Tamil Nadu Reviews Chennai Airport Expansion; Satellite Terminal Plan Moves Forward, Parandur Airport Review Deferred

The Tamil Nadu government has reviewed the expansion plans for Chennai International Airport, focusing on improving passenger handling capacity through a proposed satellite terminal and an elevated access corridor. The review meeting assessed the current infrastructure at the Meenambakkam airport and explored measures to support the city’s growing air traffic demand over the coming decades.

According to sources, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) informed the state government that the existing Chennai Airport is expected to reach its full passenger handling capacity by 2035. However, with the addition of a satellite terminal and supporting infrastructure, the airport’s operational capacity could be extended to meet passenger demand until 2045.

The proposed satellite terminal will be connected to National Highway 32 through a dedicated elevated corridor. AAI has requested the Tamil Nadu government’s approval to construct this elevated link. Once the proposal receives clearance, the authority will prepare a detailed project report outlining the terminal’s design, capacity, and implementation schedule.

Chennai Airport currently operates three passenger terminals, including two domestic terminals and one international terminal. The fourth terminal, Terminal 3, is under construction but has faced multiple delays. The latest completion target has been revised to December 2026.

During the review, AAI also reiterated its request for additional land parcels required for airport-related infrastructure, including land for a fuel farm. Discussions also covered land requirements and access issues for airports in Tiruchi, Madurai, and Coimbatore as part of the state’s broader aviation infrastructure development.

Notably, the proposed Parandur Greenfield Airport was not included in the meeting agenda. Sources indicated that the project will be reviewed separately. The development comes amid a temporary pause in land acquisition activities for the mega airport project, which is expected to become Chennai’s second international airport.

With air passenger traffic continuing to grow, the expansion of Chennai Airport remains a key priority for strengthening Tamil Nadu’s aviation infrastructure. Industry experts believe that timely execution of the satellite terminal and related connectivity projects will play a crucial role in supporting economic growth, tourism, business travel, and cargo movement across the region.