View source for Chennai International Airport

{{Short description|Airport serving Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India}}
{{redirect|Chennai Airport|the planned new airport|Chennai Parandur Airport}}
{{good article}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2025}}
{{Infobox airport
| name                = Chennai International Airport
| image               = Chennai International Airport Logo.png
| image-width         = 75
| image2              = Chennai airport view 3.jpeg
| caption2            = 
| IATA                = MAA
| ICAO                = VOMM
| WMO                 = 
| type                = Public
| owner               = [[Ministry of Civil Aviation (India)|Ministry of Civil Aviation]]
| operator            = [[Airports Authority of India]]
| city-served         = [[Chennai metropolitan area]]
| location            = [[Tirusulam]], [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India
| opened              = {{start date and age|1930|||df=yes}}
| hub                 = [[Blue Dart Aviation]]<ref name="BD"/>
| focus_city          = [[Air India]]
| operating_base      = [[IndiGo]]<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.goindigo.in/press-releases/indigo-s-expansive-network-bridges-distances-within-india.html|title=IndiGo's expansive network bridges distances within India|date=19 October 2023|access-date=1 December 2023|publisher=[[IndiGo]]|archive-date=15 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615105540/https://www.goindigo.in/press-releases/indigo-s-expansive-network-bridges-distances-within-india.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
| elevation-f         = 52
| elevation-m         = 16
| metric-elev         = yes
| coordinates         = {{coord|12|58|56|N|80|9|49|E|region:IN-TN|display=it}}
| website             = {{nowrap|{{URL|www.chennaiinternationalairport.com}}}}| image_map           = {{Switcher
		
| pushpin_map         = India Chennai#India Tamil Nadu#India
		
| pushpin_label       = '''MAA'''
| {{maplink|frame=yes|frame-align=center|plain=y|frame-height=275|frame-width=275|frame-lat=23.0681|frame-long=82.6115|zoom=3|
| pushpin_map_caption = Location of airport in Chennai
|type=shape-inverse|id=Q668|stroke-width=2
|type2=shape|id2=Q200130|stroke-width2=2
|type3=shape|id3=Q200697|stroke-width3=2
|type4=shape|id4=Q230830|stroke-width4=2
|type5=shape|id5=Q1819167|stroke-width5=2
|type6=point|coord6={{coord|12|58|56|N|80|9|49|E}}|marker-size6=small|marker6=airport	}}
| Location in India
| {{maplink|frame=yes|frame-align=center|plain=y|type=shape-inverse|id=	Q1445|frame-width=275|frame-height=275|stroke-width=2|frame-lat=10.83|frame-long=78.60|zoom=6|type2=point|coord2={{coord|12|58|56|N|80|9|49|E}}|marker2=airport|marker-size2=small}}
| Location Tamil Nadu
| {{maplink|frame=yes|frame-align=center|plain=y|type=shape-inverse|id=	Q955990|frame-width=275|frame-height=275|stroke-width=2|frame-lat=13.05|frame-long=80.2|zoom=9|type2=point|coord2={{coord|12|58|56|N|80|9|49|E}}|marker2=airport|marker-size2=small}}
| Chennai Metropolitan Area
}}
| r1-number           = 07/25
| r1-length-f         =
| r1-length-m         = 3,661
| r1-surface          = [[Asphalt concrete|Asphalt]]
| r2-number           = 12/30
| r2-length-m         = 2,890
| r2-length-f         =
| r2-surface          = Asphalt
| metric-rwy          = yes
| stat1-header        = Passengers
| stat1-data          = 22,411,290 ({{increase}} 5.7%)
| stat2-header        = Aircraft movements
| stat2-data          = 156,126 ({{increase}} 7.1%)
| stat3-header        = Cargo tonnage
| stat3-data          = 379,154 ({{increase}} 11.3%)
| stat-year           = April 2024 – March 2025
| footnotes           = Source: [[Airports Authority of India|AAI]]<ref name="AAI3">{{cite report|title=Annexure III – Passenger Data|url=https://www.aai.aero/sites/default/files/traffic-news/Mar2k25Annex3.pdf|work=[[Airports Authority of India]]|access-date=20 April 2025}}</ref><ref name="AAI2">{{cite report|title=Annexure II – Aircraft Movement Data|url=https://www.aai.aero/sites/default/files/traffic-news/Mar2k25Annex2.pdf|work=[[Airports Authority of India]]|access-date=20 April 2025}}</ref><ref name="AAI1">{{cite report|title=Annexure IV – Freight Movement Data|url=https://www.aai.aero/sites/default/files/traffic-news/Mar2k25Annex4.pdf|work=[[Airports Authority of India]]|access-date=20 April 2024}}</ref>
}}

'''Chennai International Airport''' {{airport codes|MAA|VOMM}} is an [[international airport]] serving the city of [[Chennai]], the capital of [[Tamil Nadu]], India. It is located in [[Tirusulam]] in [[Chengalpattu district]], in the [[Greater Chennai Metropolitan Area]] around {{cvt|21|km}} southwest of the city centre. The first air service was operated in 1915 and the airport was commissioned in 1930. The airport serves as the southern regional headquarters of the [[Airports Authority of India]] (AAI) for [[South India]] comprising the states of [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]], Tamil Nadu and [[Telangana]], and the union territories of [[Lakshadweep]] and [[Puducherry (union territory)|Puducherry]].

The airport is the [[List of the busiest airports in India|fifth-busiest airport in India by passenger traffic]] and aircraft movements, and fourth-busiest by cargo handled in India and international traffic.<ref name="AAI3"/><ref name="AAI2"/><ref name="AAI1"/> In the financial year 2024–25, the airport handled over 22 million passengers and 0.37 million [[Tonne|tonnes]] of [[cargo]]. The airport has two [[asphalt concrete|asphalt]] [[Runway|runways]] and offers direct flights to three continents. Terminals 1 and 4 handle domestic traffic and Terminal 2, which is being expanded to replace the older Terminal 3, handles international operation. A new satellite terminal is also under construction. A dedicated air cargo complex operates out of the old passenger terminal at [[Meenambakkam]]. The airport serves as a hub for [[Blue Dart Aviation]], a focus city for [[Air India]], and an operating base for [[IndiGo]].

The airport is expected to reach saturation by 2035, with a peak capacity of 40 million passengers; a new [[Chennai Parandur Airport|greenfield airport]] has been proposed to supplement it. The airport is served by the [[Chennai International Airport Metro Station]] of the [[Chennai Metro]] and the [[Tirusulam railway station]] of the [[Chennai Suburban Railway]].

== History ==
=== Beginning and establishment ===
[[File:D'Angelis biplane 1910 designed and built, by G. d'Angelis.jpg|thumb|left|[[Giacomo D'Angelis]] and his biplane in 1910 during the first flight in the city]]

The aviation history of the city began in 1910, when a city-based [[Corsicans|Corsican]] hotelier [[Giacomo D'Angelis]] built a [[biplane]] powered by a small engine in association with Simpson's, a leading coach-builder in the city.<ref>{{cite news|last=Muthiah|first=S.|title=The magnificent men in Madras|date=1 December 2003|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2003/12/01/stories/2003120100050300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040103133744/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2003/12/01/stories/2003120100050300.htm|archive-date=3 January 2004|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=25 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Giacomo D'Angelis, first to fly in Asia (Madras 10 March 1910)|publisher=Our Media|url=https://archive.org/details/GiacomoDangelisFirstToFlyInAsiaMadras10March1910|access-date=25 December 2012}}</ref> He tested it at [[The Island, Chennai|Island Grounds]] at [[Madras]], making it the first powered flight in Asia.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://static.mygov.in/indiancc/2021/05/mygov-10000000001960522275.pdf|title=History of Indian Air Force|publisher=[[Government of India]]|page=2|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208172949/https://static.mygov.in/indiancc/2021/05/mygov-10000000001960522275.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Muthiah|first=S.|title=Madras Miscellany|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=22 August 2010|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/history-and-culture/Madras-Miscellany/article12572738.ece|access-date=25 December 2012|archive-date=27 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027165249/https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/history-and-culture/Madras-Miscellany/article12572738.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> Further flying displays were performed by a set of aviators including Baron de Caters and Jules Tyck in February 1911.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bhargava|first=Kapil|title=Beginning of Aviation in India—A peep into its early history|publisher=bharat-rakshak.com|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/Aircraft/AviationIndia.pdf|access-date=25 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227142219/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/Aircraft/AviationIndia.pdf|archive-date=27 February 2012}}</ref> J. W. Madley, a water works engineer with the Madras government, flew an aircraft he had assembled over the [[Red Hills reservoir]] and shot aerial photographs in 1914.<ref name="Soaring">{{cite news|last=Sekar|first=Sunitha|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/soaring-the-skies-from-the-land-that-once-served-as-gateway-of-south/article67218759.ece|title=Soaring the skies from the land that once served as gateway of south|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=21 August 2023|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=25 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825114621/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/soaring-the-skies-from-the-land-that-once-served-as-gateway-of-south/article67218759.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Mathai|first=Kamini|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/when-an-italian-took-india-to-the-skies/articleshow/70708216.cms|title=When an Italian took India to the skies|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=17 August 2019|access-date=25 December 2022|archive-date=20 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620120035/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/when-an-italian-took-india-to-the-skies/articleshow/70708216.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Tata Sons' Airline Timetable Image, Summer 1935 (interior).jpg|thumb|left|Tata Sons' airline timetable, c. 1935]]

In 1915, [[Tata Sons|Tata Air Mail]] started an [[airmail]] service between [[Karachi]] and Madras, marking the beginning of civil aviation in [[South India]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=69345|title=100 years of civil aviation|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=26 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226224125/https://pib.gov.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=69345|url-status=live}}</ref> A discussion initiated by pilot G. Vlasto led to the founding of [[Madras Flying Club]] in March 1930.<ref>{{cite book|title=Indian Aviation|year=1952|first=R.L.|last=Saraogi|page=192}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Janardanan|first=Arun|title=Madras Flying Club: High on quality|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=14 June 2011|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/madras-flying-club-high-on-quality/articleshow/8842647.cms|access-date=25 December 2022|archive-date=1 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901172935/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/madras-flying-club-high-on-quality/articleshow/8842647.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> The first instructional flight took off from the airstrip in July 1930.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2009/Sep/07/turbulence-at-madras-flying-club-84051.html|title=Turbulence at Madras flying club|date=7 September 2009|access-date=1 June 2024|work=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref>

Commissioned in 1930, Madras aerodrome was one of the first airports of India.<ref>{{cite web|last=Thimmayya|first=Daniel|title=Madras Flying Club on a Wing and Prayer|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2014/May/19/madras-flying-club-on-a-wing-and-prayer-614623.html|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=19 May 2014|access-date=3 December 2023|archive-date=15 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615105539/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2014/May/19/madras-flying-club-on-a-wing-and-prayer-614623.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 15 October 1932, [[J. R. D. Tata]] flew a [[De Havilland Puss Moth|Puss Moth]] aircraft carrying air mail from Karachi to [[Bombay]]'s [[Juhu aerodrome|Juhu Airstrip]]. Piloted by aviator [[Nevill Vintcent]], it continued to Madras and became the first scheduled flight to land at the airport.<ref>{{cite book|title=Britain's Imperial Air Routes, 1918 to 1939|last=Higham|first=Robin|page=168|publisher=Shoe String Press|year=1961|isbn=978-0-208-00171-9}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|title=De Havilland Gazette|year=1953|page=103|publisher=De Havilland Aircraft Company}}</ref> The first mail service to [[Colombo]] was operated by Tata in 1936, with regular mail and passenger service commencing later in 1938.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stamps.gov.lk/airmail.php|title=Air Mail in Sri Lanka|work=[[Government of Sri Lanka]]|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref> Although commercial services came into operation earlier, the airport was confined mostly to military operations during [[World War II]], when it became the base of [[Indian Air Force|Royal Indian Air Force]].<ref name="Soaring"/><ref name="About">{{cite web|title=About Chennai International Airport|publisher=[[Airports Authority of India]]|url=http://www.airportsindia.org.in/chennai/aboutus.jsp|access-date =13 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503161205/http://www.airportsindia.org.in/chennai/aboutus.jsp|archive-date=3 May 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Lake|first1=A|title=Flying units of the RAF|year=1999|publisher=Airlife|location=[[Shrewsbury]]|isbn=978-1-840-37086-7|page=49}}</ref>

=== Expansion ===
[[Image:Meenambakkam airport.jpg|thumb|The old terminal at Meenambakkam, now used for cargo]]

In 1952, the Civil Aviation Department took over the operations of the airport.<ref name="About"/> The first passenger [[airport terminal|terminal]] was built in 1954 on the northeastern side of [[Meenambakkam]], and the airport operated as a [[customs airport]] with limited international services.<ref>{{cite book|title=World Trade Information Service|year=1955|publisher=U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Foreign Commerce|page=6}}</ref><ref name="Customs">{{cite report|title=The Heritage of Chennai Customs|url=https://chennaicustoms.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Sunkam-The-Heritage-of-Chennai-Customs.pdf|publisher=Department of Customs|access-date=1 June 2024|pages=107–109|archive-date=9 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609050256/https://chennaicustoms.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Sunkam-The-Heritage-of-Chennai-Customs.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1972, the airport came under the purview of [[Airports Authority of India]] (AAI).<ref name="About"/> An [[air cargo]] complex was commissioned on 1 February 1978, which was the second gateway air cargo terminal in the country, after [[Kolkata airport]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Airport Audit, Commercial & Cargo|publisher=Airports Authority of India|url=http://www.aai.aero/services/airport_audit_commercial_cargo.jsp|access-date=5 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117022555/http://www.aai.aero/services/airport_audit_commercial_cargo.jsp|archive-date=17 January 2013}}</ref> In August 1984, a [[Meenambakkam bomb blast|bomb blast]] near the airport killed 33 people and injured 27 others.<ref>{{cite news|title=Eelam Army chief held for Chennai blast|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|date=8 February 1998|url=http://www.expressindia.com/news/ie/daily/19980208/03950624.html|access-date=11 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091007133247/http://www.expressindia.com/news/ie/daily/19980208/03950624.html|archive-date=7 October 2009}}</ref> The entire concourse was razed down and had to be rebuilt.<ref>{{cite news|title=Airport blast: HC sets aside life term for five|location=Chennai|date=3 May 2000|url=http://www.hindu.com/2000/05/03/stories/0203000t.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111022606/http://hindu.com/2000/05/03/stories/0203000t.htm|archive-date=11 November 2012|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=11 January 2012}}</ref> The passenger operations were shifted to the new domestic terminal built at [[Tirusulam]] in 1985. An international terminal was added in 1989 and the old terminal building was used for air cargo.<ref name="Customs"/>

[[File:Flughafen chennai domestic terminal.jpg|thumb|The terminal added in 1980s]]

In November 1988, [[British Airways]] commenced services to Europe, flying to [[London]]'s [[Heathrow Airport]] with Boeing 747s from April 1991.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/british-airways-and-chennai-a-30-year-old-connection/article25638186.ece|title=British Airways and Chennai: a 30-year-old connection|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=1 December 2018|access-date=4 January 2022|last=Krishnaswamy|first=Murali|archive-date=20 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620120021/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/british-airways-and-chennai-a-30-year-old-connection/article25638186.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=The Madras experience|work=The Sunday Telegraph|date=2 October 1988|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/111602384/sunday-telegraph/|access-date=1 June 2023|archive-date=19 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019162006/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/111602384/sunday-telegraph/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=Speech at the inauguration of British Airways non-stop flight between Madras and London on 2nd April 1991|journal=Addresses of Dr. Bhishma Narain Singh, Governor of Tamil Nadu|year=1993|volume=1|pages=97–99}}</ref> On 23 September 1999, a handling centre for flowers, fruits and vegetables was commissioned at the air cargo terminal.<ref name="Customs"/> In 2001, the international airport became the first in the country to receive the [[ISO 9000|ISO 9001-2000]] certification.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chennai Airport|publisher=Indian Logistics Info|url=http://www.indianlogisticsinfo.com/indian_aviation/chennai_airport.html|access-date=20 December 2012|archive-date=3 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103164528/http://www.indianlogisticsinfo.com/indian_aviation/chennai_airport.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=ISO 9001-2000 for Chennai airport|newspaper=Business Line|date=27 August 2001|url=http://www.hindu.com/businessline/2001/08/27/stories/142704xs.htm|access-date=20 December 2012|archive-date=2 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121202091043/http://www.hindu.com/businessline/2001/08/27/stories/142704xs.htm}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Certification Awarded to Airports Authority of India|publisher=[[Airports Authority of India]]|url=http://www.aai.aero/allAirports/Chennai_ISO.pdf|access-date=5 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723031010/http://www.aai.aero/allAirports/Chennai_ISO.pdf|archive-date=23 July 2013}}</ref> A new international departure terminal was commissioned in 2003.<ref name="About"/> In May 2005, [[Delta Air Lines]] commenced the first direct flights to the [[Americas]], connecting Chennai with [[JFK International Airport|New York City]] via [[Charles de Gaulle Airport|Paris]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/06/30/stories/2006063016800500.htm|title=Delta to discontinue Chennai flights|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=30 June 2006|access-date=28 August 2022|last=Shankar|first=T. S.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080220151547/http://www.hindu.com/2006/06/30/stories/2006063016800500.htm|archive-date=20 February 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/delta-air-lines-to-start-chennai-ny-direct-service-from-may-2005-104121601083_1.html|title=Delta Air Lines to start Chennai-NY direct service from May 2005|newspaper=[[Business Standard]]|location=India|date=16 December 2004|access-date=28 August 2022|archive-date=28 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220828171305/https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/delta-air-lines-to-start-chennai-ny-direct-service-from-may-2005-104121601083_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2008, the AAI started a major modernisation project.<ref>{{cite web|title=Domestic Projects|publisher=[[Airports Authority of India]]|url=http://www.aai.aero/services/domestic_projects.jsp|access-date=5 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117021349/http://www.aai.aero/services/domestic_projects.jsp|archive-date=17 January 2013}}</ref> Two new terminals (Terminal 1 and 4) were constructed, the existing international terminal (Terminal 3) was renovated, the secondary [[runway]] was extended, and new [[taxiway]]s, [[parking bay]]s and a [[fire station]] were constructed.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sekar|first=Sunitha|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chennai-airport-expansion-yet-to-achieve-goals/article5563323.ece|title=Chennai airport expansion yet to achieve goals|date=13 May 2016|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=14 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614093933/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chennai-airport-expansion-yet-to-achieve-goals/article5563323.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 2015 floods and later modernisation ===
[[File:Chennai Airport submerged during December 2015 Tamil Nadu flood.jpg|thumb|Aerial view of submerged Chennai airport]]

In December 2015, unprecedented rainfall associated with India's [[Northeast monsoon]] caused extensive [[2015 Chennai floods|flooding]] of the airport tarmac and runways. As part of the airport is situated on the [[floodplains]] of the [[Adyar river]], extensive waterlogging occurred in the airport.<ref>{{cite web |last=Thiyagarajan |first=Swati |date=3 December 2015 |title=Chennai Airport Is Doomed to Suffer, Its Runway Is Built On River |url=https://www.ndtv.com/chennai-news/chennai-airport-was-doomed-its-runway-is-built-on-river-1250589 |work=[[NDTV]] |access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref> The airport was closed for a week to all traffic from 1 to 6 December. About 1,500 passengers and 2,000 airport workers were evacuated as water entered terminal buildings and 30–35 aircraft were stranded on the apron.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/chennai-airport-closed-until-noon-on-sunday/articleshow/50015008.cms|title=Chennai airport closed until noon on Sunday|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2 December 2015|archive-date=5 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151205053613/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/chennai-airport-closed-until-noon-on-sunday/articleshow/50015008.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> Military authorities permitted the use of Naval Air Station [[INS Rajali]] in [[Arakkonam]], {{cvt|70|km}} west of central Chennai and [[Tambaram Air Force Station]] {{cvt|20|km}} south as relief airports for a limited service of civilian commercial flights as well as official rescue/assistance flights.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/With-Chennai-marooned-naval-base-to-act-as-civilian-airport/articleshow/50016359.cms|title=Naval Base to act as civilian airport|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=3 December 2015|archive-date=4 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151204155637/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/With-Chennai-marooned-naval-base-to-act-as-civilian-airport/articleshow/50016359.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> The Indian Air Force evacuated passengers from Chennai airport to the two military bases for onward journeys on Air Force transport aircraft to other domestic destinations.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thestatesman.com/news/india/iaf-to-evacuate-stranded-passengers-from-chennai-airport/108131.html|title=IAF to evacuate stranded passengers from Chennai airport|work=The Statesman|access-date=3 December 2015|archive-date=9 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151209002200/http://www.thestatesman.com/news/india/iaf-to-evacuate-stranded-passengers-from-chennai-airport/108131.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 5 December, the [[Directorate General of Civil Aviation (India)|Directorate General of Civil Aviation]] permitted a partial re-opening of the airport during daylight hours under [[visual meteorological conditions]] only, allowing airlines to ferry stranded aircraft without passengers or cargo on board. Operations under [[instrument meteorological conditions]] were not permitted and rescue and assistance flights, were permitted to operate in and out of the airport from 6 December.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/tamil-nadu/chennai-airport-to-be-made-operational-in-rain-battered-tamil-nadu-today_1830724.html|title=Chennai airport to be made operational today|publisher=Zee News India|access-date=5 December 2015|archive-date=7 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151207100653/http://zeenews.india.com/news/tamil-nadu/chennai-airport-to-be-made-operational-in-rain-battered-tamil-nadu-today_1830724.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2018, the construction of a new integrated terminal (Terminal 2) to expand the capacity began and the flight operations started from the new terminal on 7 July 2023.<ref name="NITB">{{cite news|url=https://www.news18.com/auto/chennai-airport-new-integrated-terminal-building-nitb-welcomes-all-international-passengers-after-successful-relocation-8310355.html|title=Chennai Airport: International Flights Relocated to New Integrated Terminal Building (NITB)|date=20 July 2023|access-date=1 June 2024|publisher=News18|archive-date=11 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111145931/https://www.news18.com/auto/chennai-airport-new-integrated-terminal-building-nitb-welcomes-all-international-passengers-after-successful-relocation-8310355.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Administration ==
[[File:SpiceJet Boeing 737-8GJ Vyas.jpg|thumb|Air traffic control complex with an aircraft in the foreground]]

Chennai Airport is owned and operated by the Airports Authority of India and serves as the regional headquarters of the AAI for the southern region of India comprising the states of [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]], [[Tamil Nadu]], and [[Telangana]], and the union territories of [[Lakshadweep]], and [[Puducherry (union territory)|Puducherry]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Regional Headquarters|publisher=[[Airports Authority of India]]|url=http://www.aai.aero/public_notices/aaisite_test/rhq.jsp|access-date=30 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121227130723/http://www.aai.aero/public_notices/aaisite_test/rhq.jsp|archive-date=27 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aai.aero/en/node/8852|title=Southern Regional Headquarters|publisher=[[Airports Authority of India]]|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=6 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406103719/https://www.aai.aero/en/node/8852|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1573664|title=R. Madhavan takes over New Regional Executive Director of AAIdate=7 June 2019|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=28 December 2021|archive-date=28 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228151105/https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1573664|url-status=live}}</ref> It functions from the Air Traffic Control Complex within the airport.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nocas2.aai.aero/nocas/AAI_Links/Contact.pdf|title=Contact details of Regional Headquarters|publisher=[[Airports Authority of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208101251/https://nocas2.aai.aero/nocas/AAI_Links/Contact.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The airport is the centre of the southern [[flight information region]] (FIR), one of the four FIRs that the Indian air space is divided into. It is alo responsible for the air traffic services over the Chennai FIR, which consist of five southern states, two southern union territories, and oceanic air space over parts of the [[Bay of Bengal]] and the [[Arabian Sea]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://camd.imd.gov.in/fir.php|title=Flight information region map|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=14 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614100313/https://camd.imd.gov.in/fir.php|url-status=live}}</ref>

The immigration services at the airport are handled by the Bureau of Immigration of the [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]].<ref>{{cite web|title=About us, Bureau of Immigration|publisher=[[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]], [[Government of India]]|url=https://boi.gov.in/boi/public/content/pages/59c2581f-6da2-4364-9d1e-03d436d39b6b|access-date=5 January 2023|archive-date=20 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620120158/https://boi.gov.in/boi/public/content/pages/59c2581f-6da2-4364-9d1e-03d436d39b6b|url-status=live}}</ref> The airport is the home to the southern regional office of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), which is responsible for the security of flights.<ref>{{cite web|title=Organization Setup|publisher=Ministry of Civil Aviation, [[Government of India]]|url=https://www.civilaviation.gov.in/en/aboutus/orgsetup|access-date=29 December 2021|archive-date=18 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218080250/https://www.civilaviation.gov.in/en/aboutus/orgsetup}}</ref> The [[Airport Sector (CISF)]] provides security, including a [[dog squad]] for identification of [[narcotics]] and [[bomb disposal]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kannan|first1=Sindhu|title=Two CISF dogs retire, 3 new inducted in Chennai|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/two-cisf-dogs-retire-3-new-inducted-in-chennai/articleshow/85505721.cms|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=21 August 2021|access-date=21 August 2021|archive-date=21 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821084314/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/two-cisf-dogs-retire-3-new-inducted-in-chennai/articleshow/85505721.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/Citi_Chart111208.pdf|title=Citizens charter, CISF|publisher=[[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]], [[Government of India]]|access-date=1 June 2023|archive-date=4 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404143106/https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/Citi_Chart111208.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2013, the [[Government of India]] proposed to offer a contract to a private operator to operate the airport, which the AAI invited bids for.<ref>{{cite news|title=Nine firms take part in Chennai airport familiarisation trip: AAI|newspaper=Business Standard|location=Chennai|date=10 October 2013|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/nine-firms-take-part-in-chennai-airport-familiarisation-trip-aai-113100900801_1.html|access-date=12 October 2013|archive-date=9 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131009201954/http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/nine-firms-take-part-in-chennai-airport-familiarisation-trip-aai-113100900801_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Chennai, Lucknow airports privatisation: Tata, foreign firms participate in pre-bid meeting|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=22 September 2013|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-09-22/news/42292305_1_all-airports-aai-the-airports-authority|access-date=12 October 2013|archive-date=25 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925165707/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-09-22/news/42292305_1_all-airports-aai-the-airports-authority}}</ref> The plan did not materialise because airport employees, fearing job losses, protested against the move.<ref>{{cite news|title=AAI employees stand firm against Chennai airport privatisation|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=8 October 2013|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/aai-employees-stand-firm-against-airport-privatisation/article5211153.ece|access-date=12 October 2013|archive-date=16 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416175317/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/aai-employees-stand-firm-against-airport-privatisation/article5211153.ece|url-status=live }}</ref>

== Facilities ==
=== Runways ===
[[File:ChennaiAirport.jpg|thumb|Aerial view of the primary (left) and the secondary runway in 2005.]]

The airport has two runways – the {{cvt|3661|m}} long primary runway 07/25 (Northeast – Southwest orientation) and the {{cvt|2890|m}} long secondary runway 12/30 (Northwest – Southeast orientation).<ref name="Data"/><ref>{{cite report|url=https://nocas2.aai.aero/nocas/AAI_Links/Airports-IFR-VFR-200815.pdf|title=Airports IFR-VFR list|publisher=[[Airports Authority of India]]|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=2 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102073533/https://nocas2.aai.aero/nocas/AAI_Links/Airports-IFR-VFR-200815.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The runways are equipped with CAT-I [[Instrument Landing System]] (ILS) for [[IFR]] approach with [[Precision Approach Path Indicator]] (PAPI) landing aids.<ref>{{cite web|title=Technical Information|publisher=[[Airports Authority of India]]|url=http://www.aai.aero/allAirports/chennai_TECHNICAL.jsp|access-date=5 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109200718/http://www.aai.aero/allAirports/chennai_TECHNICAL.jsp|archive-date=9 November 2012}}</ref> An upgraded ILS was installed on runway 07/25 in 2017.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/new-instrument-landing-system-at-chennai-airport-commissioned-117110601425_1.html|title=New instrument landing system at Chennai airport commissioned|date=6 November 2017|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[Business Standard]]|location=India|archive-date=14 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614110116/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/new-instrument-landing-system-at-chennai-airport-commissioned-117110601425_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> As the airport is not equipped with a [[Category III approach|CAT-III]] landing system, which will enable operations in poor visibility conditions, disruptions in flight operations happen in poor weather conditions.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/ils-upgrades-are-needed-at-indian-airports-to-tackle-rough-weather-amidst-growing-air-traffic/article67909905.ece|title=ILS upgrades are needed at Indian airports to tackle rough weather amidst growing air traffic|date=3 March 2024|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=14 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614110116/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/ils-upgrades-are-needed-at-indian-airports-to-tackle-rough-weather-amidst-growing-air-traffic/article67909905.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2012, the AAI acquired additional land to install new landing lights and upgrade the ILS.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/landing-to-get-safer-as-airport-gets-defence-land-to-install-runway-lights/articleshow/93062476.cms|title=Landing to get safer as Chennai airport gets defence land to install runway lights|date=23 June 2022|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=14 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614110527/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/landing-to-get-safer-as-airport-gets-defence-land-to-install-runway-lights/articleshow/93062476.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Runway at Chennai airport (4446062960).jpg|thumb|left|Primary runway 07/25 approaching from the north-east]]

The secondary runway (12/30) was closed in 2009 to extend it over the [[Adyar River]] by means of a bridge over the watercourse at a cost of {{INRconvert|4300|m}}. The runway which was initially {{cvt|2035|m}} long was planned to be extended to {{cvt|3445|m}}.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ayyappan|first=V.|title=Work on runway across Adyar takes off|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=29 January 2009|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/work-on-runway-across-adyar-takes-off/articleshow/4049884.cms|access-date=11 January 2023|archive-date=15 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615113811/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/work-on-runway-across-adyar-takes-off/articleshow/4049884.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> The expansion was completed in March 2011.<ref>{{cite news|title=Runway across Adyar ready for day operation|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=20 November 2011|url=http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH/2011/11/20&PageLabel=4&EntityId=Ar00404&ViewMode=HTML|access-date=1 January 2012|archive-date=14 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614024739/http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH%2F2011%2F11%2F20&PageLabel=4&EntityId=Ar00404&ViewMode=HTML}}</ref>

The bridge over the Adyar river accommodated the runway and a taxiway, making Chennai airport the first international airport in India to have a runway across a river.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ayyappan|first=V.|title=Runway over river to open in Nov|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=15 October 2011|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/runway-over-river-to-open-in-nov/articleshow/10362259.cms|access-date=11 January 2023|archive-date=4 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204104029/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Runway-over-river-to-open-in-Nov/articleshow/10362259.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> The commissioning was delayed due to work on [[landing lights]] and [[VHF omnidirectional range|VOR]] antenna.<ref>{{cite news|title=Secondary runway run into hassles|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=13 March 2012|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2012/Mar/12/secondary-runway-run-into-hassles-348087.html|access-date=6 January 2013}}</ref> In February 2012, airport authorities announced that only about {{cvt|2160|m}} of the secondary runway would be operational due to displacements at both ends and the runway which was earlier used by only smaller aircraft, would be able to accommodate [[narrow body aircraft]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Sujatha|first=S.|title=Chennai airport: Second runway in the offing|newspaper=[[Deccan Chronicle]]|date=11 February 2012|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/chennai-airport-second-runway-offing-985|access-date=11 February 2012|archive-date=12 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212160542/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/chennai-airport-second-runway-offing-985}}</ref> 

[[File:Flughafen chennai view from st thomas mount.jpg|thumb|Primary runway 07/25 as seen from [[St. Thomas Mount]]]]

The layout consists of a long taxiway (B) and a shorter taxiway (R) parallel to primary runway 07/25 and parallel taxiway (N) oriented along the secondary runway 12/30. Two taxiways (P and Q) linked the two runways. Apart from the primary taxiways, other secondary taxiways interconnect the runways, main taxiways and parking aprons.<ref name="Data">{{cite report|url=https://aim-india.aai.aero/sites/default/files/aip_supplements/AIPS_2020_203.pdf|title=Aerodrome data|publisher=[[Airports Authority of India]]|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=20 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620120024/https://aim-india.aai.aero/sites/default/files/aip_supplements/AIPS_2020_203.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Sekar|first=Sunitha|title=A new taxiway for Chennai airport|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=3 March 2017|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/a-new-taxiway-for-chennai-airport/article17396912.ece|access-date=3 March 2017|archive-date=29 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229012217/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/a-new-taxiway-for-chennai-airport/article17396912.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2018, the airport began cross-runway operations to reduce flight delays.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sekar|first=Sunitha|title=Cross-runway operations begin at city airport|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=12 January 2018|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/cross-runway-operations-begin-at-city-airport/article22424253.ece|access-date=11 February 2018|archive-date=13 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213034515/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/cross-runway-operations-begin-at-city-airport/article22424253.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2023, a rapid exit taxi way was added {{cvt|1831|m}} from the threshold on the primary runway 07 and another taxi way linking the main apron.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chennai/chennai-airport-opens-rapid-exit-taxiway-to-ease-flight-traffic-congestion-8617945/|title=Chennai airport opens rapid exit taxiway to ease flight traffic congestion|date=19 May 2023|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|archive-date=20 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620130526/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chennai/chennai-airport-opens-rapid-exit-taxiway-to-ease-flight-traffic-congestion-8617945/|url-status=live}}</ref> This reduced the runway occupancy time and helped with the plan to increase in flight handling capacity from 36 to 45 flights per hour.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/rapid-exit-and-link-taxiways-opened-at-chennai-airport/articleshow/100335559.cms|title=Rapid exit and link taxiways opened at Chennai airport|date=19 May 2023|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=14 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614142527/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/rapid-exit-and-link-taxiways-opened-at-chennai-airport/articleshow/100335559.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2024, AAI announced plans to construct 11 new rapid taxi-ways to improve aircraft handling.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/aai-plans-massive-project-to-build-11-rapid-exit-taxiways-at-chennai-airport-at-a-cost-of-400-crore/article67789621.ece|title=AAI plans massive project to build 11 rapid exit taxiways at Chennai airport at a cost of ₹400 crore|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=29 January 2024|access-date=1 May 2024|archive-date=14 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614172810/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/aai-plans-massive-project-to-build-11-rapid-exit-taxiways-at-chennai-airport-at-a-cost-of-400-crore/article67789621.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Passenger terminals ===
The airport occupies an area of {{cvt|1301|acre}} with the passenger terminals located in [[Tirusulam]] in [[Kanchipuram district]].<ref>{{cite report|url=https://environmentclearance.nic.in/writereaddata/modification/Amendment/Attach_file/041020189YI1PKBQEMP.pdf|title=Environmental clearance|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=20 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620120525/https://environmentclearance.nic.in/writereaddata/modification/Amendment/Attach_file/041020189YI1PKBQEMP.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Madhavan|first=D.|title=Cantonment, AAI in row over airport expansion|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=25 July 2011|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/cantonment-aai-in-row-over-airport-expansion/articleshow/9352987.cms|access-date=23 January 2022|archive-date=15 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615113708/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/cantonment-aai-in-row-over-airport-expansion/articleshow/9352987.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2024}}, the airport consists of three operational passenger terminals with Terminals 1 and 4 catering to domestic traffic and Terminal 2 handling international traffic.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chennai-airports-t4-terminal-to-handle-domestic-flights-from-november-15/article67521280.ece|title=T4 terminal to handle domestic flights from November|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=10 November 2023|access-date=1 May 2024|archive-date=14 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614165348/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chennai-airports-t4-terminal-to-handle-domestic-flights-from-november-15/article67521280.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> The power supply to the airport is provided by [[Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation]] through a 11,000 kV sub-station.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sub-station holds key to new domestic terminal inauguration|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=14 March 2012|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article2992098.ece|access-date=6 January 2013|archive-date=7 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120707191152/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article2992098.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Interior of Chennai International Airport in Chennai, Tamil Nadu 06.jpg|thumb|Interior of Terminal 1]]

Terminals 1 and 4 have three levels with the departure area on the top level with an elevated corridor, which has approach and exit ramps.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sujatha|first=S.|title=New terminals likely by June next year|newspaper=[[Deccan Chronicle]]|date=23 December 2011|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/new-terminals-likely-june-next-year-772|access-date=1 January 2012|archive-date=11 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111001337/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/new-terminals-likely-june-next-year-772}}</ref> The arrivals section is on the ground level, which also serves as the base for airlines and other offices. The basement is used for luggage handling. Terminal 1, which can handle 16 million passengers per year, covers {{cvt|67700|m2}}, has seven gates, 52 check-in counters, and eight counters for e-ticketing.<ref name="World">{{cite web|title=Designs unveiled for new terminals at Chennai Airport in India|publisher=World Interior Design Network|date=31 January 2011|url=http://www.worldinteriordesignnetwork.com/news/designs_unveiled_for_new_terminals_at_chennai_airport_in_india_110131/|access-date =1 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110908034118/http://www.worldinteriordesignnetwork.com/news/designs_unveiled_for_new_terminals_at_chennai_airport_in_india_110131/|archive-date=8 September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2013/Jan/21/get-ready-for-a-brand-new-takeoff-444803.html|title=Get ready for a brand new takeoff!|date=21 January 2013|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|archive-date=14 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614165347/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2013/Jan/21/get-ready-for-a-brand-new-takeoff-444803.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Terminal 4 which was originally built to handle international operations, covers an area of {{cvt|59300|m2}} and is capable of handling 7 million passengers per year. Both the terminals are equipped with an in-line [[baggage handling system]] and security screening system with four departure conveyors of a length of {{cvt|3500|m}} and can handle 1,200 baggage pieces per hour.<ref name="World"/> The terminals are designed with two sustainable gardens with wing-like roofs and glass facades. Rainwater is harvested and used to sustain the gardens.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Srivathsan|first1=A.|last2=Oppili|first2=P.|title=Architects for airport expansion|date=22 September 2008|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/22/stories/2008092259881200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080925034652/http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/22/stories/2008092259881200.htm|archive-date=25 September 2008|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=11 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Mathews|first=Neelam|title=Chennai Airport to be India's Greenest|work=Architectural Record|date=28 August 2007|url=http://archrecord.construction.com/news/daily/archives/070828chennai.asp|access-date=1 January 2012|archive-date=16 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111016211725/http://archrecord.construction.com/news/daily/archives/070828chennai.asp|url-status=live}}</ref> There is {{cvt|9000|m2}} of space at the terminals, consisting of duty-free retail shops, restaurants, snack bars, and executive lounges.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kannan|first=Swetha|title=New-look Chennai airport to have nearly three times current retail space|newspaper=Business Line|date=9 December 2011|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/article2701673.ece|access-date=1 January 2012|archive-date=9 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120109093930/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/article2701673.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> There have been more than 65 incidents of false ceiling collapses and breakage of glass windows reported from the terminals over the years.<ref>{{cite news|title=Chennai Airport false ceiling collapse: airport police file FIR|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=4 October 2013|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chennai-airport-false-ceiling-collapse-airport-police-file-fir/article5197905.ece|access-date=12 October 2013|archive-date=5 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005174536/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chennai-airport-false-ceiling-collapse-airport-police-file-fir/article5197905.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/1-more-glass-panel-shatters-at-airport-69-incidents-so-far/articleshow/66994260.cms|title=1 more glass panel shatters at airport; 69 incidents so far|date=8 December 2018|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=20 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620120544/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/1-more-glass-panel-shatters-at-airport-69-incidents-so-far/articleshow/66994260.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{Multiple image
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As a part of expansion plan unveiled in 2018, a new integrated terminal and a satellite terminal were planned to increase the terminal area to {{cvt|160000|m2}} with a capacity of 35 million passengers, up from then existing capacity of 18 million.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sekar|first=Sunitha|title=Airport's Phase II expansion set to take off|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=8 January 2018|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/airports-phase-ii-expansion-set-to-take-off/article22392935.ece|access-date=11 February 2018|archive-date=9 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409114331/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/airports-phase-ii-expansion-set-to-take-off/article22392935.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> The satellite terminal near the secondary runway is connected to the main buildings by a {{cvt|1.5|km}} long tunnel built at a cost of {{INRconvert|7000|m}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/satellite-terminal-between-two-runways-readying-for-take-off/articleshow/69258464.cms|title=Chennai: Satellite terminal between two runways readying for take-off|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=10 May 2019|access-date=12 August 2019|archive-date=25 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925192940/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/satellite-terminal-between-two-runways-readying-for-take-off/articleshow/69258464.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Sekar|first=Sunitha|title=City airport to have tunnel to connect to satellite terminal|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=10 January 2018|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/city-airport-to-have-tunnel-to-connect-to-satellite-terminal/article22407726.ece|access-date=11 February 2018|archive-date=29 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129091807/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/city-airport-to-have-tunnel-to-connect-to-satellite-terminal/article22407726.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> The new integrated Terminal 2 replaced the older Terminals 2 and 3 which were situated between Terminals 1 and 4. It commenced partial operations on 7 July 2023.<ref>{{cite news|last=Pall|first=Samreen|date=20 July 2023|title=Chennai Airport: International Flights Relocated to New Integrated Terminal Building (NITB)|url=https://www.news18.com/auto/chennai-airport-new-integrated-terminal-building-nitb-welcomes-all-international-passengers-after-successful-relocation-8310355.html|publisher=News18|access-date=11 January 2024|archive-date=11 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111145930/https://www.news18.com/auto/chennai-airport-new-integrated-terminal-building-nitb-welcomes-all-international-passengers-after-successful-relocation-8310355.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The new terminal is designed with the inspiration from [[Culture of Tamil Nadu|Tamil culture]], with the building's exterior inspired from [[Dravidian Architecture]] of [[Hindu temples]] and the roof inspired from pleats of [[sari]] worn by [[Bharatanatyam]] dancers. The flooring and the false ceiling feature [[Kolam]] patterns and colourful murals.<ref name="Air2"/> The outside of the terminal features a 1,730-kilogram [[Nachiarkoil lamp]].<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1669945122547716097|user=aaichnairport|title=Nachiarkoil lamp at Chennai airport|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref>

With the new integrated terminal opening in May 2023, the old Terminal 3 was demolished to extend the new integrated terminal (Terminal 2).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/t3-terminal-at-chennai-airport-to-be-pulled-down-next-month/article67318395.ece|title=T3 terminal at Chennai airport to be pulled down next month|date=17 September 2023|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=29 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929031125/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/t3-terminal-at-chennai-airport-to-be-pulled-down-next-month/article67318395.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Old international terminal at Chennai airport to be demolished in June|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/old-international-terminal-at-chennai-airport-to-be-demolished-in-june/article66767098.ece|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=22 April 2023|access-date=1 August 2023|archive-date=1 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230801164213/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/old-international-terminal-at-chennai-airport-to-be-demolished-in-june/article66767098.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> This second phase of construction involved the expansion of the existing terminal by {{cvt|60000|m2}}. The complete new terminal building would be spread over {{cvt|197000|m2}} and have a handling capacity of 10 million passengers.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/new-terminal-in-2-years-domestic-and-international-passengers-to-be-served-at-chennai-airport/articleshow/108280019.cms|title=New terminal in 2 yrs, to be used for domestic, int'l flyers|date=7 March 2024|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=15 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615084246/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/new-terminal-in-2-years-domestic-and-international-passengers-to-be-served-at-chennai-airport/articleshow/108280019.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> The terminal has 100 check-in counters, 11 automated tray retrieval systems, six self-bag drops and six baggage reclaim belts. It is equipped with a passenger flow monitoring system (PFMS) that helps in management of passenger operations.<ref name="Air2">{{cite web|title=Chennai International Airport's New Integrated Terminal Building (T2), India|url=https://www.airport-technology.com/projects/chennai-international-airports-new-integrated-terminal-building-t2-india/|publisher=Airport Technology|date=28 June 2023|access-date=11 January 2024|archive-date=11 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111145930/https://www.airport-technology.com/projects/chennai-international-airports-new-integrated-terminal-building-t2-india/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Cargo complex ===
[[File:Chennai Cargo Terminal.JPG|thumb|Cargo terminal at the airport]]
The air cargo complex at the airport was established in 1978, with regulatory and facilitating agencies brought under one roof for faster processing and clearance of international cargo.<ref name="Customs"/> Following the construction of new passenger terminals at Tirusulam, the old passenger terminal at Meenambakkam serves as the air cargo complex.<ref name="BD">{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/blue-dart-aviation-opens-hub-in-chennai/articleshow/64684675.cms|title=Blue Dart Aviation opens hub in Chennai|date=21 June 2018|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=20 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620120527/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/blue-dart-aviation-opens-hub-in-chennai/articleshow/64684675.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> The air cargo complex covers an area of {{cvt|19.6|acre}} and is operated by AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company (AAICLAS), a subsidiary of AAI.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.aera.gov.in/uploads/mytp/16582403072671.pdf|title=AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company submission to Economic Regulatory Authority|access-date=1 June 2024|publisher=AAICLAS|archive-date=20 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620120529/https://www.aera.gov.in/uploads/mytp/16582403072671.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://in.thedollarbusiness.com/magazine/air-cargo-complex-at-chennai-airport-aiming-high-flying-low-literally/35410|title=Air cargo complex at Chennai airport aiming high flying low|work=Dollar Business|date=July 2015|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=20 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620120532/https://in.thedollarbusiness.com/magazine/air-cargo-complex-at-chennai-airport-aiming-high-flying-low-literally/35410|url-status=live}}</ref>

The cargo complex consists of two divisions, namely, the export and the import wings. The export facility covers an area of {{cvt|20595|m2}} and the import facility is spread across {{cvt|20096|m2}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Air Cargo Complex, Chennai Airport, Chennai—Salient Features|publisher=[[Airports Authority of India]]|url=http://www.aai.aero/cargo/chennai_salientfeatures.jsp|access-date=5 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801012245/http://www.aai.aero/cargo/chennai_salientfeatures.jsp|archive-date=1 August 2013}}</ref> The cargo complex is equipped with [[Automated Storage and Retrieval System]] (ASRS) for efficient storage and easy retrieval of cargo and operates fully mechanised Elevated Transfer Vehicles (ETV) for faster and easier cargo loading and unloading.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://aai.aero/sites/default/files/newspaper_articles_images/CargoConnect_July2011.pdf|title=Cargo infrastructure, a priority area|publisher=Cargo Connect|date=July 2011|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=20 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620121110/https://aai.aero/sites/default/files/newspaper_articles_images/CargoConnect_July2011.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The complex also has temperature-controlled cold storage for perishable cargo, and secured storage rooms for high value cargo.<ref>{{cite news|title=75% of modernisation work over at air cargo complex|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=11 June 2011|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/tamil-nadu/article2094162.ece|access-date=23 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612223555/http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/tamil-nadu/article2094162.ece|archive-date=12 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Air Cargo Complex, Chennai Airport, Chennai—Perishable Cargo|publisher=[[Airports Authority of India]]|url=http://www.aai.aero/cargo/chennai_perishablecargo.jsp|access-date=5 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801031817/http://www.aai.aero/cargo/chennai_perishablecargo.jsp|archive-date=1 August 2013}}</ref> As only a limited number of flights could be handled at the existing cargo complex, plans to build an integrated cargo handling terminal to increase the capacity to 0.3 million tonnes per annum was announced in early 2024.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.aircargonews.net/airlines/air-cargo-momentum-in-indias-state-of-tamil-nadu/|title=Air cargo momentum grows in India's State of Tamil Nadu|work=Air cargo news|date=6 March 2024|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=20 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620121039/https://www.aircargonews.net/airlines/air-cargo-momentum-in-indias-state-of-tamil-nadu/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/cargo-handling-decreases-at-airport-chennai-the-city-airport-falls-behind-in-volume-and-growth-of-cargo/articleshow/107995526.cms|title=Cargo handling decreases at airport|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=26 February 2024|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=27 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227143847/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/cargo-handling-decreases-at-airport-chennai-the-city-airport-falls-behind-in-volume-and-growth-of-cargo/articleshow/107995526.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Parking bays ===
[[File:International_Terminal_Airside_Chennai_Airport_Aug22_D72_24874.jpg|thumb|Aircraft parked on the main apron]]
The airport has 90 parking bays including 18 in-contact bays connected to the passenger terminals. The main apron (A) located to the south of the primary runway and the parallel taxiway B accommodates 33 parking bays including 11 parking bays that can accommodate [[wide body aircraft]]. Two aprons (Aprons II and III) are located between the two runways. Apron II can park 36 narrow-body aircraft and Apron III can accommodate 12 wide-body aircraft including one parking bay that can park an [[Airbus A380]].<ref name="Data"/>

A remote apron (Apron I) located to the east of the secondary runway can accommodate a further eight narrow body jets. A smaller apron (T) located towards the east end of the secondary runway has three parking bays. An apron (B) located to the east of the air cargo complex caters to cargo operations has 10 parking bays with three of them accommodating wide body aircraft.<ref name="Data"/>

=== Air traffic control ===
[[File:Chennai International Airport - 01.jpg|thumb|[[Air traffic control]] tower]]
[[File:Chennai International Airport vrvbaan042k24 (90).jpg|thumb|Airport fire station]]

The Air traffic control tower is located at the Air Traffic Services Complex and is equipped with advanced surface movement guidance and control system.<ref>{{cite news|title=Vayalar Ravi inspects Air Traffic Control Tower at airport|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=2 October 2011|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article2506030.ece|access-date=13 January 2012|archive-date=5 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120105023440/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article2506030.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> An automated smart flight guidance system was installed in October 2011 at a cost of {{INRconvert|420|m}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Air Traffic Needs an Upgrade as Developing Countries Become More Affluent, Fly More: Expert|publisher=Raytheon|date=10 July 2012|url=http://www.raytheon.com/media/fia12/atm/|access-date=26 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130104032108/http://www.raytheon.com/media/fia12/atm/|archive-date=4 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Ayyappan|first=V.|title=Airport on a smart flight guidance system|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=22 July 2011|url=http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH/2011/07/22&PageLabel=4&EntityId=Ar00401&ViewMode=HTML|access-date=23 January 2012|archive-date=14 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614025901/http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH%2F2011%2F07%2F22&PageLabel=4&EntityId=Ar00401&ViewMode=HTML}}</ref> The automated system combines information from tower control, approach control, area control and oceanic control.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sujatha|first=S.|title=AAI to integrate entire air space|newspaper=[[Deccan Chronicle]]|date=30 September 2011|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/aai-integrate-entire-air-space-633|access-date=13 January 2012|archive-date=2 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002084523/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/aai-integrate-entire-air-space-633}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Sinha|first=Shishir|author2=Ashwini Phadnis|title=Integrated air space management from Chennai today|newspaper=[[Business Line]]|date=21 September 2011|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/article2473697.ece|access-date=13 January 2012|archive-date=27 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927214412/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/article2473697.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Kumaraswami|first=Sridhar|title=Chennai ATC to control traffic over 20,000&nbsp;ft|newspaper=The Asian Age|date=15 September 2011|url=http://www.asianage.com/india/chennai-atc-control-traffic-over-20000&nbsp;ft-122|access-date=13 January 2012|archive-date=18 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718033809/https://www.asianage.com/india/chennai-atc-control-traffic-over-20000%C2%A0ft-122|url-status=live}}</ref> There are two [[radars]], a secondary surveillance radar and a terminal radar.<ref>{{cite news|last=Janardhanan|first=Arun|title=Chennai ATC enjoys the navigation of entire South Indian skies|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=29 September 2011|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Chennai-ATC-enjoys-the-navigation-of-entire-South-Indian-skies/articleshow/10163937.cms|access-date=13 January 2012|archive-date=25 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325040341/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Chennai-ATC-enjoys-the-navigation-of-entire-South-Indian-skies/articleshow/10163937.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> As the airport controls one of the four flight information regions in the country, other radar systems in the region are integrated with the ATC at Chennai.<ref>{{cite news|last=Oppili|first=P.|title=Testing of new air traffic control technology begins|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/tamil-nadu/article2050300.ece|access-date=31 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527160158/http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/tamil-nadu/article2050300.ece|archive-date=27 May 2011}}</ref> In 2021, AAI announced plans to construct a new ATC complex at the airport.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/cities/chennai/story/aai-mulls-building-new-air-traffic-control-complex-at-chennai-airport-1887582-2021-12-14|title=AAI mulls building new air traffic control complex at Chennai airport|work=[[India Today]]|date=14 December 2021|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=15 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615064351/https://www.indiatoday.in/cities/chennai/story/aai-mulls-building-new-air-traffic-control-complex-at-chennai-airport-1887582-2021-12-14|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Other facilities ===
The old parking lot at the airport accommodated 1,200 cars.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sekar|first=Sunitha|title=Multi-level car park to be built at Chennai airport|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=15 June 2018|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/multi-level-car-park-to-be-built-at-chennai-airport/article24167331.ece|access-date=17 October 2018|archive-date=15 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215061851/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/multi-level-car-park-to-be-built-at-chennai-airport/article24167331.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2018, a six-level car park with a capacity to accommodate 2,237 cars was planned in front of the airport on a 4.25-acre plot.<ref>{{cite news|last=Simhan|first=T. E. Raja|title=50 companies evince interest in new multilevel car park at Chennai airport|newspaper=Business Line|date=3 January 2018|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/50-companies-evince-interest-in-new-multilevel-car-park-at-chennai-airport/article10010238.ece|access-date=17 October 2018|archive-date=12 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212163340/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/50-companies-evince-interest-in-new-multilevel-car-park-at-chennai-airport/article10010238.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> Construction began in March 2019, was completed in December 2021 and opened in 2022.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sekar|first=Sunitha|title=Multi-level parking facility soon at airport|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=13 March 2019|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/multi-level-parking-facility-soon-at-airport/article26515854.ece|access-date=1 May 2019|archive-date=28 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128081156/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/multi-level-parking-facility-soon-at-airport/article26515854.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Take off delayed for multi-level parking lot at Chennai airport|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=11 December 2021|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/take-off-delayed-for-multi-level-parking-lot-at-chennai-airport/article37934924.ece|access-date=9 January 2022|archive-date=9 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220109223530/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/take-off-delayed-for-multi-level-parking-lot-at-chennai-airport/article37934924.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Opening of Chennai airport's parking lot put off yet again|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|first=Sunitha|last=Sekar|date=29 May 2022|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/opening-of-chennai-airports-parking-lot-put-off-yet-again/article65473057.ece|access-date=10 June 2022|archive-date=10 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610041627/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/opening-of-chennai-airports-parking-lot-put-off-yet-again/article65473057.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition, a {{cvt|250000|ft2}} mall named Aerohub was built. The mall has a {{cvt|238100|ft2}} cinema multiplex and a {{cvt|35678|ft2}} 59-key transit hotel facility.<ref>{{cite news|last=Shivakumar|first=C.|title=Airport to house multiplex with multi-level car parking|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|date=7 September 2018|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2018/sep/07/airport-to-house-multiplex-with-multi-level-car-parking-1868685.html|access-date=17 October 2018|archive-date=17 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181017123905/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2018/sep/07/airport-to-house-multiplex-with-multi-level-car-parking-1868685.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Shivakumar|first=C.|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2021/Dec/07/trial-run-ofchennai-airports-much-awaitedcar-park-facility-likely-in-january-2392655.html|title=Trial run of Chennai airport's much-awaited car park facility likely in January|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=7 December 2021|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=15 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615113703/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2021/Dec/07/trial-run-ofchennai-airports-much-awaitedcar-park-facility-likely-in-january-2392655.html|url-status=live}}</ref> TajSATS, a joint-venture of the [[Indian Hotels Company]] and [[Singapore Airport Terminal Services|SATS]], provides in-flight catering at the airport.<ref>{{cite web|title=Company Profile|publisher=TajSATS Air Catering|url=http://www.tajsats.com/abt_profile.htm|access-date=5 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322022828/http://www.tajsats.com/abt_profile.htm|archive-date=22 March 2012}}</ref> It also manages the airport lounges.<ref>{{cite web|title=Airline Lounges|publisher=TajSATS Air Catering|url=http://www.tajsats.com/srv_services_lounges.htm|access-date=5 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207203238/http://tajsats.com/srv_services_lounges.htm|archive-date=7 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Taj Madras Flight Kitchen, a joint venture of the Indian Hotels, SATS and [[Malaysia Airlines]] which started in 1994, operates restaurants at the airport.<ref>{{cite web|title=Indian Hotels Company Ltd.—Company History|work=[[The Economic Times]]|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/indian-hotels-company-ltd/infocompanyhistory/companyid-13586.cms|access-date=5 January 2013|archive-date=10 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140510060834/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/indian-hotels-company-ltd/infocompanyhistory/companyid-13586.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Airport Restaurant|work=TajSATS Air Catering|url=http://www.tajsats.com/srv_services_restaurant.htm|access-date=5 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106185307/http://www.tajsats.com/srv_services_restaurant.htm|archive-date=6 January 2014}}</ref>

In 2008, a {{cvt|6503|m2}} maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) hangar was established at a cost of {{INRconvert|111.5|m}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/deccan-opens-first-hangar-in-chennai/story-mYWx4CCZCXSRR5gSHkhamN.html|title=Deccan opens first hangar in Chennai|newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]]|date=18 January 2008|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=15 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615113703/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/deccan-opens-first-hangar-in-chennai/story-mYWx4CCZCXSRR5gSHkhamN.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The facility can handle one large or two smaller aircraft and functions as a repair shop and assembly area. It is equipped with an engineering and training facility and an engineering maintenance conference room.<ref>{{cite news|title=Deccan opens MRO hangar at Chennai Airport|newspaper=India Aviation|publisher=Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation|date=22 January 2008|url=http://indiaaviation.aero/news/airline/6900/59/Deccan-opens-MRO-hangar-at-Chennai-Airport|access-date=7 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425231815/http://indiaaviation.aero/news/airline/6900/59/Deccan-opens-MRO-hangar-at-Chennai-Airport|archive-date=25 April 2012}}</ref> Fire and rescue services at the airport are provided by [[Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services]] in conjunction with AAI.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aai.aero/en/content/fire-services-0|title=Fire services|publisher=[[Airports Authority of India]]|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=2 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220502140052/https://www.aai.aero/en/content/fire-services-0|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chennai/remya-sreekantan-mother-of-a-two-year-old-is-chennai-airports-first-woman-firefighter-6121255/|title=Meet Remya Sreekantan, the first woman firefighter at Chennai's airport|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|date=23 November 2019|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=15 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615055529/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chennai/remya-sreekantan-mother-of-a-two-year-old-is-chennai-airports-first-woman-firefighter-6121255/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tnfrs.tn.gov.in/about-us/achievements/|title=Achievements of Fire services|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=29 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329040713/https://www.tnfrs.tn.gov.in/about-us/achievements/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Future plans ==
{{further|Chennai Parandur Airport}}
The existing airport is expected to reach saturation by 2035, with a peak capacity of 40 million passengers.<ref name="Parandur">{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/chennais-2nd-airport-may-come-up-on-3500-acres-near-mamandur/articleshow/68312148.cms|title=New Chennai Airport: Chennai's 2nd airport may come up on 3,500 acres near Mamandur|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=8 March 2019|access-date=12 August 2019|archive-date=27 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027165249/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/chennais-2nd-airport-may-come-up-on-3500-acres-near-mamandur/articleshow/68312148.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> Plans for a second, [[Greenfield project|greenfield]], airport for the city have been put forward since 2012;<ref>{{cite news|last=Oppili|first=P.|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/tamil-nadu/article2334267.ece|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|title=State government has to decide on second airport for Chennai: AAI|date=8 August 2011|access-date=11 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110911032508/http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/tamil-nadu/article2334267.ece|archive-date=11 September 2011}}</ref> In August 2022, the state government selected Parandur in Kanchipuram district as location for the [[Chennai Parandur Airport|new airport]] on {{cvt|4970|acre}} of land.<ref name="Parandur"/>

== Airlines and destinations ==
=== Passenger ===
<!-- Please use independent sources, not the airport or airline as they are not independent. -->
{{Airport-dest-list
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| {{nowrap|[[Air Arabia]]}} | [[Sharjah International Airport|Sharjah]]<ref>{{OAGWorldMay2025Ref|title=Sharjah, United Arab Emirates SHJ|pages=1056-1057}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.india.com/business/international-flights-air-arabia-to-operate-direct-flights-between-chennai-and-abu-dhabi-from-april-27-check-flight-schedule-covid-guidelines-air-travel-calicut-cochin-delhi-5334660/|title=Air Arabia to Operate Direct Flights Between Chennai And Abu Dhabi From April 27|work=India.com|date=12 April 2022|access-date=5 February 2022|archive-date=12 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412165334/https://www.india.com/business/international-flights-air-arabia-to-operate-direct-flights-between-chennai-and-abu-dhabi-from-april-27-check-flight-schedule-covid-guidelines-air-travel-calicut-cochin-delhi-5334660/|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| {{nowrap|[[Air Arabia Abu Dhabi]]}} | [[Zayed International Airport|Abu Dhabi]]<ref>{{OAGWorldMay2025Ref|title=Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates AUH|pages=13-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/220427-3lmay22in|title=Air Arabia Abu Dhabi further expands|work=Aeroroutes|access-date=27 April 2022|archive-date=11 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311202827/https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/220427-3lmay22in|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://travelbizmonitor.com/air-arabia-abu-dhabi-to-start-mumbai-operations-from-may-12/|title=Air Arabia Abu Dhabi to start Mumbai operations from May 12|date=29 April 2022|access-date=1 June 2024|work=Travel Biz monitor}}</ref>
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| [[Air India]] | [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Delhi]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.livechennai.com/detailnews.asp?newsid=70144&catid=2|title=Chennai-Delhi Air India Flight Delayed|date=17 February 2024|access-date=1 June 2024|work=Live Chennai|archive-date=20 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620121225/https://www.livechennai.com/detailnews.asp?newsid=70144&catid=2|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai–International]], [[Madurai Airport|Madurai]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.livechennai.com/detailnews.asp?catid=&newsid=36221|title=New flight services from Chennai to Trichy, Coimbatore, and Madurai|work=Live Chennai|date=23 August 2017|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=24 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824222506/http://www.livechennai.com/detailnews.asp?catid=&newsid=36221|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport|Mumbai]],<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/air-india-to-introduce-new-business-class-on-domestic-flights-from-july-1/article68307193.ece| title=Air India to introduce new business class on domestic flights from July 1|date=19 June 2024|access-date=19 June 2024|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> [[Changi Airport|Singapore]]<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.india.com/business/international-flights-latest-news-today-24th-march-2022-india-singapore-flights-news-air-india-flights-to-singapore-vaccinated-travel-lanes-booking-details-5300940/|title=Air India to Operate Flights to Singapore Under Vaccinated Travel Lanes, Bookings Begin From March 27|date=24 March 2022|access-date=1 June 2024|work=India.com|archive-date=19 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240619115017/https://www.india.com/business/international-flights-latest-news-today-24th-march-2022-india-singapore-flights-news-air-india-flights-to-singapore-vaccinated-travel-lanes-booking-details-5300940/|url-status=live}}</ref> 

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| [[Air India Express]] |  [[Kempegowda International Airport|Bengaluru]],<ref>{{cite tweet|user=AviationAll_|number=1766147739643990402|title=Air India Express to start 3rd Chennai - Bangalore eff 4APR2024|date=8 March 2024}}</ref> [[Hindon Airport|Ghaziabad]],<ref>{{cite news| url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/trichy/ai-express-to-launch-hindon-trichy-flight-via-chennai/articleshow/118224045.cms|title=Air India's Express milk-run, Trichy-Chennai-Hindon-Jammu}}</ref> [[Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport|Guwahati]],<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.flightradar24.com/data/flights/i52461|title=AIX Connect flight I52461|work=[[Flightradar24]]|access-date=19 June 2024|archive-date=19 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240619113347/https://www.flightradar24.com/data/flights/i52461|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Jaipur International Airport|Jaipur]], [[Jammu Airport|Jammu]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/as-chennai-flight-takes-off-hindon-linked-to-all-metros/articleshow/119352117.cms |title=As Chennai flight takes off, Hindon linked to all metros |date=22 March 2024|access-date=22 March 2024|newspaper=Times of India|archive-date=22 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250322230517/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/as-chennai-flight-takes-off-hindon-linked-to-all-metros/articleshow/119352117.cms/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Cochin International Airport|Kochi]], [[Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport|Kolkata]],<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.flightradar24.com/data/flights/ix1885|title=Air India Express flight IX1885|work=[[Flightradar24]]|access-date=19 June 2024|archive-date=19 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240619113344/https://www.flightradar24.com/data/flights/ix1885|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport|Lucknow]], [[Madurai Airport|Madurai]] (resumes 1 December 2025),<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/air-india-makes-a-strong-comeback-to-madurai-with-new-direct-flights-to-new-delhi-and-chennai-starting-december-offering-enhanced-connectivity-and-more-travel-options-for-passengers/|title=Air India Express resumes flights to Madurai}}</ref> [[Mangalore International Airport|Mangaluru]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Air India Express Adds Chennai-Mangalore|work=The Hindu |date=27 March 2025 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/air-india-express-to-connect-mangaluru-with-hyderabad-chennai-from-april/article69382003.ece|publisher=thehindu|access-date=5 April 2025}}</ref> [[Veer Savarkar International Airport|Port Blair]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/airlines-aviation-direct-flights-from-port-blair-air-india-express-launches-daily-direct-flights-from-sri-vijaya-puram-to-bengaluru-and-kolkata-3681356/|title=Direct flights from Port Blair! Air India Express launches daily direct flights from Sri Vijaya Puram to Bengaluru and Kolkata|date=1 December 2024|access-date=1 December 2024|work=[[Financial Express (India)|Financial Express]]}}</ref> [[Pune Airport|Pune]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://punemirror.com/pune/others/air-india-express-introduces-daily-chennai-pune-service-beginning-november-1-2024/cid1728385679.htm|title=Air India Express Introduces Daily Chennai-Pune Service Beginning November 1, 2024|work=Pune Mirror|date=8 October 2024|access-date=1 December 2024}}</ref> [[Bagdogra Airport|Siliguri]],<ref name="IX1883">{{cite web| url=https://www.flightradar24.com/data/flights/ix1883|title=Air India Express flight IX1883|work=[[Flightradar24]]|access-date=19 June 2024|archive-date=20 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620121811/https://www.flightradar24.com/data/flights/ix1883|url-status=live}}</ref>{{bcn|date=October 2025}} [[Surat Airport|Surat]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/travel/destinations/air-india-express-to-start-direct-flights-from-pune-and-surat-to-bangkok-19515805.htm|title=Air India Express to start direct flights from Pune and Surat to Bangkok|date=27 November 2024|access-date=1 December 2024|work=CNBC TV18}}</ref> [[Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport|Varanasi]]<ref name="IX25">{{cite web |title=Air India Express NS25 Domestic Network Additions – 16MAR25 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250317-ixns25dom |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=17 March 2025}}</ref>
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| {{nowrap|[[Air Mauritius]]}} | [[Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport|Mauritius]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/air-mauritius-resumes-widebody-flights-to-chennai/article68061790.ece|title=Air Mauritius resumes wide body flights to Chennai|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=14 April 2024|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=15 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615141748/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/air-mauritius-resumes-widebody-flights-to-chennai/article68061790.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| {{nowrap|[[AirAsia]]}} | [[Kuala Lumpur International Airport|Kuala Lumpur–International]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/airasia-expanding-in-tier-ii-cities-of-india/article67891779.ece|title=AirAsia expanding in tier-II cities of India|date=27 February 2024|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[Business Line]]|archive-date=15 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615141748/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/airasia-expanding-in-tier-ii-cities-of-india/article67891779.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[Akasa Air]] | [[Abu Dhabi International Airport|Abu Dhabi]],<ref>{{cite tweet|user=UpdatesChennai|number=1938487276344119409|title=Akasa Air to launch 6x weekly Chennai - Abu Dhabi flights effective 1st September. Bookings are open on Codeshare partner Etihad's website...|date=27 June 2025}}</ref> [[Kempegowda International Airport| Bengaluru]], [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport|Mumbai]], [[Veer Savarkar International Airport|Port Blair]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://blog.wego.com/akasa-air-to-fly-to-port-blair-from-chennai-and-bengaluru-in-december-news/|title=Akasa Air to Fly to Port Blair From Chennai and Bengaluru in December|date=22 November 2023|access-date=1 December 2023|work=Wego|archive-date=24 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224071741/https://blog.wego.com/akasa-air-to-fly-to-port-blair-from-chennai-and-bengaluru-in-december-news/|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[Alliance Air (India)|Alliance Air]] | [[Rajiv Gandhi International Airport|Hyderabad]]<ref name="Alliance">{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/alliance-air-commences-daily-flights-between-chennai-jaffna/articleshow/101816494.cms?from=mdr|title=Alliance Air commences daily flights between Chennai & Jaffna|date=17 July 2023|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|archive-date=15 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615143427/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/alliance-air-commences-daily-flights-between-chennai-jaffna/articleshow/101816494.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[Biman Bangladesh Airlines]] | [[Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport|Dhaka]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/foreign-affairs/331265/biman-to-start-dhaka-chennai-direct-flight-from|title=Biman to start Dhaka-Chennai direct flight from December 16|newspaper=[[Dhaka Tribune]]|date=16 November 2023|access-date=17 November 2023|archive-date=17 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117061551/https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/foreign-affairs/331265/biman-to-start-dhaka-chennai-direct-flight-from|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[British Airways]] | [[Heathrow Airport|London–Heathrow]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2021/09/02/british-airways-resumes-flights-between-chennai-and-london/|title=British Airways resumes flights between Chennai and London|work=Business Traveller India|date=2 September 2021|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=4 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404140747/https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2021/09/02/british-airways-resumes-flights-between-chennai-and-london/|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[Cathay Pacific]] | [[Hong Kong International Airport|Hong Kong]]<ref>{{OAGWorldAug2025Ref|title=Hong Kong (SAR) China HKG|pages=543-547}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Cathay Pacific resumes direct flights between Chennai and Hong Kong|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/cathay-pacific-resumes-direct-flights-between-chennai-and-hong-kong/article67805280.ece|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=3 February 2024|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=15 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615141748/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/cathay-pacific-resumes-direct-flights-between-chennai-and-hong-kong/article67805280.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[Emirates (airline)|Emirates]] | [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai–International]]<ref>{{OAGWorldMay2025Ref|title=Dubai, United Arab Emirates DXB|pages=337-343}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/visit/dubai-based-emirates-rolls-out-pre-approved-visa-on-arrival-for-select-indian-passport-holders/articleshow/107331504.cms?from=mdr|title=These Indian travellers can get visas on arrival in the UAE|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=2 February 2024|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=15 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615141748/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/visit/dubai-based-emirates-rolls-out-pre-approved-visa-on-arrival-for-select-indian-passport-holders/articleshow/107331504.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[Ethiopian Airlines]] | [[Addis Ababa Bole International Airport|Addis Ababa]]<ref>{{OAGWorldMay2025Ref|title=Addis Ababa, Ethiopia ADD|pages=17-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Phadnis|first1=Aneesh|title=Ethiopian Airlines to boost India flights, eyes higher traffic from BRICS|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/ethiopian-airlines-to-boost-india-flights-eyes-higher-traffic-from-brics-122042900245_1.html|access-date=2 May 2022|newspaper=[[Business Standard]]|location=India|date=29 April 2022|archive-date=18 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118232041/https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/ethiopian-airlines-to-boost-india-flights-eyes-higher-traffic-from-brics-122042900245_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
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|{{nowrap|[[Etihad Airways]]}}|[[Abu Dhabi International Airport|Abu Dhabi]]<ref>{{OAGWorldAug2025Ref|title=Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates AUH|pages=14-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.india.com/travel/articles/international-flights-latest-news-today-6-august-2021-etihad-airways-announces-flight-schedule-from-chennai-kochi-bengaluru-trivandrum-new-delhi-to-start-operation-from-tomorrow-air-travel-latest-4870201|title=Etihad Airways announces services From 5 Indian Cities|date=7 August 2021|access-date=1 June 2024|work=India.com|archive-date=4 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404154451/https://www.india.com/travel/articles/international-flights-latest-news-today-6-august-2021-etihad-airways-announces-flight-schedule-from-chennai-kochi-bengaluru-trivandrum-new-delhi-to-start-operation-from-tomorrow-air-travel-latest-4870201/|url-status=live}}</ref>
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|[[FitsAir]]|[[Bandaranaike International Airport|Colombo–Bandaranaike]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Sri Lanka's FitsAir launches Colombo-Chennai flight|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/sri-lankas-fitsair-launches-colombo-chennai-flight/article66531910.ece/|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=21 February 2023|access-date=22 February 2023|archive-date=22 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230222060335/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/sri-lankas-fitsair-launches-colombo-chennai-flight/article66531910.ece/amp/|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| {{nowrap|[[Gulf Air]]}} | [[Bahrain International Airport|Bahrain]]<ref>{{OAGWorldMay2025Ref|title=Bahrain, Bahrain BAH|pages=88-90}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/gulf-air-to-operate-daily-flights-to-thiruvananthapuram/articleshow/45190426.cms?from=mdr|title=Gulf Air to operate daily flights to Thiruvananthapuram|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=18 November 2014|access-date=26 March 2022|archive-date=15 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615141750/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/gulf-air-to-operate-daily-flights-to-thiruvananthapuram/articleshow/45190426.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[IndiGo]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.goindigo.in/information/route-map.html|title=Schedule|work=[[IndiGo]]|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=31 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031132201/https://www.goindigo.in/information/route-map.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://info.flightmapper.net/airline/6E/MAA|title=IndiGo flights from MAA|work=Flightmapper|access-date=19 June 2024|archive-date=20 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620121636/https://info.flightmapper.net/airline/6E/MAA|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flightradar24.com/data/airlines/6e-igo/routes|title=IndiGo departures from MAA|work=[[Flightradar24]]|access-date=19 June 2024|archive-date=3 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103174559/https://www.flightradar24.com/data/airlines/6e-igo/routes|url-status=live}}</ref> | [[Abu Dhabi International Airport|Abu Dhabi]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230210-6eme|title=Indigo NS23 Middle East Network Additions|work=Aeroroutes|access-date=10 February 2023|archive-date=10 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210064336/https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230210-6eme|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport|Agartala]], [[Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport|Ahmedabad]], [[Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport|Amritsar]], [[Suvarnabhumi Airport|Bangkok–Suvarnabhumi]],<ref>{{cite news|title=IndiGo to resume Chennai-Bangkok operations|url=https://www.uniindia.com/indigo-to-resume-chennai-bangkok-operations-launch-direct-flights-to-durgapur/south/news/3182958.html|work=United News of India|date=19 April 2024|access-date=23 April 2024|archive-date=23 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423102105/https://www.uniindia.com/indigo-to-resume-chennai-bangkok-operations-launch-direct-flights-to-durgapur/south/news/3182958.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Kempegowda International Airport|Bengaluru]], [[Biju Patnaik Airport|Bhubaneswar]], [[Chandigarh Airport|Chandigarh]], [[Coimbatore International Airport|Coimbatore]], [[Bandaranaike International Airport|Colombo–Bandaranaike]], [[Jolly Grant Airport|Dehradun]], [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Delhi]], [[Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport|Dhaka]], [[Hamad International Airport|Doha]], [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai–International]], [[Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport|Durgapur]],<ref>{{cite news|title=IndiGo to launch direct flight connectivity from Chennai to Durgapur from May 16| url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/business/indigo-to-launch-direct-flight-connectivity-from-chennai-to-durgapur-from-may-16/cid/2014416|work=[[The Telegraph (Kolkata)|The Telegraph]]|date=19 April 2024|access-date=22 April 2024|archive-date=22 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422072617/https://www.telegraphindia.com/business/indigo-to-launch-direct-flight-connectivity-from-chennai-to-durgapur-from-may-16/cid/2014416|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Hindon Airport|Ghaziabad]],<ref>{{cite news| url=https://orissadiary.com/indigo-adds-a-new-gateway-to-delhi-ncr-launches-direct-flights-from-hindon-to-8-cities-across-india/|title=Indigo to launch 93rd domestic destination to Hindon}}</ref> [[Dabolim Airport|Goa–Dabolim]], [[Manohar International Airport|Goa–Mopa]],<ref name="auto">{{cite news| url=https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/03/12/indigo-summer-2025-network-adjustments/|title=Indigo 2025 Summer Schedule}}</ref> [[Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport|Guwahati]], [[Rajiv Gandhi International Airport|Hyderabad]], [[Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport|Indore]], [[Jaffna International Airport|Jaffna]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://networkthoughts.com/2024/08/01/indigos-turboprop-will-go-international-with-flights-to-jaffna/|title=Indigo to start daily flight services between Chennai and Jaffna from 1 September 2024|date=1 August 2024|access-date=1 August 2024|work=Network Thoughts|archive-date=4 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004121808/https://networkthoughts.com/2024/08/01/indigos-turboprop-will-go-international-with-flights-to-jaffna/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Jaipur International Airport|Jaipur]], [[Jammu Airport|Jammu]], [[Kadapa Airport|Kadapa]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/andhra-pradesh/indigo-to-start-flight-services-from-kadapa-to-vijayawada-and-chennai-from-march-27-727323|title=Indigo to start flight services from Kadapa to Vijayawada and Chennai from March 27|access-date=23 February 2022|work=[[Hans India]]|archive-date=18 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218100653/https://www.thehansindia.com/amp/andhra-pradesh/indigo-to-start-flight-services-from-kadapa-to-vijayawada-and-chennai-from-march-27-727323|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Kannur International Airport|Kannur]], [[Kanpur Airport|Kanpur]], [[Cochin International Airport|Kochi]], [[Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport|Kolkata]], [[Calicut International Airport|Kozhikode]], [[Kuala Lumpur International Airport|Kuala Lumpur–International]], [[Kuwait International Airport|Kuwait City]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/03/12/indigo-summer-2025-network-adjustments/|title=IndiGo summer 2025 network adjustments|work=Aviationa2z|date=12 March 2025 |access-date=1 July 2025}}</ref> [[Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport|Lucknow]], [[Madurai Airport|Madurai]], [[Mangalore International Airport|Mangaluru]], [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport|Mumbai]], [[Muscat International Airport|Muscat]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Indigo Adds Muscat – Chennai route| date=14 May 2025| url=https://www.thearabianstories.com/2025/05/14/indigo-to-launch-direct-flights-from-chennai-to-muscat/|publisher=The Arabian Stories|access-date=15 May 2025}}</ref> [[Mysore Airport|Mysore]], [[Jay Prakash Narayan Airport|Patna]], [[Penang International Airport|Penang]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/241120-6edec24pen |title=IndiGo Adds Chennai - Penang Service from late-Dec 2024 |website=AeroRoutes |access-date=20 November 2024}}</ref> [[Veer Savarkar International Airport|Port Blair]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.traveltrendstoday.in/indigo-announces-launch-of-28-new-flights/|title=IndiGo Announces Launch of 28 New Flights|date=19 January 2023|access-date=1 June 2024|work=Travel trends}}</ref> [[Pune Airport|Pune]], [[Swami Vivekananda International Airport|Raipur]], [[Rajahmundry Airport|Rajahmundry]], [[Birsa Munda Airport|Ranchi]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.jagran.com/jharkhand/ranchi-birsa-munda-airport-news-air-services-starting-from-ranchi-to-chennai-from-18-november-21065493.html|title=Air services starting from Ranchi to Chennai|newspaper=[[Dainik Jagran]]|date=18 November 2020|access-date=6 January 2021|archive-date=4 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204135618/https://www.jagran.com/jharkhand/ranchi-birsa-munda-airport-news-air-services-starting-from-ranchi-to-chennai-from-18-november-21065493.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Salem Airport (India)|Salem]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Sengupta|first=Joy|title=IndiGo commences operations from Salem|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/indigo-commences-operations-from-salem/articleshow/104827375.cms|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=30 October 2023|access-date=30 October 2023|archive-date=30 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030132445/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/indigo-commences-operations-from-salem/articleshow/104827375.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Shirdi Airport|Shirdi]], [[Bagdogra Airport|Siliguri]], [[Changi Airport|Singapore]], [[Surat Airport|Surat]], [[Thiruvananthapuram International Airport|Thiruvananthapuram]], [[Tiruchirappalli International Airport|Tiruchirappalli]], [[Tuticorin Airport|Tuticorin]], [[Vadodara Airport|Vadodara]], [[Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport|Varanasi]], [[Vijayawada Airport|Vijayawada]], [[Visakhapatnam Airport|Visakhapatnam]]
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| {{nowrap|[[Jazeera Airways]]}} | [[Kuwait International Airport|Kuwait City]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://goachronicle.com/jazeera-airways-completes-one-year-operations-to-chennai/|title=Jazeera Airways completes one year operations to Chennai|date=3 November 2022|access-date=1 June 2024|work=[[Goa Chronicle]]|archive-date=16 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616062915/https://goachronicle.com/jazeera-airways-completes-one-year-operations-to-chennai/|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[Kuwait Airways]] | [[Kuwait International Airport|Kuwait City]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/life/travel-tourism/kuwait-airways-to-start-operations-to-ahmedabad-and-bangalore-2/30802/|title=Kuwait Airways to start operations to Ahmedabad and Bangalore|date=26 January 2015|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[Financial Express (India)|The Financial Express]]|archive-date=15 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615142054/https://www.financialexpress.com/life/travel-tourism/kuwait-airways-to-start-operations-to-ahmedabad-and-bangalore-2/30802/|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[Lufthansa]] | [[Frankfurt Airport|Frankfurt]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/airlines-aviation-lufthansa-to-increase-flight-frequency-from-india-3348131/|title=Lufthansa to increase flight frequency from India|newspaper=[[Financial Express (India)|The Financial Express]]|date=27 December 2023|access-date=23 March 2024|archive-date=3 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103195804/https://www.financialexpress.com/business/airlines-aviation-lufthansa-to-increase-flight-frequency-from-india-3348131/|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[Malaysia Airlines]] | [[Kuala Lumpur International Airport|Kuala Lumpur–International]]<ref>{{cite news|last1=Karp|first1=Aaron|title=Malaysia Airlines Reboots International Network|url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/29/breaking-news/297780/malaysia-airlines-reboots-international-network/|work=Routesonline|access-date=23 March 2022|archive-date=27 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327163555/https://www.routesonline.com/news/29/breaking-news/297780/malaysia-airlines-reboots-international-network/|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| {{nowrap|[[Myanmar Airways International]]}} | [[Yangon International Airport|Yangon]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/myanmar-airways-international-to-commence-chennai-yangon-direct-flight-from-may-6/article66702249.ece|title=Myanmar Airways International to commence Chennai-Yangon direct flight service from May 6|newspaper=[[Business Line]]|date=5 April 2023|access-date=13 April 2023|archive-date=13 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413041027/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/myanmar-airways-international-to-commence-chennai-yangon-direct-flight-from-may-6/article66702249.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[Oman Air]] | [[Muscat International Airport|Muscat]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofoman.com/article/144148-oman-air-launches-new-schedule-for-summer-2024|title=Oman Air launches new schedule for summer 2024|newspaper=[[Times of Oman]]|date=8 April 2024|access-date=1 May 2024|archive-date=18 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418175137/https://timesofoman.com/article/144148-oman-air-launches-new-schedule-for-summer-2024|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[Qatar Airways]] | [[Hamad International Airport|Doha]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.news18.com/news/auto/technical-glitch-detected-in-qatar-airways-chennai-doha-flight-on-runway-passengers-safe-6517447.html|title=Technical Glitch Detected in Qatar Airways Chennai-Doha Flight on Runway; Passengers Safe|date=2 December 2022|work=[[News18]]|access-date=7 December 2023|archive-date=15 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615141747/https://www.news18.com/news/auto/technical-glitch-detected-in-qatar-airways-chennai-doha-flight-on-runway-passengers-safe-6517447.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[Royal Brunei Airlines]] | [[Brunei International Airport|Bandar Seri Begawan]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Royal Brunei Schedules Chennai Nov 2024 Launch|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240826-binw24in|work=Aeroroutes|access-date=26 August 2024|archive-date=26 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240826150604/https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240826-binw24in|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=RB commence first flight to Chennai, India on 5th November 2024|url=https://www.flyroyalbrunei.com/brunei/en/rb-commence-first-flight-to-chennai-india-on-5th-november-2024/|work=[[Royal Brunei Airlines]]|access-date=1 September 2024|date=26 August 2024|archive-date=4 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004121908/https://www.flyroyalbrunei.com/brunei/en/rb-commence-first-flight-to-chennai-india-on-5th-november-2024/|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[SalamAir]] | [[Muscat International Airport|Muscat]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240621-ovjul24maa|title=Salamair schedules Chennai launch|work=Aeroroutes|date=21 June 2024|access-date=21 June 2024|archive-date=21 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240621055809/https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240621-ovjul24maa|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[Scoot]] | [[Changi Airport|Singapore]]<ref name="OAG">{{OAGWorldAug2025Ref|title=Singapore, Singapore SIN|pages=1214-1219}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Yadav|first=Paras|title=Singapore Airlines to Restructure Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad Flights from Oct 29|url=https://www.news18.com/auto/singapore-airlines-to-restructure-bengaluru-chennai-hyderabad-flights-from-oct-29-8444281.html|work=[[News18]]|date=27 July 2023|access-date=28 July 2023|archive-date=28 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728043728/https://www.news18.com/auto/singapore-airlines-to-restructure-bengaluru-chennai-hyderabad-flights-from-oct-29-8444281.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| {{nowrap|[[Singapore Airlines]]}} | [[Changi Airport|Singapore]]<ref name="OAG" /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/singapore-airlines-to-redeploy-airbus-a380-superjumbo-to-india-from-january-351467|title=Singapore Airlines to redeploy Airbus A380 Superjumbo to India from January|work=[[The Tribune (India)|The Tribune]]|date=17 December 2021|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=17 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230517164216/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/singapore-airlines-to-redeploy-airbus-a380-superjumbo-to-india-from-january-351467|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[SpiceJet]] | [[Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport|Ahmedabad]] (resumes 27 November 2025), [[Kempegowda International Airport|Bengaluru]],<ref>{{cite tweet| user=AviationAll_| number=1981354629209477304| title=SpiceJet to resume Bengaluru - Chennai eff 8NOV2025|date=23 October 2025}}</ref> [[Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport|Guwahati]], [[Rajiv Gandhi International Airport|Hyderabad]],<ref name="auto1">{{cite news| url=https://www.business-standard.com/markets/capital-market-news/spicejet-launches-new-udan-flights-connecting-shivamogga-with-chennai-and-hyderabad-124101000757_1.html| title=SpiceJet launches new UDAN flights connecting Shivamogga with Chennai and Hyderabad}}</ref> [[Cochin International Airport|Kochi]],{{cn|date=April 2025}}  [[Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport|Kolkata]], [[Madurai Airport|Madurai]],{{cn|date=April 2025}} [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport|Mumbai]], [[Jay Prakash Narayan Airport|Patna]], [[Veer Savarkar International Airport|Port Blair]] (resumes 27 November 2025), [[Pune Airport|Pune]],<ref>{{cite news| url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/spicejet-adds-24-new-flights-connecting-more-cities-for-travellers-this-summer/articleshow/119524105.cms?from=mdr|title=Spicejet domestic expansion}}</ref> [[Shivamogga Airport|Shimoga]],<ref name="auto1"/> [[Shirdi Airport|Shirdi]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/indigo-to-start-new-flights-to-shirdi-tickets-from-rs-2-112-11580442572258.html|title=IndiGo to start new flights to Shirdi|date=19 January 2020|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[Live Mint]]|archive-date=19 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240619121113/https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/indigo-to-start-new-flights-to-shirdi-tickets-from-rs-2-112-11580442572258.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Tuticorin Airport|Tuticorin]]<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/spicejet-adds-24-new-flights-connecting-more-cities-for-travellers-this-summer/articleshow/119524105.cms?from=mdr|title=SpiceJet adds 24 new flights, connecting more cities for travellers this summer|work=The Economic Times |date=27 March 2025|via=The Economic Times - The Times of India}}</ref>
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| [[SriLankan Airlines]] | [[Bandaranaike International Airport|Colombo–Bandaranaike]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/business/india-is-a-massive-opportunity-for-us-srilankan-airlines-ceo/article67737767.ece|title=India is a massive opportunity for us: SriLankan Airlines CEO|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=14 January 2024|access-date=2 February 2024|archive-date=19 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119053938/https://www.thehindu.com/business/india-is-a-massive-opportunity-for-us-srilankan-airlines-ceo/article67737767.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| {{nowrap|[[Thai AirAsia]]}} | [[Don Mueang International Airport|Bangkok–Don Mueang]],<ref name="OAG2">{{OAGWorldAug2025Ref|title=Bangkok, Thailand BKK|pages=109-113}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|url=https://newsroom.airasia.com/news/airasia-resuming-flights-to-7-countries-on-18-routes-this-april-fly-easy-with-no-quarantine-needed|title=AirAsia Resumes Flights to Seven Countries on 18 Routes this April! Fly Easy with No Quarantine|date=14 March 2022|access-date=26 March 2022|work=[[Air Asia]]|archive-date=18 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018065647/https://newsroom.airasia.com/news/airasia-resuming-flights-to-7-countries-on-18-routes-this-april-fly-easy-with-no-quarantine-needed|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Phuket International Airport|Phuket]]<ref>{{cite press release| url=https://newsroom.airasia.com/news/airasia-now-flies-direct-from-phuket-to-chennai-kolkata|title=Thai AirAsia begins Direct flight connection between Chennai and Phuket from 27 October 2024|work=[[Air Asia]]|access-date=29 July 2024|date=29 July 2024|archive-date=4 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004121808/https://newsroom.airasia.com/news/airasia-now-flies-direct-from-phuket-to-chennai-kolkata#gsc.tab=0|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| {{nowrap|[[Thai Airways International]]}} | [[Suvarnabhumi Airport|Bangkok–Suvarnabhumi]]<ref name="OAG2" /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2197755/thai-airways-to-resume-international-services|title=Thai Airways to resume international services|newspaper=[[Bangkok Post]]|date=14 October 2021|access-date=16 October 2021|archive-date=27 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627180126/https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2197755/thai-airways-to-resume-international-services|url-status=live |last1=Wancharoen |first1=Supoj }}</ref>
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| {{nowrap|[[Thai Lion Air]]}} | [[Don Mueang International Airport|Bangkok–Don Mueang]]<ref name="OAG2" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livechennai.com/detailnews.asp?newsid=72901|title=Live Chennai: Thai Lion Air to Launch Direct Flights Between Chennai and Bangkok from December 15 ,Thai Lion Air to Launch Direct Flights Between Chennai and Bangkok from December 15, Thai Lion Air Chennai Bangkok Flights, Direct Flights Chennai Bangkok, Bangkok to Chennai Flights, Chennai to Bangkok Flights|website=www.livechennai.com}}</ref>
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| {{nowrap|[[US-Bangla Airlines]]}} | [[Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport|Dhaka]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/nrb/departure-arrival/airlines-more/news/us-bangla-increase-flights-dhaka-chennai-dhaka-male-routes-2978381|title=US-Bangla to increase flights on Dhaka-Chennai, Dhaka-Male routes|date=8 March 2022|access-date=1 June 2024|work=[[The Daily Star (Bangladesh)|The Daily Star]]|archive-date=17 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230617170808/https://www.thedailystar.net/nrb/departure-arrival/airlines-more/news/us-bangla-increase-flights-dhaka-chennai-dhaka-male-routes-2978381|url-status=live}}</ref>
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}}

=== Cargo ===
{{Airport-dest-list
|{{nowrap|[[Afcom Holdings|Afcom Cargo]]}}|[[Suvarnabhumi Airport|Bangkok–Suvarnabhumi]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.itln.in/aviation/afcom-holdings-to-begin-commercial-operations-1354143|title=Afcom Holdings to begin commercial operations|date=2 January 2025|access-date=2 January 2025|work=Indian Transport and Logistics News}}</ref>
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| [[Blue Dart Aviation]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbesindia.com/article/explainers/airlines-in-india/88047/1|title=Airlines in India|work=[[Forbes]]|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=6 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240306115948/https://www.forbesindia.com/article/explainers/airlines-in-india/88047/1|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://info.flightmapper.net/airline/BDA/MAA|title=Bluedart Chennai|publisher=Flightmapper|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=4 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004122309/http://info.flightmapper.net/airline/BDA/MAA|url-status=live}}</ref> | [[Ahmedabad International Airport|Ahmedabad]], [[Kempegowda International Airport|Bengaluru]], [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Delhi]], [[Rajiv Gandhi International Airport|Hyderabad]], [[Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport|Kolkata]], [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport|Mumbai]]
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| [[Cathay Pacific|Cathay Cargo]] | [[Hong Kong International Airport|Hong Kong]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/travel/cathay-pacific-cargo-on-indian-aviation-opportunities-challenges-19078021.htm|title=Indian market has more opportunities than challenges: Cathay Cargo|date=19 February 2024|access-date=1 June 2024|work=CNBC TV18|archive-date=20 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620121557/https://www.cnbctv18.com/travel/cathay-pacific-cargo-on-indian-aviation-opportunities-challenges-19078021.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[Ethiopian Airlines|Ethiopian Airlines Cargo]] | [[Addis Ababa Bole International Airport|Addis Ababa]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.aircargonews.net/airlines/ethiopian-grows-freighter-network-in-india/|title=Ethiopian grows freighter network in India|work=Air Cargo News|date=10 May 2024|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=20 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620121557/https://www.aircargonews.net/airlines/ethiopian-grows-freighter-network-in-india/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Hong Kong International Airport|Hong Kong]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ethiopiancargo.azurewebsites.net/network/route-map|title=Route map|publisher=[[Ethiopian Airlines|Ethiopian Cargo]]|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=30 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930204312/https://ethiopiancargo.azurewebsites.net/network/route-map|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[Etihad Cargo]] | [[Abu Dhabi International Airport|Abu Dhabi]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.stattimes.com/air-cargo/etihad-cargo-adds-capacity-for-europe-asia-1349624|title=Etihad Cargo adds capacity for Europe, Asia|work=Stat Times|date=1 September 2023|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=11 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240211143624/https://www.stattimes.com/air-cargo/etihad-cargo-adds-capacity-for-europe-asia-1349624|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Shanghai Pudong International Airport|Shanghai–Pudong]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aviationsourcenews.com/airline/etihad-cargo-expands-operations-in-china-and-india-with-shanghai-chennai-direct/|title=Etihad Cargo expands operations in China and India with Shanghai-Chennai direct|work=Aviation Source News|date=7 December 2022|access-date=7 December 2022|archive-date=1 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401105815/https://aviationsourcenews.com/airline/etihad-cargo-expands-operations-in-china-and-india-with-shanghai-chennai-direct/}}</ref>
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| [[Emirates SkyCargo]] | [[Al Maktoum International Airport|Dubai–Al Maktoum]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/emirates-skycargo-to-expand-operations-in-india/article67849739.ece|title=Emirates SkyCargo to expand operations in India|date=15 February 2024|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=Business Line|archive-date=15 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615132926/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/emirates-skycargo-to-expand-operations-in-india/article67849739.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[Hong Kong Airlines|Hong Kong Air Cargo]] | [[Hong Kong International Airport|Hong Kong]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://indiashippingnews.com/hong-kong-air-cargo-announces-e-commerce-route-to-riyadh/|title=Hong Kong Air Cargo announces e-commerce route|date=5 March 2024|access-date=1 June 2024|work=India Shipping News|archive-date=15 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615123758/https://indiashippingnews.com/hong-kong-air-cargo-announces-e-commerce-route-to-riyadh/|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[K-Mile Air]] | [[Suvarnabhumi Airport|Bangkok–Suvarnabhumi]]
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|[[Longhao Airlines]]|[[Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport|Zhengzhou]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flightradar24.com/data/flights/gi4388|title=Aircraft data GI-4388|work=[[Flightradar24]]|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=4 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004122310/https://www.flightradar24.com/data/flights/gi4388|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[Lufthansa Cargo]] | [[Al Maktoum International Airport|Dubai–Al Maktoum]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://info.flightmapper.net/airline/LH/MAA|title=Lufthansa Chennai|publisher=Flightmapper|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=15 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615132923/https://info.flightmapper.net/airline/LH/MAA|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Frankfurt Airport|Frankfurt]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.logisticsinsider.in/lufthansa-cargo-reinforcing-its-commitment-to-the-indian-market/|title=Lufthansa cargo reinforcing its commitment to Indian market|date=28 June 2023|access-date=1 June 2024|work=Logistics Insider|archive-date=3 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230703125708/https://www.logisticsinsider.in/lufthansa-cargo-reinforcing-its-commitment-to-the-indian-market/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Hong Kong International Airport|Hong Kong]]<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.lufthansa-cargo.com/documents/20184/1559830/LHcargo_FlightSchedule.xlsx|title=Flight schedule|publisher=[[Lufthansa Cargo]]|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=26 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026084133/https://www.lufthansa-cargo.com/documents/20184/1559830/LHcargo_FlightSchedule.xlsx|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[MASkargo]] | [[Kuala Lumpur International Airport|Kuala Lumpur–International]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.aircargonews.net/airlines/freighter-operator/maskargo-adds-bangalore-a330-freighter-link/|title=MASkargo adds Bangalore A330 freighter link|date=28 May 2015|access-date=1 June 2024|work=Air Cargo News|archive-date=15 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615123756/https://www.aircargonews.net/airlines/freighter-operator/maskargo-adds-bangalore-a330-freighter-link/|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[Oman Air|Oman Air Cargo]] | [[Muscat International Airport|Muscat]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/a4o-bu|title=Aircraft data A4O-BU|work=[[Flightradar24]]|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=20 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620122100/https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/a4o-bu|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[Qatar Airways|Qatar Airways Cargo]] | [[Hamad International Airport|Doha]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.stattimes.com/air-cargo/qatar-airways-cargo-celebrates-20-years-of-operations-1349855|title=Qatar Airways Cargo celebrates 20 years of operations|work=Stat Times|date=23 September 2023|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=20 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620122236/https://www.stattimes.com/air-cargo/qatar-airways-cargo-celebrates-20-years-of-operations-1349855|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[SF Airlines]] | [[Changsha Huanghua International Airport|Changsha]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://info.flightmapper.net/route/SF_Airlines_O3_MAA_CSX|title=SF Airlines flights from Chennai (MAA) to Changsha (CSX)|publisher=Flightmapper|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=20 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620122101/https://info.flightmapper.net/route/SF_Airlines_O3_MAA_CSX|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Chengdu Tianfu International Airport|Chengdu–Tianfu]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/334077.html|title=China's SF Airlines launches Chengdu-Mumbai air cargo route|date=16 May 2023|access-date=1 June 2024|work=Silk Road Database|archive-date=20 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620122105/https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/334077.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Ezhou Huahu Airport|Ezhou]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Kulisch|first=Eric|title=Etihad Airways, SF Airlines mutually assist cargo network expansions|url=https://www.freightwaves.com/news/etihad-airways-sf-airlines-mutually-assist-cargo-network-expansions|work=Freight Waves|date=1 May 2023|access-date=5 July 2023}}</ref> [[Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport|Shenzhen]]<ref>{{cite press release|title=SF Airlines Opens an International Air Cargo Line from Shenzhen to Chennai|url=https://www.sf-airlines.com/sfa/en/article_2010.html|work=[[SF Airlines]]|date=5 August 2018|access-date=5 July 2023|archive-date=8 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708065951/https://www.sf-airlines.com/sfa/en/article_2010.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[Sichuan Airlines|Sichuan Airlines Cargo]] | [[Chengdu Tianfu International Airport|Chengdu–Tianfu]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Big relief for import-dependent Indian pharma as Sichuan Airlines resumes cargo services|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/economy-politics/story/big-relief-for-import-dependent-india-pharma-as-sichuan-airlines-resumes-cargo-services-295634-2021-05-12|newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]]|date=12 May 2021|access-date=8 July 2023|archive-date=7 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007031147/https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/economy-politics/story/big-relief-for-import-dependent-india-pharma-as-sichuan-airlines-resumes-cargo-services-295634-2021-05-12|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[Singapore Airlines|Singapore Airlines Cargo]] | [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol|Amsterdam]],<ref name="MM">{{cite news|url=https://mainlymiles.com/2020/07/23/analysis-singapore-airlines-cargo-only-flights-using-passenger-aircraft-in-july/|title=Singapore Airlines cargo-only flights using passenger aircraft in July|date=23 July 2020|access-date=1 June 2024|work=Mainly miles|archive-date=20 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620122140/https://mainlymiles.com/2020/07/23/analysis-singapore-airlines-cargo-only-flights-using-passenger-aircraft-in-july/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Sharjah International Airport|Sharjah]],<ref name="MM"/> [[Changi Airport|Singapore]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.siacargo.com/network/|title=Network|publisher=SIA Cargo|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=14 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514185716/https://www.siacargo.com/network/|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[Turkish Airlines|Turkish Cargo]] | [[Bandaranaike International Airport|Colombo–Bandaranaike]],<ref name="Turk">{{cite news|url=https://www.aircargonews.net/airlines/freighter-operator/turkish-cargo-launches-freighter-to-chennai/|title=Turkish Cargo launches freighter to Chennai|date=14 November 2016|access-date=1 June 2024|work=Air Cargo News|archive-date=15 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615123757/https://www.aircargonews.net/airlines/freighter-operator/turkish-cargo-launches-freighter-to-chennai/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Istanbul Airport|Istanbul]]<ref name="Turk"/>
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| [[YTO Cargo Airlines]] | [[Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport|Guangzhou]],<ref name="YTO">{{cite news|url=https://www.aircargonews.net/airlines/freighter-operator/yto-express-adds-guangzhou-india-links/|title=YTO Express adds Guangzhou–India links|date=1 August 2023|access-date=1 June 2024|work=Air Cargo News|archive-date=1 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101110525/https://www.aircargonews.net/airlines/freighter-operator/yto-express-adds-guangzhou-india-links/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Kunming Changshui International Airport|Kunming]],<ref name="YTO"/> [[Nanning Wuxu International Airport|Nanning]]<ref name="YTO"/>
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}}

== Statistics ==
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size: 95%"
|+Busiest domestic routes from MAA (2023–24)<ref>{{cite report|title=City pair wise passenger traffic statistics|url=https://www.dgca.gov.in/digigov-portal/?page=jsp/dgca/InventoryList/dataReports/aviationDataStatistics/airTransport/domestic/yearly/28/Normal/TABLE%205.01%20(INDIAN%20CITY-WISE%20PASSENGER%20TRAFFIC).pdf&mainundefined|access-date=28 March 2025|publisher=[[Directorate General of Civil Aviation (India)|Directorate General of Civil Aviation]]|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! Rank
! Airport
! Carriers
! Passengers
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|1
|[[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport|Mumbai, Maharashtra]]
|[[Air India]], [[Akasa Air]], [[IndiGo]]
|1,235,465
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|2
|[[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Delhi]]
|[[Air India]], [[IndiGo]], [[SpiceJet]]
|1,162,421
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|3
|[[Kempegowda International Airport|Bengaluru, Karnataka]]
|[[Air India]], [[Air India Express]], [[IndiGo]]
|655,054
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|4
|[[Rajiv Gandhi International Airport|Hyderabad, Telangana]]
|[[Air India]], [[Air India Express]], [[Alliance Air (India)|Alliance Air]], [[IndiGo]], [[SpiceJet]]
|644,863
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|5
|[[Kolkata Airport|Kolkata, West Bengal]]
|[[Air India]], [[Air India Express]], [[IndiGo]]
|428,257
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|6
|[[Coimbatore Airport|Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu]]
|[[Air India]], [[IndiGo]]
|419,001
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|7
|[[Pune Airport|Pune, Maharashtra]]
|[[Air India Express]], [[IndiGo]], [[SpiceJet]]
|291,171
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|8
|[[Cochin International Airport|Kochi, Kerala]]
|[[Air India Express]], [[IndiGo]], [[SpiceJet]]
|277,367
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|9
|[[Vir Savarkar Airport|Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar]]
|[[Air India Express]], [[Akasa Air]], [[IndiGo]], [[SpiceJet]]
|252,302
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|10
|[[Madurai Airport|Madurai, Tamil Nadu]]
|[[Air India]], [[IndiGo]], [[SpiceJet]]
|203,804
|}

{|class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size: 95%"
|+Busiest international routes from MAA (2023–24)<ref>{{cite report|title=International passenger statistics|url=https://www.dgca.gov.in/digigov-portal/?page=jsp/dgca/InventoryList/dataReports/aviationDataStatistics/airTransport/domestic/yearly/28/Normal/7.06%20(INTERNATIONAL%20OPERATIONS).pdf&mainundefined|access-date=28 December 2023|publisher=[[Directorate General of Civil Aviation (India)|Directorate General of Civil Aviation]]|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! Rank
! Airport
! Carriers
! Passengers
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|1
|{{flagicon|UAE}} [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai, United Arab Emirates]]
|[[Air India]], [[Emirates (airline)|Emirates]], [[IndiGo]]
|501,938
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|2
|{{flagicon|SIN}} [[Singapore Changi Airport|Singapore]]
|[[Air India]], [[Air India Express]], [[IndiGo]], [[Scoot]], [[Singapore Airlines]]
|438,218
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|3
|{{flagicon|Sri Lanka}} [[Bandaranaike Airport|Colombo-Bandaranaike, Sri Lanka]]
|[[Air India]], [[FitsAir]], [[IndiGo]], [[SriLankan Airlines]]
|398,469
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|4
|{{flagicon|Malaysia}} [[Kuala Lumpur International Airport|Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia]]
|[[Air Asia]], [[IndiGo]], [[Malaysia Airlines]]
|318,567
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|5
|{{flagicon|UAE}} [[Abu Dhabi Airport|Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates]]
|[[Air Arabia]], [[Etihad Airways]], [[IndiGo]]
|280,907
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|6
|{{flagicon|QAT}} [[Hamad Airport|Doha, Qatar]]
|[[IndiGo]], [[Qatar Airways]]
|152,972
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|7
|{{flagicon|KUW}} [[Kuwait Airport|Kuwait City, Kuwait]]
|[[IndiGo]], [[Jazeera Airways]], [[Kuwait Airways]]
|146,134
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|8
|{{flagicon|Oman}} [[Muscat International Airport|Muscat, Oman]]
|[[Air India Express]], [[Oman Air]], [[SalamAir]]
|132,349
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|9
|{{flagicon|Thailand}} [[Suvarnabhumi Airport|Bangkok–Suvarnabhumi, Thailand]]
|[[IndiGo]], [[Thai Airways International]]
|83,961
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|10
|{{flagicon|Germany}} [[Frankfurt Airport|Frankfurt, Germany]]
|[[Lufthansa]]
|76,886
|}

== Connectivity ==
[[File:Pallavaram Hill Runway NE Chennai Airport Aug22 A7C 02296.jpg|thumb|[[Tirusulam railway station]] as seen from the airport]]

The airport is situated on the [[Grand Southern Trunk Road]] (National Highway 32) with a [[Chennai Airport Flyover|flyover at the entrance]] of the airport separating traffic.<ref>{{cite news|title=Flyover near airport opened|date=20 October 2008|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/20/stories/2008102057190100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081020131311/http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/20/stories/2008102057190100.htm|archive-date=20 October 2008|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=14 January 2012}}</ref> [[public transport|Public bus transport]] is handled by [[Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Chennai)|Metropolitan Transport Corporation]] (MTC) of the state-run [[Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation]] (TNSTC).<ref name="TNSTC">{{cite report|url=https://www.tnstc.in/innerHtmls/pdf/Tamil%20Nadu%20STUs-pages.pdf|title=Tamil Nadu STUs|publisher=TNSTC|access-date=1 November 2023|archive-date=31 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331121802/https://www.tnstc.in/innerHtmls/pdf/Tamil%20Nadu%20STUs-pages.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The airport is served by several taxi and rental car companies. In addition, ride-sharing companies [[Ola Cabs]] and [[Uber]] operate outside the terminal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aai.aero/en/airports/transport-details/chennai/Taxi|title=Transport details, Taxi|publisher=[[Airports Authority of India]]|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=14 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614182248/https://www.aai.aero/en/airports/transport-details/chennai/Taxi|url-status=live}}</ref>

The airport is served by [[Tirusulam (Chennai Suburban Railway)|Tirusulam railway station]] on the [[Chennai suburban railway|Suburban railway network]]. The [[Chennai International Airport metro station|airport metro station]] of the [[Chennai Metro]] connects the airport.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sridhar|first=Asha|title=Work on airport metro station to begin soon|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=24 May 2012|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article3449812.ece|access-date=9 November 2012|archive-date=28 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120728033617/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article3449812.ece|url-status=live }}</ref> Shuttle services between the metro station and the terminals are provided for the passengers.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Chennai-Battery-cars-to-shuttle-between-metro-airport/articleshow/54635390.cms|title=Chennai: Battery cars to shuttle between metro, airport|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=2 October 2016|access-date=14 October 2016|archive-date=5 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005092102/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Chennai-Battery-cars-to-shuttle-between-metro-airport/articleshow/54635390.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> The concourse of the metro station is directly linked to the passenger terminals.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ayyappan|first=V.|title=AAI and CMRL firmed up to build the airport metro station|location=Chennai|date=9 March 2012|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/AAI-and-CMRL-firmed-up-to-build-the-airport-metro-station/articleshow/12190948.cms|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130216070034/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-09/chennai/31139420_1_metro-station-cmrl-passenger-terminals|url-status=live|archive-date=16 February 2013|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=6 January 2013}}</ref> The Tirusulam suburban train station is also integrated with the metro station and the airport.<ref>{{cite news|last=Janardhanan|first=Arun|title=Corridor to connect airport with stations|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=23 September 2011|url=http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH/2011/09/23&PageLabel=2&EntityId=Ar00202&ViewMode=HTML|access-date=13 January 2012|archive-date=22 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622120656/http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH%2F2011%2F09%2F23&PageLabel=2&EntityId=Ar00202&ViewMode=HTML}}</ref>

==Awards==
The airport was ranked in the third place as the ''Best Airport by Size'' in the category of 15–25 million passengers per annum by [[Airports Council International]] in 2017. It was awarded as the ''Best Tourist Friendly Airport'' by Tamil Nadu Tourism from the [[Ministry of Tourism (India)|Ministry of Tourism]] two consecutive times, in 2016 and 2018. It was awarded the Gold Award by the survey of [[Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents|RoSPA]] Health and Safety Awards for ensuring proper hygienic conditions and safety from accidents and incidents, as well as the [[Sword of Honour]] by the [[British Safety Council]] for ensuring safety and security, both for the airport's Phase-II of modernisation, in 2020. It was ranked in the eighth place among the most punctual airports in the world, globally, by ensuring timely takeoffs and landings to and from the airport, in 2021 by [[RELX#Operations and market segments|Cirium]], an aviation data analytics company.<ref>{{cite web|title=Airport Achievements|url=https://www.aai.aero/en/airports/achievement/chennai|website=[[Airports Authority of India]]|access-date=8 March 2023|archive-date=23 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823214225/https://www.aai.aero/en/airports/achievement/chennai|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Accidents and incidents==
* On 7 January 1974, an [[Antonov AN-12]] of the [[Indian Air Force]] crashed on take-off at the airport due to engine failure. There were no fatalities but the aircraft was damaged beyond recovery.<ref name="BAA"/>
* On 26 April 1979, a [[Boeing 737-200]] operated by [[Indian Airlines]] (registration VT-ECR) from [[Trivandrum airport|Trivandrum]] had a mid-air explosion during descent. The aircraft crash landed more than {{cvt|2500|ft}} beyond the runway threshold. There were 14 injuries and no fatalities but the aircraft was destroyed due to subsequent fire.<ref name="BAA"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/328618|title=Accident details VT-ECR|publisher=Aircraft Safety Network|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref>
* On 2 August 1984 there was a [[Meenambakkam bomb blast|bomb blast]] caused by the [[Tamil Eelam Army]], a Sri Lankan Tamil militant group. 33 people were killed and 27 others were injured in this bomb blast.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sivaraman |first=R. |date=5 May 2024 |title=When bombs kept in suitcases ripped through Madras airport in 1984 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/when-bombs-kept-in-suitcases-ripped-through-madras-airport-in-1984/article68141918.ece |work=The Hindu |issn=0971-751X |access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref>
* On 29 September 1986, Indian Airlines flight IC 571, an [[Airbus A300]] (registration VT-ELV), on a flight from Madras to Mumbai, aborted take-off due to a bird-strike and suffered a runway excursion. No fatalities were reported but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.<ref name="BAA">{{cite web|url=https://www.baaa-acro.com/city/chennai|title=Accidents at Chennai|publisher=Bureau of Aircraft accidents|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=14 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614175622/https://www.baaa-acro.com/city/chennai|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/asndb/326930|title=Accident details VT-ELV|publisher=Aircraft Safety Network|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref>
* On 5 March 1999, [[Air France]] flight 6745, an ex-UTA [[Boeing 747|Boeing 747-2B3F]] freighter (registration F-GPAN) from [[Charles de Gaulle Airport|Paris]] crash-landed and caught fire. The five crew members were rescued by the airport fire service, before the aircraft burned out.<ref>{{cite web|title=ASN Aircraft accident Boeing 747-2B3F (SCD) F-GPAN Chennai Airport (MAA)|publisher=Aviation Safety Network|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19990305-0|access-date=11 January 2012|archive-date=14 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114045709/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19990305-0|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BAA"/>
* On 15 June 2007, a [[British Aerospace ATP]] freighter (registration VT-FFB) operated by First Flight Couriers crash landed at the airport due to landing gear collapse and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.<ref name="BAA"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/asndb/321946|title=Accident details VT-FFB|publisher=Aircraft Safety Network|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Transport in Chennai]]
* [[Airports in India]]
* [[Air transport in India]]
* [[List of busiest airports in India by passenger traffic]]
* [[List of airlines of India]]

==References ==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category-inline}}

* {{Official website|https://www.chennaiinternationalairport.com}}
* {{ASN|MAA}}

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