Tuticorin Airport (TCR)
Vagaikulam, IN 🇮🇳 Small Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
VOTK
IATA
TCR
Elevation
129 ft
Region
IN-TN
Local Time
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GPS Code: VOTK
Local Code: Not available
Location: 8.724241° N, 78.025803° E
Continent: Asia
Type: Small Airport
Keywords: VO80 Tuticorin Southwest Airport Thoothukudi
About Tuticorin Airport
Updated: Jan 2, 2026Tuticorin Airport (IATA: TCR, ICAO: VOTK), located in Vagaikulam, Tamil Nadu, serves as a vital domestic air gateway for the port city of Thoothukudi and its surrounding industrial and coastal districts. It plays a crucial role in connecting this commercial hub with major metropolitan centers, facilitating business travel and tourism in the southern region of the state. The airport was inaugurated in 1992 to improve regional connectivity. Since its opening, it has supported the area's economic activities, particularly those related to the seaport and local industries. The facility is currently undergoing significant expansion, including the construction of a new terminal building and runway extension, to accommodate larger aircraft and increased passenger traffic.
Situated approximately 17 kilometers west of the Thoothukudi city center, the airport is accessible via a 30-40 minute drive along National Highway 38. Travelers can reach the airport primarily by pre-booked taxis, app-based ride-hailing services, and auto-rickshaws. Public bus services are infrequent, making private transport the more reliable option for reaching the terminal in a timely manner.
As a domestic airport, Tuticorin currently handles scheduled flights to and from key South Indian cities, with Chennai and Bengaluru being the primary destinations. Operations are managed by a limited number of airlines, with IndiGo being the principal carrier. The airport operates from a single, compact passenger terminal that processes both arrivals and departures. While passenger volume is modest compared to major international airports, it has seen steady growth, handling several hundred thousand passengers annually.
The facilities within the terminal are functional and cater to the basic needs of travelers. The building includes check-in counters, a security screening area, a small departures lounge, and a baggage claim section. Amenities are limited, consisting of a small snack counter offering light refreshments and beverages, and basic restroom facilities. There are no dedicated airline lounges or extensive retail outlets. For travelers, it is advisable to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before the scheduled flight departure to allow sufficient time for check-in and security procedures. Pre-booking transportation to and from the airport is highly recommended, as on-demand options can be limited, especially during non-peak hours. As the airport is undergoing expansion, visitors should be aware that services and access routes may be subject to change.
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Recent traveler sentiment at Tuticorin Airport (VOTK (TCR)) is largely optimistic and positive, primarily due to the inauguration of a brand new terminal building on August 3, 2025. This significant upgrade has transformed the airport experience, moving away from previous limitations. Travelers can expect a much smoother, more comfortable, and efficient journey with enhanced facilities and reduced wait times.
What Travelers Love
- Modern and Spacious Terminal: The new terminal, covering 17,000 to 17,341 square meters, is designed to handle up to 2 million passengers annually and 1,400 passengers during peak hours, significantly expanding capacity.
- Enhanced Facilities and Amenities: It features 21 check-in counters, three aerobridges, advanced baggage handling systems, expanded seating, a dedicated mother-and-child area, and an emergency medical center.
- Eco-Friendly Design: The terminal boasts a four-star GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) certification for its sustainable features, including solar power usage and rainwater harvesting.
- Efficient Security and Operations: Current estimates for security wait times are low, with check-in around 9 minutes and security screening about 6 minutes, contributing to a hassle-free experience. The new infrastructure, including an extended runway and night landing facilities, allows for larger aircraft like the Airbus A321 and Boeing 737, promising better connectivity.
- Cultural Architectural Style: The terminal's design is inspired by the distinctive Chettinad style, incorporating high ceilings, intricate textures, traditional motifs, and artistic installations reflecting local culture.
Common Complaints
- Past Limitations (Pre-New Terminal): Older reviews before August 2025 highlighted "weak service", limited terminal facilities, and very scarce shopping and dining options, with only a small snack kiosk available.
- Cleanliness (Potentially Outdated): Before the upgrade, cleanliness, especially in washroom facilities, was sometimes cited as an issue at the older terminal.
- Limited Food and Retail (Likely Improved): Historically, the airport offered very few options for food and retail. While the new terminal description emphasizes modern amenities, specific details on diverse shopping and dining are not yet widely available in recent summaries.
With the recent inauguration of its state-of-the-art terminal, Tuticorin Airport has undergone a significant transformation, aiming to provide a much improved and modern travel experience. Many previous complaints are likely to be addressed by the new infrastructure and amenities. Travelers can anticipate a comfortable and efficient journey, particularly benefiting from the expanded facilities and quicker processing times.
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Airport Routes
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Top Airlines
Operating at Tuticorin Airport
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
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4434 ft | 95 ft | ASP | Active |
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Ground Transportation
Taxis
Prepaid taxis are available directly outside the arrival terminal. This is a fixed-price service to various destinations. App-based ride-hailing services like Ola and Uber may also operate in the area, but availability can vary. The journey to Tuticorin city center is approximately 17 km and takes about 25-30 minutes.
Rental Cars
There are no major international car rental counters located within the airport terminal. It is recommended to pre-book a vehicle online through local car rental agencies or travel agents who can arrange for a car and driver to meet you upon arrival.
Public Transportation
Public bus services, operated by the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC), connect the airport to the main bus stand in Tuticorin. This is the most economical option, but the frequency may be limited. There are no direct train or metro connections at the airport.
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External Links & Resources
Official Resources
Public Transportation