Tiruchi Lok Sabha Member Thirunavukkarasar, who had been pursuing the issue with the Union government, particularly Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, said in a statement late Sunday night that he was pleased to share the news that the Defence Ministry had agreed to provide 166.97 acre of its land for the airport expansion project, and thanked the State and Central governments.

Confirming the development, the Airport Director S. Dharmaraj said that the Defence Ministry had granted “working permission” and conceded that it was a major step forward.