The Coast Guard will get an independent air base (Coast Guard Enclave) near the domestic airport in Thiruvananthapuram for maritime rescue and search operations.

The District Collector has issued a notification to acquire 0.2832 hectares of land belonging to Pettah village near the Valiathope intersection in Cheriyathura ward for the air base. The social impact study has also been completed. The air enclave consists of the search and rescue operation unit's air wing and technical area.

The Ministry of Defense gave permission for the enclave in 2019 after the Coast Guard said that the absence of an airstrip in Thiruvananthapuram was hampering rescue operations at sea. Aeroplanes had to be flown from Kochi to rescue those stranded at sea during Cyclone Okhi. Once the Vizhinjam port becomes a reality, water traffic and accidents will increase. The airstrip is also required for emergency response as the region is home to strategic institutions like VSSC and BrahMos.

The airport authority had decided to allot 1.42 acres of land adjacent to the cargo terminal of the domestic airport to the Coast Guard for the air enclave. The project was delayed when the Adani Group, which later took over the management of the airport.