Airport Authority to submit report to TN CM

The Airports Authority of India is preparing to submit a detailed report to Chief Minister Vijay, highlighting the necessity of establishing the proposed greenfield international airport at Parandur in Kancheepuram district to meet Tamil Nadu’s future aviation and economic requirements.
The Parandur airport project was proposed during the previous DMK government on about 5,600 acres of land. The project was conceived to ease congestion at the existing Chennai International Airport, which handles more than 60,000 passengers and over 400 flight movements daily. With air traffic continuing to grow, the second airport was planned as a long-term solution to meet future demand.
The project also includes the development of an Aerotropolis, featuring modern cargo hubs, export and import centres, headquarters of multinational companies and star hotels. Officials believe the integrated development would significantly boost industrial growth in Chennai and neighbouring districts.
Land acquisition and preliminary works have already progressed, with around 3,700 acres acquired so far. Efforts are continuing to acquire the remaining 1,700 acres required for the project.
The proposal, however, has faced opposition from local residents and farmers, who have been staging protests against land acquisition. The issue gained political attention when actor-turned-politician Vijay extended support to the protesters during the early phase of his political journey.
Following the formation of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government under Vijay’s leadership, questions were raised over the future of the airport project. Reports also emerged that a portion of the acquired land could be considered for SIPCOT industrial development, triggering fresh debate.
Amid the uncertainty, officials of the Airports Authority of India, in coordination with the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation, have completed a comprehensive study covering land suitability, environmental impact and transport connectivity. The findings have been compiled into a report that is expected to be submitted to the Chief Minister shortly.
According to airport officials, Chennai requires a second airport as a matter of necessity to accommodate projected aviation growth over the next 30 to 50 years.
They said the proposed airport would be capable of handling international operations to multiple destinations and would play a crucial role in supporting Tamil Nadu’s economic expansion.
Officials further stated that the Aerotropolis planned around the airport has the potential to transform the region into a major economic and logistics hub, creating employment opportunities and attracting significant investments in the coming decades.