The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has started a pre-feasibility study for building an airport near Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu. Two sites in Ramanathapuram district were inspected recently. The Tamil Nadu government revealed plans to build this airport in March 2025 to boost tourism and infrastructure. Originally, five possible sites were considered in July. By August, the government shortlisted two sites—one near Uchipulli and another near Keelakarai. The AAI was asked to study the pros and cons of these locations. A team visited villages close to both sites by the end of October. For Uchipulli, nearby villages include Perungulam, Kumbaram, and Valantharavai. For the Keelakarai site, neighbouring villages are Manikaneri and Mayakulam. "Both the sites seem feasible now," said a source. The Uchipulli site is near INS Parundu, an Indian Naval Air Station. "If the State government chooses this site, then they will need approval from the Indian Navy," the source added. The Uchipulli site is about 40 km or an hour’s drive from the Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram, and half an hour from Ramanathapuram Railway station. The Keelakarai site is an hour and a half away from the temple and also half an hour from the railway station. Both locations have high tension power lines nearby, but the terrain looks good so far. However, a railway track runs through Uchipulli, which if chosen, would require shifting both the track and the power lines. After AAI completes its report with recommendations, the government will decide the final site. About 600 acres of land will be needed to build the airport. Besides Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, many other famous temples like Adi Jagannatha Perumal Temple, Mangalanatha Swamy Temple, and Kodhandaramar Temple are in the region. Better air connectivity will attract more tourists.