Chennai is poised to take a major leap in aviation infrastructure as the Central government has granted in-principle approval for the construction of a second airport at Parandur, around 70 kilometers west of the city. The much-awaited clearance marks a significant milestone in the development of the proposed greenfield airport, which is expected to relieve the growing congestion at the existing Chennai International Airport and meet the region’s long-term air traffic demands.
The project has now crossed the second stage of the Centre’s Greenfield Airports (GFA) policy, which involves a two-tier approval process—first, a site clearance and then an in-principle nod. With this clearance in place, the next critical steps—such as land acquisition, environmental clearances, and groundwork planning—can formally begin. Sources close to the development told BusinessLine that the implementation now rests with the concerned airport developer, including the Tamil Nadu state government.
The Parandur airport is envisioned as a modern aviation hub equipped to handle both domestic and international operations. It will be designed to accommodate widebody aircraft and a high passenger capacity, aimed at supporting the state’s ambitions to become a key player in India’s civil aviation growth story. The greenfield airport will also serve as a catalyst for economic development in the western suburbs of Chennai, potentially boosting local employment, tourism, and infrastructure.
Stakeholders believe the project’s location, connectivity potential, and long-term vision align well with the government’s broader goals under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme and India’s growing status as a global aviation market. Once completed, Parandur will join the ranks of major dual-airport cities in India, such as Mumbai and Delhi, significantly enhancing Chennai’s connectivity and competitiveness on the global aviation map.
Despite early concerns about land acquisition and environmental impact, state authorities have assured that rehabilitation, compensation, and sustainable development will be key priorities. With the Centre’s approval now secured, the Parandur airport project is finally on its way to taking off—ushering in a new chapter for Tamil Nadu’s aviation landscape.
