The Airports Authority of India has identified a site near Keelakarai in Ramanathapuram district as the preferred location for a proposed greenfield airport serving Rameswaram.
The site, located near Manikaneri and Mayakulam villages, has been deemed technically viable following comprehensive studies conducted by AAI officials.
A pre-feasibility report submitted to the Tamil Nadu government marks a significant milestone in the project's development. The AAI evaluated two potential locations after the state government requested a study of both the Keelakarai and Uchipuli sites last September. A joint inspection team comprising AAI and Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation officials conducted detailed field visits to both locations in October.
The Keelakarai site emerged as the frontrunner due to fewer obstacles compared to Uchipuli, which contains trees, paddy cultivation, groundwater wells and residential areas. The selected location is described as largely contiguous, offering advantages for runway planning and future expansion. The proposed airport is expected to span nearly 600 acres, a reduction from the initial estimate of 700 acres.
The site is positioned approximately 10 kilometres from Ramanathapuram Railway Station, 120 kilometres from Madurai Airport and 140 kilometres from Thoothukudi Airport. However, both shortlisted sites lie close to INS Parundu, an Indian Naval Air Station, requiring critical airspace coordination with defence authorities. The project follows the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation's request under the Regional Connectivity Scheme.
Currently, visitors to Rameswaram, a major pilgrimage and tourist destination, primarily depend on road and rail transport. Air travellers typically land at Madurai airport before undertaking a nearly 150-kilometre road journey. The proposed airport is expected to reduce travel time significantly and attract more tourists and investments to the region, whilst boosting economic growth in Ramanathapuram district and benefiting nearby districts including Virudhunagar, Sivagangai and Pudukkottai.
Further studies and approvals will be required before the project advances to the next stage. The Tamil Nadu government must secure site clearance and in-principle approval from the Ministry of Civil Aviation before beginning land acquisition and detailed planning. The state government announced plans to establish the airport during the 2025-2026 budget presentation.