Salem Airport opened in 1993 and has had an uneven operational history, reopening and closing several times due to low passenger numbers. The airport remained operational until 28 October 2011, after which it served occasional charter flights for local industries to metro cities.
- Salem Airport Code: SXV
Trujet ATR at Salem Airport (SXV)
Table of Contents
- Salem Airport Reopens under UDAN Scheme
- Flight Timings
- Airfare
- Airport to Bus Stand
- Overnight Parking
- Inaugural Flight – Salem to Chennai
- Quick look
- Flight Experience
- Reasons to Visit Salem
- Bottomline
Salem Airport Reopens under UDAN Scheme
On 25 March 2018, after seven years, Salem Airport resumed regular operations under UDAN, the regional connectivity scheme that subsidizes fares to improve air access for smaller cities. Trujet currently operates the Salem–Chennai route, and Air Odisha has been expected to start Salem–Bengaluru services.
Flight Timings
Current scheduled timings are subject to change, but at present the services are:
- Salem to Chennai: Depart 11:00, Arrive 11:50.
- Chennai to Salem: Depart 09:50, Arrive 10:40.
These timings suit day travelers and business commuters, though an additional evening return to Salem would improve flexibility if demand grows.
Airfare
Under UDAN, fares for Salem–Chennai start from around Rs.1,500. Prices tend to rise as seat availability decreases, typically in increments of roughly Rs.250 for every 10 seats booked.
Observed fare trends since launch:
- Booking more than one week in advance: approximately Rs.1,800.
- Booking within 2–7 days of travel: approximately Rs.2,300.
Booking at least a week ahead increases the chance of securing a fare below Rs.2,000.
Airport to Bus Stand
Public transport options from the airport to Salem bus stand are limited. Taxis are available and cost around Rs.600 one way. A local bus stop is just outside the terminal, but reaching it requires walking with luggage, which can be inconvenient.
Overnight Parking
Early on, overnight parking was inexpensive, but charges have since risen. Current rates reported at the airport are around Rs.200 per night, noticeably higher than other regional airports such as Coimbatore.
My boarding Pass on Trujet – Salem to Chennai Inaugural Flight
Inaugural Flight – Salem to Chennai
I flew on the inaugural Trujet service between Salem (SXV) and Chennai (MAA) on 25 March 2018. Tickets for the new route appeared in booking systems such as Cleartrip after a short delay, so reward point redemptions may not have been immediately available.
Quick look
Onboard service included light meals such as sandwiches and Frankie rolls on many flights; on the inaugural flight, a juice brand was also offered. Note that complimentary meals were discontinued from July 2018.
Water Cannon Salute at Salem Airport – Inaugural Flight
Trujet Magazine
Trujet Meals
Trujet Food: Sandwich & Juice
Flight Experience
After several round trips on Trujet, flight comfort on the ATR aircraft felt uneven at times, with noticeable altitude changes during some flights—a characteristic some passengers notice on turboprop aircraft. Overall, the short sector is manageable, but expect occasional bumps in ride smoothness.
Notes for travelers:
- For Chennai departures to Salem, the check-in counter in Chennai opens about two hours before departure. Web check-in is recommended to receive your boarding pass early and access airport lounges when available.
- Some lounge and spa benefits may be available through specific travel cards or programs in Chennai domestic departures; verify eligibility before travel.
Reasons to Visit Salem
Salem is the sixth-largest city in Tamil Nadu by population and is known for steel manufacturing and seasonal mangoes. Nearby places worth visiting include:
- Yercaud: A popular hill station roughly 45 km from the airport. Yercaud offers pleasant weather year-round and attractive viewpoints. Several resorts and hotels provide scenic city views and comfortable stays.
- Salem City: About 15 km from the airport, the city is undergoing infrastructure development that has led to traffic congestion and roadwork in some areas. Options for comfortable accommodation include mid-range and premium hotels that provide good service and breakfast.
Bottomline
The re-opening of Salem Airport under UDAN improves travel options for local residents and frequent travelers. Previously, journeys to Chennai or Coimbatore by road could take around six hours and make short trips tiring. With scheduled flights from Salem, travel time is significantly reduced, making weekend getaways and business travel more practical.
Share your experience or thoughts about Salem Airport reopening in the comments if you’d like.