Archive · 28 Jul 2026
Chennai Airport Modernisation Delayed to December 2026
The Chennai International Airport is getting a big upgrade, but it's taking longer than planned.
The government said the project will now finish by December 2026.
The upgrade includes building a new terminal and improving the airport's infrastructure.
The airport is already handling more passengers, and the government is making sure it can handle even more in the future.
The airport is the fifth busiest in India, and there are no issues with flight slots or passenger traffic.
Chennai International Airport modernisation delayed to December 2026.
Project cost is ₹2,467 crore, being carried out in two phases.
Phase I completed in July 2023, increasing capacity to 30 MPPA.
Phase II includes Terminal 3 development, aiming for 35 MPPA capacity.
Airside infrastructure upgrades cost ₹236.75 crore over five years.
- Who
- Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, Airports Authority of India (AAI)
- What
- Modernisation and expansion of Chennai International Airport
- When
- Revised deadline: December 2026
- Where
- Chennai, India
- Why
- To increase passenger handling capacity and improve infrastructure
Project Delays
Infrastructure Upgrades
Reasons for Delay
Project Delays
The project faced delays due to COVID-19, cyclones, and high rainfall.
Infrastructure Upgrades
The project includes significant upgrades to airside infrastructure and operational efficiency.
- Project Cost
- ₹2,467 crore
- Revised Deadline
- December 2026
- Phase I Completion
- July 8, 2023
- Phase II Cost
- ₹1,762.08 crore (as of June 2026)
- Airside Infrastructure Cost
- ₹236.75 crore
- Current Passenger Capacity
- 30 MPPA (Phase I)
- Future Passenger Capacity
- 35 MPPA (Phase II)
- Airport Rank
- 5th busiest in India