Chennai will gain significantly from an expanded airport and enhanced international flight connectivity
In its recent report, Investment Friendliness Index 2026, the public policy think-tank of the Union government placed Tamil Nadu in the third spot after Gujarat and Maharashtra, highlighting that the State performed exceedingly well in infrastructure and business climate, and possessed one of India’s strongest talent pools.
But, in its areas of focus, the report states: “The Chennai airport may benefit from expansion to better serve the city’s growing population and business needs, particularly in terms of international connectivity, as there are currently limited direct flights to Europe despite the presence of many European MNCs (Multinational Corporations).”
It is to be noted that the Chennai airport, which was once the gateway to the South and the third busiest airport in the country, still lacks direct connectivity to quite a few international destinations, including Paris, Amsterdam, and Munich. Bengaluru, which has replaced the city airport in the rankings, already has nonstop flights to these destinations. It will add Zurich to the list from October this year.
Air passengers and airline and industry representatives stress the need for Chennai to have a modern second airport, which will add immense value to the city.
V.K. Girish Pandian, a businessman and a frequent flyer, says: “It is quite a hassle when you don’t have the option to fly nonstop to an international destination and have a transit. Even when businessmen bring clients from abroad, many would look for the availability of direct flights as they may not have the time. It would help to have a modernised second airport for the city.”
An airline representative says, “When an airline plans to add connectivity from a city, the incentives and advantages that a private airport offers are unmatched. For instance, even to pick a slot at Bengaluru airport, the staff guide us through the options that would help us get a better deal and profit. Such welcome moves will naturally attract airlines. It is high time the State government focuses on building the second airport.”
AMPA. Palaniappan, vice-president, Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry, says there is a dire need for a second airport to draw airlines to Chennai city.
“Tamil Nadu has a diversified growth, be it in manufacturing, business, or setting up Global Capability Centres. Having a massive second airport with superior infrastructure is intrinsically important for the State and city’s growth. We have a substantial number of people from Korea and Japan who travel back and forth from the city, yet sadly, the city airport does not have direct flights to both countries. Airlines will start making a beeline for our city, like in Bengaluru, New Delhi, and Mumbai, if we have a second airport, and the city will benefit phenomenally from it, both in terms of job opportunities and connectivity,” he adds.
