Chennai Airport, once a leader in international passenger traffic, has slipped to fourth place, but efforts are underway to regain its position by expanding connectivity to more destinations. The airport, which has seen a slight 1% decline in international passenger traffic in November, is now focused on attracting more flyers by introducing new direct flights and enhancing its global reach.
In a positive move for passengers, Chennai Airport has already added several new direct international flights this year. These include routes to popular tourist destinations such as Phuket, Brunei, Penang, and Mauritius. Additionally, after a long hiatus, direct flights to Hong Kong have resumed, and there has been an increase in the frequency of flights to Bangkok. These new routes are expected to provide greater convenience for travelers and offer more options for international connectivity.
However, passengers and travel agents believe that to reclaim the third spot in international passenger traffic, the airport needs to connect to more significant cities, particularly in the Far East and the West. Expanding connectivity to destinations in these regions would not only cater to growing travel demands but also attract business and leisure travelers, boosting the airport’s international presence.
Chennai Airport’s future growth depends heavily on its ability to adapt to market needs and offer travelers more direct flight options to key global hubs. With airlines slowly returning to regular flight schedules and new routes being introduced, the airport is on the path to enhancing its reputation and ensuring that passengers can access a broader network of destinations.
In the coming months, more attention will likely be placed on strengthening the airport’s international connectivity and exploring additional routes that cater to the needs of travelers from diverse regions. As these initiatives unfold, Chennai Airport aims to restore its competitive edge and potentially rise back to its former position as a leading international gateway in India.
