Chennai Airport’s Phase 2 slated for March 2026 completion

Chennai: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has confirmed that the second phase of expansion at Chennai International Airport is on track for completion by March 2026. A senior delegation from New Delhi, headed by AAI Chairman Vipin Kumar, recently reviewed the construction progress and will continue on-site assessments through Wednesday.

The purpose of the visit was to ensure adherence to the timeline, as the upgrade is critical to accommodate increasing passenger numbers and enhance the airport’s operational capabilities. The new terminal, spanning 86,135 square meters, will include advanced passenger-centric features to improve travel comfort and efficiency.

According to the report, the Phase 2 development, with an investment of ₹1,207 crore, will introduce eight entry gates, 60 check-in counters, 10 X-ray scanners, nine remote boarding gates, and eight aerobridges. Additionally, the airport will implement cutting-edge baggage handling systems and automated security scanners to facilitate quicker and safer passenger movement.

Chennai Airport has experienced substantial growth in footfall, rising from 2.2 crore passengers in 2015 to a projected 3.5 crore by the end of 2025. To manage this surge, AAI had proposed a phased expansion plan in 2017, which received approval and funding from the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Covering a total area of 2.36 lakh square meters, the project is being executed in two stages. The first phase, constructed over 1.49 lakh square meters at a cost of ₹1,260 crore, was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic but was finally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 8, 2023.

After Phase 1 became operational, the older Terminal 3 was demolished to make space for the ongoing development. Upon full completion, Chennai Airport will operate four integrated terminals — T1, T2, T3, and T4 — with a combined annual capacity of over 3.5 crore passengers.

The modernized layout will also support more than 500 aircraft movements daily. Officials emphasized the urgency of maintaining the construction schedule to ensure the airport meets the demands of one of India’s most active aviation hubs.