NEW DELHI: Ahead of the Tamil Nadu assembly elections scheduled this year, the Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved a proposal to declare Madurai airport an international airport, a move expected to boost global connectivity to the temple city.Madurai will become the third international airport in Tamil Nadu once the status change is implemented.

Briefing reporters on the Cabinet decisions, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the decision was taken keeping in mind the aspirations of the people of Madurai.“Madurai is a prominent city in Tamil Nadu,” Vaishnaw said, adding that the policy decision to grant international status to the airport would help expand air connectivity from various parts of the world to the city.He said the region hosts a large industrial cluster and the move would strengthen Madurai’s role as an educational and healthcare hub.Vaishnaw also noted that several airlines have already shown interest in expanding their international operations from the airport.Madurai airport is among the oldest airports in Tamil Nadu and currently handles domestic flights. Officials said upgrading it to international status would enhance regional connectivity and support trade and economic activity in the surrounding areas.According to an official release, the decision could also attract international pilgrims and businesses, given Madurai’s long-standing cultural and historical importance.The airport will also improve connectivity to key pilgrimage sites including Meenakshi Amman temple, Koodal Azhagar temple, Thirupparankundram Murugan temple, Palamudhircholai Murugan temple and Rameswaram.