Trivandrum Airport

Not Verified | The departure experience at the airport was not so pleasant. Firstly, at the check-in counter, the agents were confused, and it took quite a long time for them to get confirmation from the Abu Dhabi office that I didn't need a visa to the country where I was travelling. While I had already shown them three entries to the same country, they were unsure how to handle it. However, the most weird experience was at the security check. They removed "Garam Masala" spices from my carry-on luggage and IQos. While they allowed me to enter the country with the device, they took it away because it is banned in India. Weird, if it is forbidden, they should be allowed to take it out of the country if they did not care while coming in. But the most disappointing experience was that they did not destroy it and put it in the garbage! They kept it safely aside, so I am sure someone from the airport employees took it and used it. This is unacceptable, and such handling is a NO-GO! I wonder if the airport's management is aware of it and how they see such handling. It was just an annoying experience after such a lovely stay in Kerala. Pity.

✅ Trip Verified | Very rude staff. Departure lounge has very limited food selection and most of the international flights are early on day and most of the shops are closed - will open only on 10 am. Wifi is slow. No international cards accepted. Very rude behaviour staff with no service mentality .

Not Verified | Very good airport. Satisfied with all aspects of airport. Best airport in Kerala. Lots of new shops are opening on the airport. I am sure this airport will make to top 5 airports in India.

Not Verified | Third rate design of outlets in departure. Even domestic airports in India are better. Pinnacle food outlet : 5 star prices at 3 star taste. Took 5 minutes to heat a croissant even though there was no one there. Very limited seating. Bar one level up with no elevator. Expected to carry your bags. All outlets are not worthy of international airport. Passengers taken by bus even though theres a boarding bridge. Only good thing is plenty of seating. Immigration and check in were good.

✅ Trip Verified | The waiting area after security check-in at Trivandrum Domestic Airport does not have an ATM. Neither do the snack shops accept credit/debit cards or any other digital way of paying. Once checked in, you cannot access the ATM which is at the main entrance gate. You cannot have a coffee/snacks without having cash on you.

❎ Not Verified | My biggest criticism for this airport is the pathetic approach road. From the highway, you have to suddenly dive into a potholed by lane, which contains a hospital and will very shortly be hosting a big shopping mall! Once the mall opens there is good chance of getting stuck in traffic just outside the airport. The airport needs to urgently build a proper direct approach road from the highway to the airport.

I guess the main factor to consider when assessing TVM aiport is 'perspective'. Most visitors to the airport are NRI returning home. Hence, issues like good shopping and dining dont really matter to most. As an NRI, what I really want is 'fast' processing whether it is arrival or departure. This has historically been the major lament about Indian aiports. In this regard, TVM airport gets top marks. It is easy to drive into and there is good parking space. Ticketing, security checks and immigration are fairly quick and the aiport staff do not hassle you as long as you have your valid documents ready (it is better to have a printed ticket with you). It is not a 'fancy' airport (although the buildings are modern and clean), but I am very proud of it

I feared for the crush that is too common at any Indian queuing point but needn't have. For an early morning flight the only short delay was getting in to the terminal (like all Indian airport terminals you have to show your flight documents). After that check-in immigration security all well-managed and smooth (at least no problems for me).

March 2012. The area around the airport seems clean and pretty organized. But that lasts only until you reach the terminal's gates. Without e-ticket printed in advance you won't be allowed to enter the terminal. The security is oppressive and unintelligent. People accompanying you can enter only after paying an entrance fee to the airport police station which is a procedure taking 15 min. The terminal itself is spacious with modernistic and actually pleasant looks. Even if I had an already printed boarding pass for online check-in I actually waited much longer than other passengers as their system wasn't working and they had to check me- in again. There were around 10 passengers for 3 members of staff at a time and they seemed totally overwhelmed despite the low volume of passengers. The departures level was pretty empty and immigration a breeze as it was very early morning. The airside area didn't offer anything special but was clean and pleasant nevertheless. No AC sockets working anywhere in the airport. All in all the airport seems to be more about looks than substance. Nevertheless TRV remains probably the best airport I experienced in India and I would advise it as an alternative gateway to other airports in the South.

Domestic terminal is easy to use not much going on and no crowds or wait times. It has sufficient seating capabilities but restaurant and shopping options are fairly limited. But it serves its purpose is reasonably clean and convenient.