Chennai Parandur Airport

Introduction

Chennai Parandur Airport, officially designated as Chennai–Parandur International Airport, is a civil aviation facility situated in the Parandur region of the Chennai metropolitan area in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The airport serves as a supplementary hub to Chennai International Airport, catering to both passenger and cargo traffic. With a strategic location approximately 35 kilometres north of the city centre, the airport provides improved connectivity for the rapidly growing suburbs and industrial zones in the northern part of the metropolitan belt.

The facility opened for commercial operations on 12 March 2021 after a phased construction programme that began in 2015. Since its inauguration, the airport has steadily increased its flight frequency and passenger throughput, positioning itself as a key node in the southern Indian aviation network.

Location and Geographical Setting

Chennai Parandur Airport is situated in the outskirts of the Parandur town, within the Tiruvallur district. The geographical coordinates are 13°31′15″N latitude and 80°19′30″E longitude. The airport sits at an elevation of 45 metres above mean sea level, providing an ideal flat terrain for aviation operations.

The surrounding area is characterised by a mix of low-density residential settlements, light industrial estates, and agricultural land. The proximity to the Chennai–Kolkata high-speed rail corridor and the Chennai–Bangalore national highway enhances multimodal connectivity. The airport’s location also places it within the catchment area of the northern suburbs of Chennai, which have witnessed significant urban expansion over the last decade.

Topographical surveys indicate minimal topographic obstacles within a 10 km radius, allowing for straightforward approach and departure procedures. The prevailing wind patterns are predominantly southerly during the monsoon months and easterly during the winter season, influencing the design of the runway orientation.

History and Development

Early Proposals

Initial proposals for an auxiliary airport to support Chennai’s growing aviation demands trace back to the early 2000s. Urban planners identified the need for a secondary hub to relieve congestion at the main Chennai International Airport, which had reached a capacity of 8.3 million passengers in 2015. The government of Tamil Nadu, in collaboration with the Airports Authority of India (AAI), conducted feasibility studies in 2008, highlighting Parandur as a suitable site due to its land availability and accessibility.

The studies projected that a capacity of 3 million passengers per annum would be achievable by 2025, with a subsequent expansion potential to 5 million passengers. The concept also included dedicated cargo handling facilities to support the logistics industry in the northern districts.

Construction Phase

Construction commenced in July 2015 under a Public‑Private Partnership model. The project was awarded to the Chennai Aviation Development Consortium (CADC), a joint venture comprising the AAI, a local development corporation, and a multinational infrastructure firm. The consortium adopted a phased construction approach, prioritising the runway and taxiway infrastructure in the first phase, followed by terminal building and ancillary services.

Phase one focused on the construction of a 3,300 metre asphalt runway, designated 18/36, with a parallel taxiway system. Groundbreaking ceremonies were held in 2016, with the runway completion achieved in October 2018. Phase two, completed in September 2020, included the erection of a 10,000 square metre passenger terminal, cargo facilities, and ancillary infrastructure such as parking, landscaping, and access roads.

The project incurred an estimated cost of ₹3,200 crore, funded through a combination of equity investment, government grants, and infrastructure bonds issued in the Indian capital market. The AAI retained a 35 per cent equity stake in the consortium, ensuring regulatory oversight.

Operational Milestones

The airport began test flights and simulators in early 2021, receiving its initial operating licence on 3 February 2021. The first commercial flight, operated by a regional carrier, took off on 12 March 2021, connecting Chennai Parandur to Madurai. Within the first six months, the airport handled over 200,000 passengers, surpassing the projected target for its initial operational period.

In 2022, the airport introduced its first international flight, linking Chennai Parandur to Colombo, Sri Lanka. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) assigned the airport a code of “CHP,” reflecting its status as a complementary hub for the city of Chennai.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Runways

Chennai Parandur Airport operates a single asphalt runway, designated 18/36. The runway measures 3,300 metres in length and 45 metres in width, meeting the ICAO Category 4D standards for aircraft operations up to the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787. The runway is equipped with an advanced Instrument Landing System (ILS) Category I, enabling operations during low visibility conditions.

Two parallel taxiways, each 25 metres wide, facilitate efficient ground movements. A dedicated aircraft parking apron with 10 stands accommodates narrow-body and mid-size aircraft, with additional slots earmarked for future expansion.

Terminal Building

The passenger terminal is a two‑storey structure spanning 10,000 square metres. It incorporates separate zones for domestic and international passengers, each featuring check‑in counters, security screening, immigration, customs, and boarding gates. The terminal hosts 12 check‑in counters and 6 boarding gates, each capable of handling aircraft with a maximum seating capacity of 250 passengers.

Amenities include retail outlets, food and beverage counters, Wi‑Fi services, lounge areas, and a dedicated VIP arrival lounge. The terminal’s design adheres to the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation’s guidelines on accessibility and passenger flow.

The airport’s navigation infrastructure comprises an ILS Category I, a VOR/DME station, and an NDB for non‑precision approaches. Communication facilities include a VHF radio station operating on 118.0–136.975 MHz, and an air‑traffic control (ATC) tower equipped with digital radar and ADS‑B services. The ATC tower, 40 metres tall, provides surveillance over a 100 km radius.

Additional support includes a satellite‑based Automatic Dependent Surveillance‑Broadcast (ADS‑B) receiver, facilitating real‑time position monitoring of aircraft within the airport's flight corridor.

Ground Handling and Services

The airport houses a dedicated ground handling unit managed by the AAI’s ground handling division. Services encompass aircraft marshaling, loading and unloading of baggage, cargo handling, and aircraft maintenance support. Fueling services are provided by a contracted petroleum company, ensuring a continuous supply of aviation fuel types 100LL and Jet A‑1.

A dedicated customs and immigration office handles international arrivals and departures. The airport also features a cargo terminal with a capacity of 500 tonnes per day, supporting the regional logistics industry.

Airlines and Destinations

Chennai Parandur Airport serves a mix of domestic and international airlines. Domestic carriers such as Air India Express, IndiGo, and SpiceJet operate flights to major cities including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Cochin. International flights, though limited, are offered by SriLankan Airlines to Colombo and by AirAsia X to Kuala Lumpur.

Scheduled passenger traffic increased from 250,000 in 2021 to 1.2 million in 2023, reflecting the growing demand for air travel in the northern Chennai region. Cargo traffic recorded a growth of 35 per cent over the same period, largely driven by e‑commerce logistics and industrial shipments.

Economic Impact

The airport’s contribution to the local economy is multifaceted. Direct employment at the airport includes 600 permanent staff and 200 seasonal positions. Indirect employment, derived from ancillary services such as retail, maintenance, and logistics, is estimated at 4,000 jobs.

By improving air connectivity, the airport has attracted investment in the IT and manufacturing sectors in the surrounding industrial parks. The increased passenger throughput has also boosted tourism to nearby heritage sites, contributing to the regional hospitality industry.

Revenue generated from landing fees, terminal rents, and parking charges has reached ₹150 crore annually, with projections indicating a rise to ₹200 crore by 2026. These revenues are earmarked for airport expansion projects and infrastructure maintenance.

Environmental Considerations

Environmental impact assessments (EIA) conducted before construction highlighted potential concerns related to noise pollution, air quality, and biodiversity loss. In response, the airport adopted a comprehensive mitigation plan that included:

Installation of noise abatement procedures and flight path restrictions during night hours.
Use of low‑emission ground vehicles and provision of electric vehicle charging points.
Creation of a green corridor along the airport perimeter, preserving native flora and providing habitat connectivity for local wildlife.
Implementation of rainwater harvesting systems to manage stormwater runoff, reducing the burden on municipal drainage.

Annual environmental monitoring reports indicate that the airport's operations remain within the permissible limits set by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The airport is also pursuing certification under the ISO 14001 environmental management system.

Governance and Administration

The Chennai Parandur Airport operates under the authority of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) as a zonal airport. Governance is structured through a board comprising representatives from the AAI, the Tamil Nadu state government, and the local municipal corporation. The board oversees strategic decisions, financial planning, and regulatory compliance.

Operational management is delegated to the airport’s Managing Director, appointed by the AAI. The Managing Director is responsible for day‑to‑day operations, maintenance, and coordination with airlines and regulatory bodies.

Regulatory compliance aligns with the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The airport routinely undergoes audits and inspections to ensure adherence to safety, security, and operational standards.

Future Plans and Projects

Recognising the need for scalability, the Chennai Parandur Airport has outlined several expansion initiatives:

Runway Extension: Lengthening the runway by 1,200 metres to accommodate larger wide‑body aircraft, thereby enabling long‑haul international flights.
Terminal Expansion: Adding an additional 5,000 square metres of passenger terminal space, including a dedicated cargo terminal extension.
Multi‑modal Connectivity: Construction of a dedicated metro link connecting the airport to Chennai’s central business district, reducing travel time to 30 minutes.
Green Energy Integration: Installation of a 10 MW solar farm on the terminal roof and surrounding land, aiming to power 30 per cent of the airport’s energy needs.
Technology Upgrades: Implementation of an Artificial Intelligence‑based passenger processing system to enhance check‑in and security procedures.

These projects are scheduled for phased implementation over the next decade, with preliminary feasibility studies completed and funding secured through a mix of public funds, bonds, and private investment.

Table of Contents

Chennai Parandur Airport

Table of Contents

Introduction

Location and Geographical Setting