Ulundurpet Airstrip

Villupuram, IN 🇮🇳 Closed Airport

ICAO

IN-0020

IATA

-

Elevation

- ft

Region

IN-TN

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: Not available

Local Code: Not available

Location: 11.688549° N, 79.321375° E

Continent: AS

Type: Closed Airport

Terminal Information Not Available
Terminal arrivals and departures are only available for airports with scheduled commercial service and IATA codes.

External Links

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Airport Information

Airport Closure Information

Last updated: Jul 25, 2025
Closure Date

Approximately 1946. The airstrip was formally decommissioned following the end of World War II and the subsequent departure of the Royal Air Force (RAF).

Reason for Closure

Military Decommissioning. The airstrip was built as a temporary base for wartime operations. With the conclusion of World War II in 1945, the strategic need for the airfield vanished. It was one of many such airfields across India that were abandoned by the British and not integrated into the permanent infrastructure of the Indian Air Force or civilian aviation network post-independence.

Current Status

The airstrip is currently defunct and the land is owned by the Government of Tamil Nadu. The main concrete runway, though weathered, remains largely intact and is a prominent local landmark. The site is not used for any official aviation activities. It has gained local fame as an informal and unsanctioned venue for motorsports, frequently used by car and bike enthusiasts for drag racing, stunt practice, and performance testing. It is also sometimes used as a ground for driver training.

Historical Significance

Constructed around 1942, RAF Ulundurpet was a significant Royal Air Force station during World War II. Its primary role was as a major training base, most notably hosting the No. 151 Operational Training Unit (OTU). This unit was crucial for training fighter pilots on aircraft like the Hawker Hurricane and later the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, preparing them for combat in the Far East, particularly for the Burma Campaign. The airstrip also functioned as a vital staging and ferry post for various squadrons moving aircraft and personnel across the region.

Reopening Prospects

The Ulundurpet airstrip was identified as a potential site for development under the Indian government's Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN) around 2016-2017. The goal was to establish low-cost air connectivity to the Villupuram district. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) conducted initial feasibility studies. However, despite these early proposals and its inclusion in a list of potential airports, no concrete development plans have been funded or executed. As of now, there are no active projects to renovate or reopen the airstrip for commercial or general aviation.

Nearby Airports

Neyveli Airport
NVY • VONV
Neyveli, IN
Small Airport
~24 km away
Anna Stadium Heliport
IN-0141
Cuddalore, IN
Heliport
~49 km away
Pondicherry Harbour Heliport
IN-0125
Puducherry (Pondicherry), IN
Heliport
~61 km away
Pondicherry Airport
PNY • VOPC
Puducherry (Pondicherry), IN
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~62 km away
Pondicherry Heliport
IN-0124
Puducherry (Pondicherry), IN
Heliport
~62 km away
AVC Polytechnic College Heliport
IN-0142
Mannampandal, IN
Heliport
~76 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.

User Comments Leave a comment

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re: We need airport. Posted by on July 16, 2019

I support the demand for Airport in Ulundirpet. Shankar Kumar

We need airport. Posted by on June 27, 2019

I'm from ulundhurpet, my grandfather was worked in ulundhurpet airport. Now that area not properly maintained. We need airport in ulundhurpet. I want my motherland become a well develope and eco friendly.

(no subject) Posted by on May 29, 2019

I want passenger flight service in ulundurpet airfield

(no subject) Posted by on May 6, 2019

This is British airport built in oldest century

Airport work Posted by on January 29, 2018

Please start the airport work

Why required now.... Posted by on January 28, 2018

Now Tn govt increasing bus fare. They said central govt didn't give enough fund. In this situation why & how central govt renovating this sincerely.... What is the reason behind this.... Any one know.....

world war 3 Posted by on January 22, 2018

This airport was build in world war 2,they are renovating for 2018 world war 3

Air port Posted by on November 5, 2017

Start the work soon

(no subject) Posted by on June 3, 2016

Please write in to me . [email protected] My father built this and other aerodromes during World War II--1941/42. I can show documents

My prayers will be answered if the Airport is named after my father.U.S.RAMASUNDARAM B.E., M.I.E INDIAN SERVICE OF ENGINEERS Madras Presidency

s.arunpandiyan Posted by on December 2, 2014

Pls start the airport working

Need for Business and Internation Air Travel Posted by on February 4, 2014

It is Situated near to my village - Sendamangalam which is known for kings rule and it is the capital city of chera nadu but it is not known by many. it is beautiful and God Ishwer temple is there. Ulundurpet is one of cities in tamilnadu for trade and business. When there is Domestic Airport then the State will have Its growth and no one can defeat us. Airport can be used for airforce training etc...

INDIA International Air Cargo Terminal, Ulundurpet Posted by on December 13, 2011

INDIA
Villupuram is one of the closest districts of Greater Chennai. Ulundurpet is 33kms away from Villupuram on NH45. Our AIRSTRIP is 0.5km from Ulundurpet Tollgate, Ulundurpet Railway Station, 40kms from Villupuram Medical College Hospital, 35kms from District Police Head Quarters, District Court, 208kms from Chennai, 134kms from Trichy, 137kms from Salem, 141kms from Neyveli, 76kms from Pondicherry, 59kms from Cuddalore.
The most suitable airstrip for INTERNATIONAL/Domestic AIRPORT/ CARGO

Application from Sivakumar. E, 9952996537 , [email protected]

vridhachalam MLA Posted by on November 3, 2011

Please start Air port service, its very difficult for the people to travel from one city other city. it was one of the gods gift for cuddalore & villupuram dist people.

thanks,
Future MLA

re: Ulundurpet Posted by on July 30, 2011

Even i was surprised to see a airstrip here in ulundurpet.,!!!! is it used for any pilot training school??

Ulundurpet Posted by on June 29, 2011

Surprising to know this, was it built by the British?