P Ravichandran, Deputy Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Southern Region, said Chennai will need a second airport within five to 10 years to support the city's economic growth and its emergence as a major global manufacturing hub. He said the existing Chennai airport is capable of serving current requirements and that improving operational efficiency could extend its capacity. He added that a second airport would become necessary in the medium term and that the choice of location is best left to the government.\n\nRavichandran highlighted that any airport functions as an economic engine and that Chennai's needs extend beyond passenger traffic as the city becomes an important manufacturing centre for the global economy. He noted that Tamil Nadu has a growing role in electronics manufacturing and that around 50 per cent of Apple iPhones are made in the state, increasing demand for air cargo services. He urged that cargo infrastructure be given equal, if not greater, importance when considering a second airport.\n\nThe CII Southern Region leader suggested planners examine whether passenger and cargo operations can be separated or whether dedicated terminals can be developed to enable seamless movement of goods from industrial parks to cargo facilities. He said planning should take a 25-year view and consider the broader airport network around Chennai, citing airports in Puducherry and Nellore that are located around 140 to 150 km from the city. He also called on stakeholders to give the Tamil Nadu government time to evaluate alternatives after opposition to the proposed Parandur airport project.\n\nRavichandran clarified that CII does not seek to recommend a specific location and that its focus is on ensuring the facility functions as an economic engine to enable manufacturers to ship goods quickly. He said the aim is to ensure business travellers can access, commute through and operate from the airport with ease. He expressed confidence that the government and its bureaucracy will work towards an appropriate solution.