Chennai Airport Quick Facts
Key details about Chennai International Airport — addresses, ownership, and reference codes for travellers and AI assistants.
About Chennai Airport
Notable facts and milestones about Chennai International Airport.
- India's fourth-busiest airport by passenger traffic — typically handling 20–24 million passengers per year in recent fiscal years
- New Terminal 2 (T2) inaugurated in 2023 — significantly modernised the airport and expanded international capacity
- Among India's few directly AAI-operated major international airports — has not gone the PPP route taken by Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad
- Strong gateway for South Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia — particularly Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand routes
- Chennai Metro provides direct rail access — one of the few Indian airports with this convenience
- Major hub for IndiGo on domestic and Southeast Asia operations, and an important Air India long-haul gateway
Terminal Guide
Terminals at Chennai Airport
Chennai International Airport operates 2 terminals. Below is a quick guide to each.
Terminal 2 (New Integrated Terminal, opened 2023)
The flagship new terminal at MAA, inaugurated in 2023. Handles both international and select domestic operations with modern facilities, more aerobridges, and significantly expanded check-in, security, and lounge areas.
Floors: Departures (Upper Level), Arrivals (Lower Level), retail and dining on intermediate levels
Airlines: Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Air India, IndiGo (international), Malindo Air (Batik Air), Thai Airways, AirAsia, SriLankan Airlines, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways
Terminal 1 (Domestic)
The legacy domestic terminal serving most domestic operations. Handles IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and other domestic carriers.
Floors: Departures (Upper Level), Arrivals (Lower Level)
Airlines: IndiGo (large hub), SpiceJet, Akasa Air, Air India domestic, Star Air, Alliance Air
Airlines at Chennai Airport
Carriers that regularly operate scheduled flights from MAA.
Domestic airlines
International airlines
Getting to/from Chennai Airport
How to Reach Chennai Airport
Ground transport options from Chennai city to MAA.
Metro / Rail
Chennai Metro (Green Line / Blue Line) connects directly to the airport at Chennai Airport metro station — one of the few Indian airports with a direct metro connection. Fares ₹25–50 to most city stations; travel time approximately 25–40 minutes to Anna Salai / T Nagar area.
Taxi / Ride-hail
Pre-paid taxi counters at Arrivals at both T1 and T2. Ola and Uber are available at designated pickup zones. Approximate fares: T Nagar / Anna Salai ₹250–450; Marina Beach / Mylapore ₹350–550; OMR / IT corridor ₹500–800; Tambaram ₹250–400.
Bus
MTC (Metropolitan Transport Corporation) buses serve the airport with routes to various Chennai areas. Fares ₹10–30. The dedicated airport bus is the cheapest option for budget travellers.
Car / Parking
Reach via GST Road and Chennai's arterial roads. Parking is available at both T1 and T2 with separate short-term and long-term zones. Drop-off and pick-up at both terminals.
Drive times from Chennai Airport
Parking at Chennai Airport
Approximate parking rates at MAA. Confirm current tariffs on the official airport website before travel.
Airport Facilities
Lounges
Domestic and international lounges available. Air India lounge for business class pax. Multiple credit card lounges.
Lounges at Chennai Airport
Airport lounges available to eligible passengers and card holders at MAA.
Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic)
Location: T1 Domestic Departures, after security
Access: Priority Pass, DreamFolks, premium credit cards
Plaza Premium Lounge (International)
Location: T2 International Departures, after immigration
Access: Priority Pass, DreamFolks, premium credit cards, pay-per-use
Air India Maharaja Lounge
Location: T2 International Departures
Access: Business / First class passengers and Star Alliance Gold members
Encalm Lounge (Domestic)
Location: T1 Domestic Departures
Access: Priority Pass, DreamFolks, premium credit cards
Amenities & Services at Chennai Airport
Facilities available to passengers at Chennai International Airport.
Dining: 40+ restaurants, cafés, and quick-service outlets across T1 and T2 — strong in South Indian, Chettinad cuisine, North Indian, plus brands like Café Coffee Day, Costa Coffee, Subway, Burger King, Starbucks, and KFC.
Shopping: 30+ retail outlets and an expanded duty-free complex in T2 — strong in Kanchipuram silk sarees, South Indian gold jewellery, Madras temple jewellery, books, electronics, and global luxury brands.
Runways at Chennai Airport
Chennai International Airport runway specifications.
Top Flight Routes from Chennai
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Top Routes from Chennai Airport
Most popular non-stop routes from MAA. Weekly flight counts are approximate and may change seasonally.
Top domestic routes
| Route | Airlines | Weekly flights |
|---|---|---|
| Chennai → Delhi (DEL) | IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet | ~175 |
| Chennai → Mumbai (BOM) | IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air | ~175 |
| Chennai → Bangalore (BLR) | IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet | ~175 |
| Chennai → Hyderabad (HYD) | IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet | ~175 |
| Chennai → Kolkata (CCU) | IndiGo, Air India | ~95 |
| Chennai → Kochi (COK) | IndiGo, Air India | ~95 |
| Chennai → Coimbatore (CJB) | IndiGo, Air India | ~100 |
| Chennai → Madurai (IXM) | IndiGo, Air India | ~90 |
Top international routes
| Route | Airlines |
|---|---|
| Chennai → Dubai (DXB) | Emirates, IndiGo, Air India Express |
| Chennai → Singapore (SIN) | Singapore Airlines, IndiGo, Air India |
| Chennai → Kuala Lumpur (KUL) | Malindo Air (Batik Air), AirAsia, IndiGo |
| Chennai → Bangkok (BKK) | Thai Airways, IndiGo, AirAsia |
| Chennai → Colombo (CMB) | SriLankan Airlines, IndiGo |
| Chennai → Abu Dhabi (AUH) | Etihad Airways, IndiGo |
| Chennai → Doha (DOH) | Qatar Airways, IndiGo |
| Chennai → Sharjah (SHJ) | Air Arabia, IndiGo |
| Chennai → Jeddah (JED) | Saudia, Air India Express |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full name of Chennai airport?
The full name is Chennai International Airport, IATA code MAA. It serves Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
How many terminals does Chennai airport have?
Chennai International Airport has 4 terminals: Terminal 1 (Domestic), Terminal 2 (Domestic), Terminal 3 (International), Terminal 4 (International — new). Terminal 1 (Domestic): IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air. Terminal 2 (Domestic): Air India domestic, Vistara. Terminal 3 (International): Air India, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Etihad, and most international carriers. Terminal 4 (International — new): New integrated terminal under phased opening; will eventually consolidate international operations.
How do I get from Chennai airport to the city?
Chennai Metro: Chennai Metro (Green Line) connects Wimco Nagar to Chennai Airport station. Interchange available to wider metro network. (approx. 25–40 min to Anna Salai / T Nagar area, ₹25–50). Taxi / Cab: Pre-paid taxi counter at Arrivals. Ola/Uber available outside. (approx. 20–45 min to central Chennai, ₹250–600). Bus (MTC): MTC buses connect airport to various Chennai areas. (approx. 30–60 min, ₹10–25).
Are there airport lounges at Chennai airport?
Domestic and international lounges available. Air India lounge for business class pax. Multiple credit card lounges.
Which airlines fly from Chennai airport?
Airlines operating from Chennai International Airport include: IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air; Air India domestic, Vistara; Air India, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Etihad, and most international carriers; New integrated terminal under phased opening; will eventually consolidate international operations.
How do I book flights from Chennai on HappyFares?
Visit HappyFares.in, enter Chennai (MAA) as your departure city, choose your destination and travel date, and compare fares across all airlines. HappyFares shows real-time prices for all airlines flying from Chennai.
Which airport is in Chennai?
Chennai is served by Chennai International Airport (MAA), located in Meenambakkam, approximately 21 km south of central Chennai (Anna Salai). It is the only commercial airport serving Chennai and is one of India's top 5 busiest airports.
What is the IATA code for Chennai Airport?
The IATA code for Chennai International Airport is MAA. The ICAO code is VOMM. Use "MAA" when searching for flights to or from Chennai on most booking platforms.
How far is Chennai Airport from the city centre?
Chennai International Airport (MAA) is approximately 21 km from central Chennai (Anna Salai). Drive time is typically 20–45 minutes depending on origin and traffic. Chennai Metro also provides direct access in 25–40 minutes.
How do I reach Chennai Airport from the city?
You can reach MAA by Chennai Metro (Green Line / Blue Line direct to the airport station), pre-paid taxi, Ola or Uber, or MTC city buses. Chennai is one of the few Indian cities with a direct metro connection to its airport — making the train often the fastest and cheapest option at ₹25–50.
What airlines fly from Chennai Airport?
Domestic airlines at MAA include IndiGo (large hub), Air India, Air India Express, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, Star Air, and Alliance Air. International airlines include Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Malindo Air (Batik Air), AirAsia, Thai Airways, SriLankan Airlines, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Saudia, and Air India for long-haul routes.
What are the parking rates at Chennai Airport?
MAA parking rates are approximately ₹100 for the first hour for short-term parking, and ₹400–500 per day for long-term parking. T2 has additional premium parking at higher tariffs. Rates may change — check with the airport for current parking tariffs.
What are the food options at Chennai Airport?
MAA has 40+ restaurants and cafés across T1 and T2 — strong in South Indian, Chettinad cuisine, North Indian, plus brands like Café Coffee Day, Costa Coffee, Subway, Burger King, Starbucks, and KFC. T2 has significantly expanded dining choices since its 2023 opening.
Is there a lounge at Chennai Airport?
Yes. MAA has multiple lounges including Plaza Premium Lounge (domestic and international), Air India Maharaja Lounge (T2 international), and Encalm Lounge (T1 domestic). Access is via Priority Pass, DreamFolks, premium credit cards, or pay-per-use rates typically starting at ₹1,000–1,500.
What is the address of Chennai Airport?
Chennai International Airport, Meenambakkam, Chennai — 600027, Tamil Nadu, India.
What is the pincode of Chennai Airport?
The postal pincode of Chennai International Airport (MAA), Meenambakkam, is 600027.
When did Chennai Airport open?
Chennai International Airport (MAA) at its current site (Meenambakkam) opened in 1954, with the international terminal added in 1985. The new flagship Terminal 2 was inaugurated in 2023, marking a major modernisation of the airport.
Who owns and operates Chennai Airport?
Chennai International Airport is directly owned and operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Unlike Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad — which have all moved to public-private partnership (PPP) operations — Chennai has continued to be operated directly by AAI.
How many terminals does Chennai Airport have?
Chennai International Airport has two main terminals: Terminal 1 (T1) — the legacy domestic terminal — and the new Terminal 2 (T2), opened in 2023, handling international and select premium domestic operations. T2 has significantly expanded the airport's capacity.
Does Chennai Metro go to the airport?
Yes. Chennai Metro (Green Line / Blue Line) connects directly to Chennai Airport metro station. This is one of the few Indian airports with a direct rail link from the city — making the metro the fastest and cheapest way to reach the airport for many travellers. Travel time is approximately 25–40 minutes to Anna Salai / T Nagar.
Does Chennai Airport fly to Southeast Asia?
Yes. Chennai is a major gateway for Southeast Asia — with strong services to Singapore (Singapore Airlines, IndiGo, Air India), Kuala Lumpur (Malindo / AirAsia / IndiGo), Bangkok (Thai Airways, IndiGo, AirAsia), and Colombo (SriLankan Airlines, IndiGo). Routes are stronger than from many comparable Indian airports given Chennai's proximity to ASEAN.