There was no dearth of allegations and criticisms when the Adani company took over the management of the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. There are even those who said that things are heading for absolute destruction. The state government was also in complete non-cooperation. Before the Adani company took over the management of the airport, the government had taken steps to acquire 18 acres of land adjacent to the current second terminal for the new terminal and other development activities. With the arrival of Adani, the government withdrew from that move, which has reached the final stage. In any case, it is already a matter of conviction that the Thiruvananthapuram airport has not gone into a dilapidated state since it was taken over by Adani. Moreover, it is moving towards better progress.

The company is planning to implement an international terminal development project with state-of-the-art facilities. The project, named 'Anantha', is to be implemented in three years at a cost of Rs 1,300 crore and when completed, the development will be completed to accommodate 1.2 crore passengers annually. The terminal, which is currently spread over an area of 5 lakh square feet, has a capacity to accommodate only 32 lakh people. The facilities are being increased keeping in mind the demand till 2070. The modern terminal has an area of 18 lakh square feet. The terminal is named 'Anantha' because it is built as the gateway to goodness as an airport adjacent to Sree Padmanabha. Thiruvananthapuram Airport has achieved commendable achievements in terms of number of passengers and revenue in the last three years. Had the required land been acquired, development would have been possible with more facilities.

Thiruvananthapuram Airport has the least land area in the state at 628 acres. 12 acres of land has to be acquired to build a runway of international standards. It is not sure how long it will take. The Adani company is moving ahead with the aim of making the most of the existing space and providing maximum facilities. As part of the new development plan, there will be a 240-room five-star hotel, spacious car parking and recreational arrangements. It will be the airport authority constructing the new control tower on eight floors. With the arrival of the modern second terminal, there are indications that the domestic terminal lying in a corner at Shankhummugham will be brought here. It's an essential thing. Passengers are finding it very difficult as both the terminals are in two places.

Nedumbassery is at the forefront of the development of airports in the state. It was with the full support of the government that it was able to become a model for the country itself. Just 12 acres of land will be enough to develop the Karipur airport so that more large aircraft can land. There has been no action on it for many years. For the Kannur airport, despite the availability of more than 2,000 acres of land, development is lagging and dragging on due to official apathy. Air travel has become a part of everyday life. Governments should take an interest in ensuring the development of existing airports as well as continuing the efforts for new ones. It is not just enough to build huge airports. They will be a part of people's lives only when maximum planes land there and provide maximum facilities to the passengers.