Chennai Airport Phase 2 expansion accelerates, completion set for March 2026

The second phase of the Chennai International Airport expansion is gaining momentum, with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) targeting March 2026 as the completion deadline, according to an IANS report.

A high-level team from New Delhi, led by AAI Chairman Vipin Kumar, inspected the site this week, emphasising the importance of maintaining timelines to handle the rising influx of passengers and improve overall operational efficiency.

The under-construction terminal spans 86,135 square meters and will feature modern passenger amenities aimed at boosting capacity and comfort.

Rs 1,207 crore project to feature state-of-the-art infrastructure

The Phase 2 expansion is being executed at an estimated cost of Rs 1,207 crore. It will include:

• 8 entry gates
• 60 check-in counters
• 10 X-ray scanners
• 9 remote boarding gates
• 8 aerobridges

Additionally, advanced baggage conveyor belts and automated scanners are being installed to streamline passenger movement and enhance security protocols.

Response to soaring passenger traffic

The expansion comes in response to the steady rise in passenger footfall—from 2.2 crore in 2015 to a projected 3.5 crore by the end of 2025. The AAI proposed the project in 2017, with funding approved by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

The entire airport redevelopment spans 2.36 lakh square meters, divided into two phases. Phase 1 covered 1.49 lakh square meters and cost Rs 1,260 crore. It faced delays due to the pandemic but was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 8, 2023.

Four integrated terminals and 500+ daily aircraft movements

Following the commissioning of Phase 1, the old Terminal 3 was demolished to pave the way for the current construction. Once Phase 2 is complete, Chennai Airport will operate four integrated terminals—T1, T2, T3, and T4—capable of collectively handling over 3.5 crore passengers annually.

The revamped layout is also designed to support over 500 aircraft movements daily, with seamless connectivity for both domestic and international passengers to ease congestion and reduce wait times.

Officials underscored the need to fast-track construction efforts to keep pace with Chennai’s growing aviation demands, solidifying its status as one of India's key air travel hubs.