Union Aviation Ministry Yet to Receive Tamil Nadu’s Decision on ₹27,000 Crore Parandur Airport Project

The future of the proposed ₹27,000 crore Parandur Greenfield Airport remains uncertain, with the Union Civil Aviation Ministry confirming that it has not received any communication from the Tamil Nadu government on whether the project will move forward or be put on hold.

According to senior ministry sources, the Centre has already completed its role by granting the necessary approvals related to the land acquisition process. Any further decision on the project now rests entirely with the Tamil Nadu government.

The clarification comes amid increasing speculation following the formation of the new Tamil Nadu government led by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Recent statements from senior state leaders highlighting the importance of balancing development with environmental protection have raised questions over whether the proposed airport at Parandur will proceed as originally planned or whether an alternative location could be considered.

The proposed greenfield airport has been viewed as a critical infrastructure project to meet Chennai’s long-term aviation requirements. Industry experts have repeatedly pointed out that Chennai International Airport is expected to face capacity constraints over the coming decades despite ongoing expansion works, including a new international terminal and a proposed satellite terminal.

The Parandur project was conceived as a long-term solution to handle future passenger growth, strengthen international connectivity, and support the rapid expansion of industrial, logistics, manufacturing and commercial activity across the Chennai-Bengaluru industrial corridor. The proposed airport is also expected to generate significant employment opportunities while improving regional infrastructure and attracting fresh investments.

However, the project has faced sustained opposition from sections of local residents and environmental groups, who have expressed concerns over land acquisition, water bodies, wetlands and the ecological impact of the development.

For now, the Centre has maintained that it is awaiting the Tamil Nadu government’s position before any further progress can be made. Until the state formally communicates its decision, the future of one of India’s largest proposed airport projects will remain uncertain.