[10] The first commercial international flight began on 20 September 2012 by SpiceJet commencing its maiden service to Colombo.

[11] To boost exports from Madurai and its surrounding districts, the Department of Revenue under the Union Ministry of Finance issued a notification dated 28 May 2013 permitting the airport to handle cargo.

Due to exponential growth of the airport in the recent years, building separate domestic and international terminals are in the plans.

[8] A total of 610 acres (250 ha) of land is under acquisition for the expansion of the runway to 12,500 ft (3,800 m) to accommodate large jet aircraft.

[23] The Union finance ministry issued customs notification dated 28 May 2013 to handle cargo at Madurai Airport.

[24] International cargo service started on 15 December 2017 with 300 kg of flowers including the famous Madurai Malli (jasmine).

[21] The master plan includes a cargo complex along with two additional terminal buildings, expansion of runway and other facilities.

The authority wants additional land for the same along with an air traffic control tower and other facilities to cater to the increasing passenger movement.

The AAI Regional Executive Director said that performance of the airport on all fronts was good, especially the 35% growth in passenger movement reported in the year 2016-2017.

The proposed site, including 100 acres of poromboke (non-fertile) land, would pave way for extending the runway to 12,500 ft enabling the airport to handle overseas services.

On 9 December 1971, an Avro-748 (VT-DXG Manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd), operating Trivandrum - Madurai - Thiruchirapalli - Madras route, crashed in to Meghamalai Hills near Chinnamanur while descending into Madurai when it flew into high terrain about 50 mi (80 km) from the airport, killing all four crew members and 17 out of 27 passengers.

His body was handled at Madurai Airport and sent to Rameswaram (Kalam's home town) for his funeral, and the demands are based in remembrance of this historic event.