Chennai Airport

Chennai International Airport (MAA), formerly known as Madras Airport, is the main aerial gateway to the state of Tamil Nadu and one of the key aviation hubs in southern India. It is one of the busiest airports in the country, serving as a vital link between South India and major cities around the world. The airport combines modern amenities with efficient organization, offering passengers a comfortable start or end to their journey through this vibrant region.

Chennai Airport features well-planned infrastructure that is constantly being upgraded for passenger convenience. It consists of several terminals: terminals T1 and T4 serve domestic flights, while the updated terminal T2 handles international flights. Numerous services are available for travelers, including business lounges, duty-free shops, a variety of cafes and restaurants, as well as baggage wrapping services. Excellent transport accessibility is one of the airport's main advantages. It is directly connected to the city by a metro line, a suburban railway (Tirusulam station), and a major highway, allowing you to easily and quickly reach the center of Chennai by taxi, bus, or train.

Below are the main contact details for Chennai International Airport (MAA) that travelers may need.

• Official Airport Website: www.aai.aero/en/airports/chennai
• Helpline Phone: +91-44-2256-1515, +91-44-2256-0551
• Airport Address: Airport Road, Meenambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600027, India
• Email for General Inquiries: apdchennai@aai.aero
• Social Media: Current information and updates can be tracked on the official page on X (formerly Twitter): @aaichnairport
• Lost Luggage Information: If baggage is lost, first contact your airline's representative. If you have lost items within the terminal, please contact the airport's Lost and Found service.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance and consultations, you can use the airport helpline numbers.

You can reach Chennai International Airport (MAA) in several ways, suitable for any budget and preference. The airport is conveniently located, and the transport infrastructure offers options ranging from budget-friendly trains to comfortable taxis. When planning your trip, be sure to consider the time of day, as traffic congestion in the city can significantly increase travel time.

Public Transport

This is the most economical way to get to the airport. You have several options:

• Metro: The fastest and most convenient public transport. The Blue Line of the Chennai Metro has a "Chennai International Airport" station, which is directly connected to both terminals. The journey from the city center will take about 30-40 minutes. This is an excellent way to avoid traffic jams, especially during peak hours. Ticket prices are very affordable.
• Suburban Train: Directly opposite the airport is the Tirusulam railway station. It is connected to the terminals by a pedestrian subway. Trains run frequently and are the cheapest mode of transport, however, they can be very crowded, especially during peak hours. This option is suitable for travelers with light luggage.
• Bus: City buses (MTC) offer many routes connecting the airport with various parts of the city. This is the most budget-friendly but also the slowest option. Buses may be air-conditioned or non-air-conditioned. If you are not familiar with the city, navigating the routes might be challenging.

Taxi and Transfers

For greater comfort, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling with family, a taxi is the preferred choice. In India, app-based taxi services like Ola and Uber are widely used. The cost of a trip from the city center will vary depending on demand and traffic conditions but generally amounts to a reasonable sum. Travel time by taxi is between 45 to 90 minutes. You can also use pre-paid taxi services by booking a car at a fixed price, which helps avoid bargaining with the driver.

Car Rental and Parking

International and local car rental companies operate at the airport and in the city. However, due to chaotic traffic and a driving style that may be unfamiliar to visitors, driving yourself in Chennai is recommended only for experienced drivers. A more popular option is renting a car with a driver. If you still decide to drive your own or a rented car, the airport provides multi-level parking for both short-term and long-term stays. Tariffs depend on the duration of parking.

Chennai Airport (MAA) consists of several terminals conveniently located within a single complex, simplifying navigation for passengers. The key ones are Terminal 1 (T1), serving domestic flights, and the new integrated terminal complex (including T2 and T4), which handles international and some domestic flights. All terminals are within walking distance, but for the convenience of passengers with luggage, free shuttle buses run between them, and there is also a metro line.

The airport structure is organized quite logically. Typically, departure zones with check-in counters and passport control are located on the upper floors, while arrival zones with baggage claim areas are on the lower floors. Numerous signs in English and Tamil help navigate the airport. If questions arise, you can always ask for help at the information desks.

Terminal 1 (Kamaraj Domestic Terminal) specializes in domestic flights across India. It is an older building, yet fully equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable wait before departure, including cafes, shops, and waiting halls. Terminals T2 and T4 (Anna International Terminal) form a modern complex for serving international destinations. Here, travelers will find more spacious halls, a wide selection of duty-free shops, restaurants, and business lounges.

Completing all formalities at Chennai Airport usually does not take much time. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive 2 hours before departure, and for international flights — 3-4 hours prior. Please note that during peak hours, especially in the morning and evening, the time for check-in and security checks may increase, so it is worth arriving with a little extra time.

Main navigation tip: always verify your terminal number in advance as indicated on your ticket or the carrier's website. Although the terminals are connected, it is better to head directly to the correct one to avoid rushing and unnecessary movements before your flight.

The history of Chennai Airport is closely intertwined with the history of aviation in all of India, as it is one of the oldest in the country. Aviation activity in this area began as early as the 1910s, and the airport itself was founded at its current location in the suburb of Meenambakkam in the 1930s. Initially used for military purposes during World War II, it was converted for civil flights after the war ended, becoming a key transport hub for South India.

A significant stage of development occurred in the 1980s. In response to growing passenger traffic, two new terminals were built, named after prominent political figures of Tamil Nadu. In 1985, the Kamaraj Domestic Terminal opened, followed by the Anna International Terminal in 1989. These two buildings became the airport's hallmark for many years. The old terminal, built in the 1950s, was converted into a cargo complex, which remains one of the largest in the country today.

At the beginning of the 21st century, the airport faced the need for another major modernization. The project, completed in 2013, included the construction of new modern terminals, the expansion of aprons, and, most notably, the construction of a second runway. This runway became a true engineering marvel, as it is built on a bridge passing over the Adyar River. This unique solution significantly increased the airport's capacity.

Among the achievements of Chennai Airport, it is worth noting that it was one of the first in India to receive the ISO 9001-2000 quality certificate. Today, it consistently ranks among the busiest airports in the country for both passenger and cargo traffic, continuing its long history as a vital aviation center connecting southern India with the rest of the world.

Chennai Airport offers passengers a wide range of services to make waiting for a flight as comfortable as possible. In the terminals, you will find numerous restaurants and cafes where you can try both local Tamil cuisine and familiar international snacks. For shopping enthusiasts, stores are open, including Duty Free, with a large selection of souvenirs, clothing, electronics, and perfumes.

For those who value comfort and privacy, the airport operates premium waiting lounges and VIP halls. They offer comfortable seating, snacks, beverages, and a calm atmosphere away from the main bustle. Staying connected is easy: free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and numerous charging stations for gadgets are located in waiting areas and at boarding gates.

Financial matters can be easily resolved at the airport. ATMs and currency exchange counters are at your service, where you can exchange money upon arrival or before departure. In case of unforeseen health situations, a 24-hour medical center is available in the terminals, ready to provide first aid.

The airport cares for all categories of passengers. Special mother and child rooms are equipped for travelers with small children, where you can feed and change a baby in a quiet environment. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary assistance: from escort services and provision of wheelchairs to specially equipped restrooms and elevators.

If you have a long layover or an early flight, several hotels of various price categories are located near the airport. For business travelers who need to work, business centers and conference rooms may be available at the airport, where meetings can be held or preparations made for negotiations.

Chennai International Airport (MAA) offers passengers a wide selection of dining establishments to suit every taste and budget. Here you can grab a quick snack before departure or have a full lunch or dinner while waiting for your flight. Most cafes and restaurants are concentrated in the departure zones after security control (airside), but there are also several good options in the public zone (landside).

Once in Chennai, be sure to try South Indian dishes. Many airport cafes will offer you freshly made `idli` (steamed rice cakes), crispy `dosa` (thin pancakes made from rice and lentil flour), `vada` (spiced lentil donuts), and, of course, aromatic filter coffee — the pride of the region. This is a great opportunity to explore the local gastronomy. For those who prefer familiar food, international fast-food chains and coffee shops are available.

For travelers with specific dietary preferences, finding suitable food will not be difficult. South Indian cuisine is rich in vegetarian dishes, so vegetarians and vegans will easily find filling and delicious options. Information regarding Halal or gluten-free dishes is best verified directly with the restaurant staff, but generally, the personnel are ready to assist with your choice.

Recommendations for choosing:

• For a quick snack: Look out for coffee shops and kiosks with sandwiches and pastries. They are ideal if you are short on time.
• For a full meal: The best choice would be the food courts located in the departure halls of both domestic and international terminals. Various cuisines are represented here, allowing every member of the family or group to choose a dish to their liking.

The price range at the airport varies from moderate to high, as in most major transport hubs around the world. The cost of meals here is noticeably higher than in city establishments. Most venues, especially in the international terminal, operate around the clock or have extended hours to serve passengers on night and morning flights.

To ensure your journey through Chennai Airport goes as smoothly as possible, make use of our tips. These recommendations will help save time, reduce stress, and even save money.

Arrival Time at the Airport: For domestic flights within India, it is recommended to arrive 2-3 hours before departure, and for international flights — 3-4 hours prior. Keep in mind that traffic in Chennai can be unpredictable, especially during peak hours, so it is better to allow extra time for the journey.

Check-in and Security: If possible, complete online check-in to avoid long queues at the counters. Security checks here can be quite thorough. Be prepared to remove outerwear, belts, and take all electronics out of your hand luggage. Sometimes there may be separate queues for men and women, which is standard practice in India.

Seat Selection: Classic choice: a window seat for beautiful views during takeoff and landing, or an aisle seat for more legroom and the ability to stand up freely. If you want quiet, avoid seats near the galley and lavatories.

Hand Luggage: Standard rules prohibit carrying liquids exceeding 100 ml and sharp objects. Pay special attention to power banks: they can only be carried in hand luggage, and there may be restrictions on their capacity (usually up to 20,000 mAh). Lighters and matches are generally prohibited.

Transfer Passengers: If you have a connecting flight, check with your airline whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. When transferring from an international to a domestic flight, you will likely have to pass through customs and immigration control in Chennai, collect your luggage, and check it in again at the domestic flight counter.

Customs Control: The airport operates "Green" and "Red" channels. If you have no goods to declare, feel free to go through the Green channel. If you are carrying large amounts of currency, expensive electronics, or other valuable items, it is better to clarify the rules and use the Red channel if necessary.

Saving Time and Money:

• Book a taxi through official apps (such as Uber or Ola) — this is often cheaper than taking a car from the counter in the arrival hall.
• Take an empty water bottle with you and fill it after passing security control at special water fountains.
• Prices for food and drinks at the airport are significantly higher than in the city. If you have time, have a snack before arriving at the airport.

In Case of Flight Delay: First, contact your airline representative for information. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with vouchers for meals or even hotel accommodation. Study your passenger rights. If you have access to business lounges (for example, via a Priority Pass card) or are willing to pay for entry, this is an excellent way to spend your waiting time in comfort.