stakeholders have welcomed this move, viewing it as a significant step towards restoring the city’s historical and linguistic identity. Many noted that similar name changes have occurred across India in recent decades, replacing colonial English names with local names.
Thoothukudi is a major industrial and port city in southern Tamil Nadu. It is known for its active port, salt production, thermal power plants, and emerging industrial infrastructure, playing a crucial role in the region’s economic development.
Due to its robust air, sea, rail, and road networks, the district is rapidly evolving in trade, industry, and logistics. Officials believe that changing the airport’s name will strengthen the city’s identity and enhance its recognition internationally under its original Tamil name.
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