Chennai has lost its third-place rank in international passenger handling to Bengaluru, highlighting the growing gap in air connectivity between two of southern India’s busiest aviation hubs. According to recently released data by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the Chennai International Airport, managed by the AAI, recorded 15.64 lakh international passengers during the April–June 2025 quarter.
This marked a modest year-on-year growth of just 6 per cent. In comparison, Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (BIAL), a privately operated facility, posted a robust 29 per cent increase over the same period, handling 17.33 lakh international passengers. With this performance, Bengaluru has overtaken Chennai to become the third-largest international gateway in the country, after Delhi and Mumbai. Chennai has now slipped to fourth, with Kochi and Hyderabad closely following, indicating a competitive shift in India’s southern aviation market. Officials pointed out that Chennai’s stagnation is partly due to its lagging international route expansion. Several flyers are reportedly choosing to travel to Bengaluru for long-haul connections due to more direct flight options and superior terminal infrastructure. Experts attribute this passenger drift to limited intercontinental connectivity and a lack of aggressive route development from Chennai.
While Chennai has historically been a gateway to Southeast Asia and the Middle East, its growth has not kept pace with emerging trends in global air travel. In contrast, Bengaluru has capitalised on strategic partnerships with international carriers and rapidly expanded its non-stop services to North America, Europe, and East Asia. Its private management model is seen as more agile in attracting airlines and responding to passenger demand. Industry observers believe that unless there is swift intervention and strategic planning, Chennai risks losing further ground in the global aviation race. The city’s airport infrastructure, including a yet-to-be-completed terminal modernisation plan, is being seen as a bottleneck. In comparison, Bengaluru’s modern facilities and quicker regulatory approvals have allowed it to gain a competitive edge.
Although Chennai continues to perform strongly in domestic aviation, its international segment—critical for economic connectivity, tourism, and trade—is increasingly under pressure. Officials acknowledge that passenger preferences are shifting toward better-connected hubs, and without meaningful upgrades and fresh airline partnerships, Chennai could struggle to reclaim its former status. With sustainable urban mobility and equitable access being key to city growth, aviation hubs play a crucial role. The shift in air travel dynamics between Chennai and Bengaluru serves as a reflection of infrastructure policy gaps that need to be addressed not just with investment but with clear strategic vision.
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