Coimbatore International Airport

Coimbatore International Airport is the primary airport serving the city of Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. It is located at Peelamedu, about 13km from the center of the city. Previously known as Peelamedu Civil Aerodrome, it is the 19th busiest airport in India in terms of passengers handled, 16th busiest in terms of total aircraft movement and 14th busiest in terms of cargo handled. The airport is the second largest airport in terms of passenger traffic and cargo after Chennai International Airport In Tamil Nadu. About five domestic and three international airlines serve the airport. The Airport also serves as a growing hub for Cargo transportation.HistoryThe airport commenced operations in 1940 as a civil aerodrome with Indian Airlines operating Fokker F27, Douglas DC-3 and later Hawker Siddeley HS 748 aircraft. Beginning with services to Chennai and Bangalore, other destinations like Cochin and Mumbai were added later. The airport was modernized with an extended runway to accommodate larger aircraft like the Boeing 737 and was reopened in 1987. The Sulur Air Force Base located further east of Coimbatore was temporarily used for civil aviation during this period. As of 2017, the airport is served by eight domestic and international carriers.