Airports Authority of India (AAI) has submitted a detailed study to the Water Resources Department to support the construction of an elevated corridor and a satellite terminal at Chennai Airport. The proposal marks a renewed push to expand airport infrastructure and improve passenger and cargo handling capacity.

The satellite terminal, first proposed nearly eight years ago, is intended to ease congestion, optimise airside operations and enhance the utilisation of remote bays. After remaining stalled for several years, the project was revived in 2024 as part of AAI’s broader strategy to modernise Chennai Airport.

Initially, AAI had planned to connect the proposed terminal through additional land acquisition. However, after the Tamil Nadu government declined the request, the authority proposed an alternative solution in the form of an elevated corridor from National Highway 32. The proposed route will pass near Madha Arts and Science College, cross the Adyar River and terminate at the satellite terminal site.

The revised plan does not require additional land acquisition but will require approvals from the Water Resources Department and the Central Pollution Control Board. Once regulatory clearances are secured, AAI is expected to allocate funds for the construction of both the terminal and the elevated corridor. The facility could be developed as a passenger terminal or an exclusive cargo terminal, depending on operational requirements and demand.

The proposed satellite terminal and elevated corridor are expected to strengthen Chennai Airport’s capacity to handle rising passenger volumes and cargo traffic while improving connectivity and operational efficiency. The initiative reflects AAI’s efforts to address infrastructure constraints at one of India’s busiest aviation hubs and support long-term growth in air travel and logistics.