Archive · 25 Aug 2026
CII Urges Meenambakkam Upgrade, Fast-Tracked Alternative Chennai Airport
The Confederation of Indian Industry wants Chennai’s existing airport to be improved quickly.
It says the airport is important for businesses, tourists, exports and jobs.
The group wants better passenger facilities and more space for cargo.
It also wants the airport to handle larger international planes.
However, CII says the existing airport will not be enough forever.
Chennai’s industries and services are expected to keep growing.
Because the Parandur airport project was dropped, CII wants the government to find another location.
It says the new airport should be built without delay.
The Confederation of Indian Industry urged Tamil Nadu to strengthen Chennai International Airport at Meenambakkam.
CII called for investments in passenger facilities, cargo infrastructure and operational efficiency.
The industry body wants the airport equipped to handle larger wide-body international aircraft.
CII said modernising Meenambakkam would meet needs only in the near and medium term.
After the Parandur project was dropped, CII urged the government to quickly select an alternative site.
- Who
- The Confederation of Indian Industry, led in this appeal by Southern Region chairman Ravichandran Purushothaman.
- What
- It called for upgrading Chennai International Airport and quickly developing an alternative greenfield airport.
- When
- After the state government decided to drop the Parandur airport project.
- Where
- Chennai, Tamil Nadu, focusing on Meenambakkam and a yet-to-be-selected alternative site.
- Why
- To meet near- and long-term capacity needs and support business, trade, tourism, investment, employment and regional connectivity.
- Existing airport
- Chennai International Airport at Meenambakkam
- Industry body
- Confederation of Indian Industry
- CII representative
- Ravichandran Purushothaman, chairman of the CII Southern Region
- Immediate priority
- Improve capacity, efficiency and passenger experience at Meenambakkam
- Requested upgrades
- World-class passenger facilities, expanded cargo infrastructure and facilities for wide-body international aircraft
- Long-term requirement
- A second airport to support Chennai’s expanding industrial, manufacturing, logistics and services sectors
- Dropped project
- The Parandur airport project is no longer being pursued