Chennai Airport Information Guide

Chennai International Airport (MAA)

• (91)44 2256-0661 (Domestic terminal)
  
• (91)44 2256-0551 (International terminal)

Website: www.airportsindia.org.in/chennai

Near Pallavaram, 14.5 kilometers (9 miles) south of the city.

20-30 minutes.

Chennai airport is the main hub for arrivals and departures in south India. It services around 8 million passengers a year, over half of which are flying domestically. The airport is operated by the government run Airports Authority of India. It's in the process of being upgraded and redeveloped. The new domestic terminal (known as MGR, named after former chief minister MG Ramachandran) was opened in April 2013, while the aim is to start operations in a limited capacity at the international terminal by mid May 2013 -- although the old international terminal will need to continue to function for some months. Unfortunately, the implementation of the redevelopment is facing a number of issues.

Chennai Airport's new domestic and international terminals aren't linked. The planned walkalator, which was to connect the terminals, has be dropped. Passengers will be transported between terminals in free cabs.

The amenities at the new Chennai airport are limited and currently under development. However, unlike the old international terminal, there won't be inline baggage screening at the new international terminal. Passengers will have to line up to get their bags scanned.

Chennai airport is well connected in terms of transport. The best way to get to the city center is by taking a prepaid taxi. The fares are different from the domestic and international terminals, although it will cost around 300 rupees to Egmore. It's also possible to take the train. There's a train station (Tirusulam) across the road not far from the airport, and suburban trains run from there to Egmore Station. Travel time is around 40 minutes. Alternatively, Metropolitan Transport Corporation bus services are also available. However, do note that these facilities are not linked to the new airport terminals (the nearest bus stand is 1.5 kilometers away).

When dropping off or collecting passengers, cars must enter and exit the airport within seven minutes. Otherwise a parking fee is levied, irrespective of whether parking facilities have been used. This can be challenging when the airport is congested, as the toll booth is located through a service road at the end of the airport. The fee is 60-70 rupees for between seven to 10 minutes, and 120 rupees beyond 12 minutes.