Chettinad Airstrip

The primary reason for closure was disuse by its private owners. The airstrip was built for and used exclusively by the family of the Rajah of Chettinad. It became obsolete after the family ceased operating their private aircraft. The closure was not due to commercial economic failure, military conversion, or a specific accident.

The site is currently defunct as an airport. The original paved runway, approximately 1,200 meters long, is still clearly visible but is in a state of disrepair, with vegetation growing through cracks and on the verges. The land is now reportedly owned by Alagappa University, located in the nearby city of Karaikudi. The runway and surrounding area are used for non-aviation purposes, such as a makeshift ground for driving lessons, university sports, and other local events. There are no remaining aviation infrastructures like a terminal, hangar, or air traffic control facilities.

Built in the 1940s by Rajah Sir M. A. Muthiah Chettiar, the son of the philanthropist Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiar, this was one of the first private airstrips in Southern India. It was a symbol of the immense wealth, modernity, and influence of the Chettiar community, who were prominent traders and financiers. The airstrip was used to operate the family's private aircraft, reportedly a de Havilland Dove, for business and personal travel between their palatial homes in Kanadukathan and major cities like Madras (now Chennai). It eliminated the long and arduous road or rail journey, showcasing a level of luxury and convenience unheard of in the region at the time.

There are significant and recurring proposals to revive and develop the airstrip into a full-fledged domestic airport. The goal is to boost tourism to the unique Chettinad heritage region and provide air connectivity to the industrial and educational hub of Karaikudi. The site has been inspected multiple times by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for potential development under the Indian government's regional connectivity scheme, UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik). Plans would require acquiring adjacent land to extend the runway to accommodate modern turboprop aircraft like the ATR-72, and constructing a new terminal building and other necessary infrastructure. Despite strong local demand and political support, the project has been stalled for years due to challenges in land acquisition and securing funding. As of now, its reopening remains a long-term prospect rather than an active project.