The second phase of expansion at Chennai International Airport is advancing swiftly, with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) firmly setting March 2026 as the target for completion. This crucial infrastructure project is designed to significantly enhance the airport’s operational efficiency and accommodate the steadily increasing passenger volumes traversing through one of India’s busiest aviation hubs. The momentum observed underscores a strategic push to modernise air travel facilities, aligning with the broader national agenda of fostering robust, future-ready urban environments that prioritise seamless connectivity and environmental sustainability.
A high-level delegation from New Delhi recently conducted a thorough inspection of the ongoing construction, emphasising the paramount importance of adhering to the stipulated timeline. This phase two development, valued at approximately ₹1,207 crore, will introduce an expansive new terminal covering 86,135 square metres, replete with state-of-the-art passenger amenities. Key enhancements include eight entry gates, 60 check-in counters, 10 advanced X-ray scanners, nine remote boarding gates, and eight aerobridges. Furthermore, the integration of sophisticated baggage conveyor systems and automated scanners is poised to dramatically improve security protocols and streamline passenger flow, making the journey more efficient and comfortable for all travellers.
The necessity for this substantial expansion is underscored by the airport’s remarkable passenger traffic growth, which surged from 2.2 crore in 2015 to an anticipated 3.5 crore by the close of 2025. This consistent escalation necessitated the project, initially proposed by the AAI in 2017 and subsequently approved with funding from the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The entire airport expansion encompasses 2.36 lakh square metres and is being executed in two distinct phases. Phase one, a 1.49 lakh square metre development costing ₹1,260 crore, was commissioned in April 2023, following delays attributed to the global pandemic.
Upon the successful completion of phase one, the older Terminal 3 was strategically demolished to facilitate the ongoing construction of phase two. Once fully operational, Chennai Airport will boast four integrated terminals—T1, T2, T3, and T4—collectively capable of handling over 3.5 crore passengers annually. This revamped layout is also projected to support more than 500 aircraft movements per day, ensuring smoother operations and reducing congestion for both domestic and international passengers. The streamlined design fosters universal accessibility, contributing to a more equitable and inclusive travel experience for diverse user groups.
The accelerated construction timeline reflects the urgent need to meet the burgeoning demands of this critical aviation gateway. Chennai’s airport expansion is more than an infrastructural upgrade; it is an investment in the city’s future as a smart, eco-friendly metropolis. By enhancing connectivity and ensuring efficient, modern facilities, the airport directly contributes to the vision of creating sustainable and gender-neutral cities, where air travel acts as a catalyst for economic vitality and social progress, seamlessly connecting the local populace to global opportunities.
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