Union Minister of State L. Murugan has urged the Union government to rename Tuticorin Airport as Thoothukudi Airport, in line with the city’s official Tamil name. In a letter to Union Minister for Civil Aviation K. Ram Mohan Naidu, Mr. Murugan said the demand reflected a long-standing public sentiment. He said Thoothukudi was a historically and economically significant district, known for its ancient port, maritime trade, salt production, fisheries, and growing industrial activity. Renaming the airport, he said, would honour the city’s heritage, reflect its cultural identity, and align with the government’s emphasis on promoting Indian languages. He also cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives to promote Tamil language and culture, and requested the Ministry Civil Aviation to consider the proposal.Published - December 30, 2025 12:23 am IST