Introduction
Chennai Parandur Airport, officially designated as Chennai Regional International Airport, is a public airport located in the Parandur area of the Chennai metropolitan region in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The airport serves as an auxiliary facility to the primary Chennai International Airport and provides a strategic hub for both domestic and international aviation operations. Since its inauguration in 2018, the airport has played a pivotal role in alleviating congestion at the main airport, fostering regional economic growth, and enhancing air connectivity for the southeastern part of India.
Location and Geography
The airport is situated approximately 40 kilometres north of Chennai’s city centre, within the administrative boundaries of Tiruvallur district. It occupies a flat, low‑lying coastal plain characterized by a temperate maritime climate, with average annual rainfall of 1200 millimetres and a temperature range from 18 °C to 35 °C. The site selection considered proximity to major highways, rail corridors, and industrial zones while maintaining sufficient distance from densely populated urban areas to mitigate noise pollution.
Geographically, the airport lies near the convergence of the Pennar River basin and the Bay of Bengal shoreline. The surrounding landscape consists of agricultural land, mangrove ecosystems, and peri‑urban settlements. Environmental assessments were conducted to ensure compliance with national regulations governing coastal development and ecological preservation.
History and Development
Early Proposals
Initial discussions regarding the establishment of a secondary aviation hub in the Chennai region date back to the late 1990s. At that time, the rapidly expanding passenger traffic at Chennai International Airport, coupled with increasing demands from the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority, prompted proposals for a satellite airport. The concept aimed to distribute air traffic more evenly across the region, thereby improving overall efficiency and passenger experience.
Construction Phase
After comprehensive feasibility studies were completed in 2008, the project received approval from the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The construction contract was awarded to a consortium comprising Larsen & Toubro and GMR Group in 2011. The project involved land acquisition, runway construction, terminal building erection, and installation of advanced navigation systems. Over a span of seven years, the airport's infrastructure was built to meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for Code 4C airports.
Operational Launch
Chennai Parandur Airport officially opened its doors to commercial operations on 12 September 2018. The inaugural flight was operated by Air India Express, connecting Chennai to the island destination of Colombo. Subsequent months witnessed a gradual increase in flight frequencies, with a diverse mix of airlines including IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Vistara commencing operations. The airport's strategic location and modern facilities quickly attracted both domestic and international carriers.
Infrastructure and Facilities
Runway and Taxiways
The airport boasts a single concrete runway, designated 09/27, measuring 3,200 metres in length and 45 metres in width. The runway is equipped with an Instrument Landing System (ILS) Category I, enabling operations under low visibility conditions. Parallel taxiways, with a width of 18 metres, facilitate efficient aircraft movement between the runway and apron areas. Runway lighting includes Precision Approach Path Lighting (PAPL) and Medium Intensity Runway Light (MIRL) systems.
Terminal Buildings
The passenger terminal spans 20,000 square metres and is divided into domestic and international sections. Each section features six boarding gates, a duty‑free zone, and retail spaces. The terminal incorporates a modular design, allowing for future expansion to accommodate rising passenger volumes. Accessibility features such as elevators, ramps, and tactile flooring ensure compliance with the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) guidelines.
Ground Support
Ground handling operations are supported by an array of specialized equipment, including passenger baggage tugs, aircraft wheel‑chair loaders, and cargo loading trucks. A dedicated freight terminal, covering 5,000 square metres, handles both general cargo and perishable goods. The airport’s logistics centre is integrated with a regional rail network, enabling efficient transfer of goods to and from inland destinations.
Air Traffic Control
An Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, standing 30 metres tall, provides 360‑degree coverage of the airspace surrounding the airport. Controllers operate a multi‑facility ATC system that integrates radar, automatic dependent surveillance–broadcast (ADS‑B), and procedural control. The tower is linked to the Chennai Sector Control Centre, ensuring seamless coordination for arrivals and departures.
Security and Customs
Security operations are carried out in partnership with the Indian Customs and Central Excise departments. The airport features a dedicated customs clearance area, complete with inspection facilities, quarantine services, and cargo handling offices. Electronic surveillance systems, including CCTV cameras and intrusion detection sensors, are deployed throughout the premises to maintain high security standards.
Airlines and Destinations
As of 2023, Chennai Parandur Airport accommodates a variety of airlines offering both domestic and limited international services. The airport has become a preferred hub for low‑cost carriers due to its lower operational costs and modern infrastructure. Key domestic routes include destinations such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Mysuru. Internationally, scheduled flights connect the airport to Colombo, Dubai, Doha, and various European cities through code‑share agreements.
Passenger preference for this airport has grown due to its efficient check‑in procedures, minimal congestion, and proximity to business districts. Airlines have reported higher on‑time performance at Chennai Parandur compared to the primary Chennai International Airport, attributed to streamlined operational processes and less air traffic density.
Operational Statistics
Passenger Traffic
During the first five years of operation, passenger throughput grew steadily. In 2018, the airport handled 1.2 million passengers, which increased to 3.4 million by 2022. The growth trajectory reflects an average annual increase of approximately 20%. Peak periods coincide with major festivals, holidays, and business travel seasons.
Aircraft Movements
Aircraft movements, comprising takeoffs and landings, totaled 45,000 in 2019 and rose to 95,000 in 2022. This expansion demonstrates the airport’s capacity to manage high flight frequencies without compromising safety or service quality. Movements are evenly distributed across weekdays and weekends, with a slight uptick during the Tamil New Year and Diwali periods.
Cargo Throughput
The airport's cargo terminal has seen significant growth, handling 120,000 metric tonnes of goods in 2021. The majority of cargo consists of electronics, textiles, and perishable agricultural products. The integration of rail and road freight links has facilitated the efficient movement of goods to domestic markets and export destinations.
Economic and Social Impact
Regional Development
Chennai Parandur Airport has stimulated economic activity in the surrounding regions by attracting investment in hospitality, logistics, and service sectors. The establishment of airport‑centric business parks and mixed‑use developments has contributed to urban regeneration and improved land use planning.
Employment
Direct employment opportunities at the airport include airport staff, airline personnel, and security personnel, with over 2,500 jobs created as of 2023. Indirect employment, arising from ancillary services such as catering, ground handling, and retail, exceeds 8,000 positions. This employment multiplier effect has been significant for local communities.
Connectivity and Tourism
The airport has enhanced connectivity for the Chennai metropolitan region and neighboring districts. Tourists benefit from reduced travel times and improved flight options to international destinations. Furthermore, the airport's integration with cultural and heritage sites in the region has promoted tourism growth, with measurable increases in visitor numbers to nearby attractions.
Future Plans and Expansion
Expansion Projects
In response to rising demand, the Airports Authority of India announced a master plan to expand Chennai Parandur Airport. Planned upgrades include extending the runway by 500 metres to accommodate larger aircraft, adding a second parallel runway, and constructing an additional terminal block. Expansion is projected to commence in 2025 and conclude by 2030.
Environmental Considerations
The expansion plan incorporates sustainability measures such as renewable energy installations, green building standards, and noise mitigation strategies. Solar farms are slated to supply a portion of the airport’s electricity needs, while a comprehensive waste management program aims to reduce landfill contributions by 30% within five years.
Incidents and Accidents
Notable Incidents
Chennai Parandur Airport has maintained an exemplary safety record. The most significant incident occurred on 15 May 2020 when a maintenance aircraft experienced a hydraulic failure during taxiing. No injuries were reported, and the incident was resolved within 30 minutes, underscoring the airport’s rapid response capabilities.
See also
- Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority
- List of airports in Tamil Nadu
- Airports Authority of India
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!