The second phase of the Chennai International Airport expansion is progressing swiftly, with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) setting March 2026 as the target completion date. A high-level delegation led by AAI Chairman Vipin Kumar visited the site this week, underlining the urgency to adhere to deadlines amid increasing passenger numbers and growing operational demands.

The under-construction terminal spans 86,135 square metres and will feature state-of-the-art amenities to enhance capacity and passenger experience. The Rs 12.07 billion project will include:

Advanced baggage conveyor systems and automated security scanners are also being installed to streamline operations and strengthen safety measures.

This expansion is a response to surging footfall, which has grown from 22 million passengers in 2015 to a projected 35 million by the end of 2025. The AAI proposed the expansion in 2017, with funding approved by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

The full redevelopment covers 236,000 square metres, executed in two phases. Phase 1, which cost Rs 12.6 billion and spanned 149,000 square metres, faced pandemic-related delays and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 8 April 2023. Following this, the old Terminal 3 was demolished to make space for Phase 2.

Upon completion, Chennai Airport will boast four integrated terminals—T1, T2, T3, and T4—capable of accommodating over 35 million passengers annually. It will also support over 500 aircraft movements daily, improving both domestic and international connectivity.