Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Tamil Nadu Scraps Parandur Airport, Plans Industrial Land Use
Tamil Nadu decided not to build the planned airport at Parandur.
The government said the project could harm farms, water bodies and people’s livelihoods.
Many villagers had protested against losing their land and homes.
The government said only part of the needed land had been acquired and that important environmental approvals were missing.
Around 1,700 to 1,802 acres already acquired will not be returned, according to government sources.
Officials are considering using that land for farming-related businesses and other industries.
Tamil Nadu still wants to build a second airport for Chennai somewhere else.
The existing Chennai airport may also be expanded while a new location is studied.
Tamil Nadu has formally abandoned the proposed Parandur greenfield airport after sustained protests over farmland, water bodies and livelihoods.
About 1,700 to 1,802 acres acquired for the project may be used for agro-processing, agriculture-linked ventures, non-hazardous industries or a SIPCOT estate.
The government said only 1,802 of approximately 5,846 required acres had been acquired, while the DMK claimed the project was about 90% complete.
Officials said the site lacked an environmental impact assessment and required environmental clearance, and acquisition had not begun in several villages.
Tamil Nadu will search for another site for Chennai’s second airport and expand the existing Meenambakkam airport, potentially with a Terminal 5.
- Who
- The Tamil Nadu government, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, the DMK, farmers and residents of affected villages are involved.
- What
- The government ended the Parandur airport project and is considering industrial uses for acquired land while seeking another airport site.
- When
- The project’s cancellation was announced in the Assembly; one report dates the announcement to Monday, while another dates it to August 24. The government’s defense was reported the following Tuesday.
- Where
- Parandur in Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu; the existing airport is at Meenambakkam, Chennai.
- Why
- The government cited incomplete land acquisition, missing environmental approvals, and concerns about agricultural land, water resources, settlements and local livelihoods.
Tamil Nadu Government and Project Opponents
DMK and Project Supporters
Project readiness
Tamil Nadu Government and Project Opponents
The government said only 1,802 of approximately 5,846 required acres had been acquired and that the project was far from implementation, with acquisition absent in several villages.
DMK and Project Supporters
The DMK claimed the project was around 90% complete and criticized the decision to abandon it.
Environmental and livelihood impact
Tamil Nadu Government and Project Opponents
The government and protesting residents said the site’s farmland, water bodies, canals and settlements could be harmed, affecting livelihoods.
DMK and Project Supporters
Project supporters emphasized the airport’s intended role in meeting Chennai’s long-term aviation needs and supporting Tamil Nadu’s industrial growth.
Future development
Tamil Nadu Government and Project Opponents
The government said it would protect agricultural land and water resources, consider another airport site and use acquired land for suitable industrial projects.
DMK and Project Supporters
The DMK described cancellation as an “irreversible setback” to Tamil Nadu’s industrial growth and development.
- Acquired land
- Reports cite approximately 1,700 to 1,802 acres acquired.
- Land required
- Approximately 5,300 to 5,846 acres, depending on the project description in the reports.
- Planned airport
- A greenfield airport across 13 villages, intended to become Chennai’s second airport.
- Potential land uses
- Agro-processing, agriculture-linked ventures, non-hazardous industries and possibly a SIPCOT industrial estate.
- Environmental status
- The government said no environmental impact assessment or environmental clearance had been obtained.
- Estimated cost
- More than ₹27,000 crore.
- Interim aviation plan
- Explore alternative airport sites and expand Chennai airport at Meenambakkam, including a proposed Terminal 5.
