Kovilpatti, Tamil Nadu Set to Become a Pilot Training Hub, Known for Its Iconic Kadalai Mittai

Tamil Nadu is planning to develop Kovilpatti, a town in the Thoothukudi district known for its renowned 'kadalai mittai' (groundnut chikki) and matchstick production, into a hub for pilot training. The state intends to revitalize an unused airstrip, originally built by Lakshmi Mills for private use, into a flying training organization (FTO) that will help address India's growing demand for pilots.

The 63-hectare airstrip, located about 6 km from Kovilpatti in the villages of Nalatinputhur and Thonugal, will undergo redevelopment to meet the requirements of the aviation sector. The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO), the agency overseeing the project, is preparing to appoint a consultant to create a master plan and invites proposals for a detailed project report (DPR) to guide the reconstruction.

The Kovilpatti airstrip, currently a 1.2 km long and 15-meter-wide asphalt runway, has fallen into disrepair after two decades of neglect. Once restored, it is expected to support the operations of up to 10 trainer aircraft, providing a key infrastructure boost for flight schools.

The decision to establish an FTO in Kovilpatti is driven by India’s surging aviation demand. Air passenger traffic, which stood at 79 million in 2010, doubled to 158 million by 2017, with projections indicating it could reach 520 million by 2037. Similarly, pilot demand is expected to skyrocket, with an estimated 22,000 pilots required by 2028, compared to the current figure of 8,000.

India’s limited capacity for pilot training has resulted in a shortage of skilled professionals. The country currently has only 35 operational FTOs, none of which are based in Tamil Nadu. Kovilpatti’s airstrip, with its low air traffic, favorable weather conditions, and good infrastructure, is seen as an ideal location to fill this gap.

Past efforts to establish FTOs in Tamil Nadu have been unsuccessful, including plans for flight academies in Salem and Ulundurpet. If realized, the Kovilpatti FTO could reignite the state’s aspirations to become a key player in the aviation training sector.

HBL