Welcome to Chennai International Airport, the bustling gateway to the vibrant city of Chennai, nestled in the heart of Tamil Nadu, India.
Strategically situated in Tirusulam, approximately 20 km southwest of the city centre, this airport is a vital hub connecting Tamil Nadu with the world.
Boasting the distinction of being the fifth-busiest airport in India and third in terms of international traffic, it is a pivotal player in the region’s air transportation network.
Handling over 21 million passengers in the financial year 2023-24, Chennai International Airport is a testament to India’s growing prominence in global aviation.
Moreover, to accommodate its soaring traffic, the airport is undergoing a significant expansion, with two new terminals, including an innovative satellite terminal, poised to elevate its capacity to cater to 40 million passengers annually.
This ambitious project positions Chennai International Airport as a pioneer, set to become India’s first airport featuring a satellite terminal seamlessly connected through underground walkways for enhanced passenger convenience.
The First Test Flight Takes Flight in Madras
In the annals of aviation history, a significant milestone marks the genesis of flight in Chennai, formerly Madras.
The year was 1910, and the city witnessed a groundbreaking event orchestrated by Giacomo D’Angelis, a visionary Corsican hotelier.
Drawing inspiration from the daring feats of Louis Blériot, who famously crossed the English Channel in 1909, D’Angelis embarked on a mission to conquer the skies.
Teaming up with Simpson’s, a prominent coach-builder in the city, he conceptualized and constructed a biplane, a marvel of engineering crafted entirely from his designs.
Assisted by Samuel John Green, a skilled motor engineer at Simpson’s, the aircraft took shape, powered by a modest horsepower engine.
On the historic day of March 10, 1910, D’Angelis piloted his creation for its maiden flight in the suburb of Pallavaram, etching its name in the annals of Asian aviation history.
The spectacle unfolded as he showcased the aircraft to an enthralled audience, inviting a brave soul from the crowd to join him as a passenger on this pioneering journey.
Following this momentous event, a public exhibition at Island Grounds ensued, with eager spectators flocking to witness the marvel of flight, albeit for a nominal entrance fee.
Commercial Aviation Takes Flight in India
While the dawn of civil aviation in India traces back to December 1912, with the inauguration of the first domestic air route linking Karachi and Delhi, a lesser-known yet equally significant chapter unfolds in Chennai’s aviation saga.
In 1914, amidst the scenic backdrop of Island Grounds, J. W. Madley, a water works engineer, took to the skies in an aircraft of his assembly, marking a pivotal moment in the city’s aviation chronicles.
Steering his creation over the tranquil expanse of the Red Hills Reservoir, Madley captured aerial snapshots, showcasing the transformative potential of aviation in infrastructure inspection.
A year later, the seeds of commercial aviation took root with the establishment of Tata Air Mail, pioneering regular airmail services between Karachi and Madras. Furthermore, you can explore the famous malls in Chennai.
Madras Flying Club
In March 1930, spurred by discussions initiated by pilot G. Vlasto, the Madras Flying Club took flight, etching its name as a pioneer in South India’s aviation history.
With 71 founding members, including 14 Indians, the club soared under the guidance of its first flight instructor, Flt Lt. H. N. Hawker.
Notably, the club’s first Indian chief pilot instructor, Mohammed Ismail Khan, played a pivotal role in training numerous pilots, catering to both professional aviators and enthusiasts alike.
As an emblem of its influence, the club witnessed historical moments such as the inaugural landing at Ratmalana near Colombo in 1935 and Captain V. Sundaram’s iconic flight from Karachi to Madras in 1936, marking a significant milestone in India’s aviation landscape.
Airport Terminals
The journey of Chennai International Airport’s terminals commenced in 1954 with the completion of the first passenger art deco-style terminal in Meenambakkam village.
However, the airport’s infrastructure continued to evolve, which was evident in the construction of a new terminal in Tirusulam in the early 1980s.
This marked the shift of passenger operations, culminating in the commissioning of the Kamaraj Chennai International Airport Terminal 2 for domestic flights in 1985 and the Anna Terminal 3 for international flights in 1989.
Notably, the transformation continued, as the former terminal, now known as Chennai International Airport Terminal 1, found a new purpose as a cargo hub for Blue Dart Aviation in 2013.
Additionally, the inauguration of an air cargo complex in 1978 positioned Chennai International Airport as a vital gateway for processing import, export, and transhipment cargo, further solidifying its stature in the aviation domain.
The airport’s global connectivity soared with the introduction of British Airways service to London’s Heathrow Airport via Kuwait in November 1988, paving the way for seamless travel between Chennai and Europe.
This milestone marked the beginning of a new era, as the airline eventually transitioned to nonstop flights using Boeing 747s in April 1991, underscoring Chennai International Airport’s significance on the global aviation map.
Administration
However, Chennai International Airport serves as the regional headquarters of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the southern region of India, encompassing Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala, alongside the union territories of Puducherry and Lakshadweep.
The airport oversees 49 airports within its ambit, comprising various operational and non-operational categories.
These include 19 operational AAI airports, five private/joint venture airports in operation, five non-operational airports, 12 military airports, and eight disused airfields.
Among them, six are designated as international airports, 15 as domestic airports, and three as customs airports.
Passenger terminals
Additionally, the airport boasts a contemporary terminal complex featuring both domestic and international terminals, seamlessly interconnected with the older international block.
Initially constructed in increments, the Anna Terminal (Terminal 3) was introduced in 1988, complementing the Kamaraj Terminal (Terminal 2).
Today, while the erstwhile international block accommodates administrative offices and a restaurant, the entirety forms a cohesive structure catering to the needs of travellers.
Cargo Complex
Established in 1978, the Air Cargo Complex at Chennai Airport consolidates regulatory and facilitating agencies, expediting international cargo processing and clearance.
Further, spanning 19.5 acres, it employs cargo-handling equipment, including elevated transfer vehicles and forklifts.
The complex, managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), acts as custodian for customs import/export cargo under the Customs Act of 1962.
With distinct wings for export and import covering 20,595 sq m and 20,090 sq m, respectively, the complex boasts a total covered area of 37,085 sq m.
It features three ETV build-up/working stations and 18 manual build-up ETV loading positions.
Air Traffic Control Tower
Moreover, Chennai hosts India’s most considerable Air Traffic Control (ATC) centre within the Air Traffic Services Complex.
It ensures comprehensive airspace monitoring by operating two radars—a mono-pulse secondary surveillance radar at Porur and the Chennai Westing House radar.
Adopting advanced systems like the Advance Surface Movement Guidance and Control System enhances operational efficiency.
A significant milestone was achieved in 2011 with the commissioning of an automation system, bolstering airspace integration efforts nationwide.
However, funded by the AAI to the tune of ₹420 million, this system utilizes cutting-edge technology from Raytheon Technologies, enhancing reliability and safety through electronic exchange of control data.
Additionally, a new route radar at Porur supplements the existing infrastructure. This automation revolutionizes information exchange across the towers, approaches, areas, and oceanic control, fortifying safety protocols.
Runway
At Chennai International Airport, two expansive runways cater to the needs of both domestic and international flights.
The primary runway, stretching over 3,662 meters, boasts a northeast-to-southeast orientation, while the secondary runway, spanning 2,925 meters, runs from northwest to southeast.
Enhanced with Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) landing aids and CAT-1 approach lights, these runways ensure safe and efficient aircraft operations.
Routine maintenance of the primary runway occurs biweekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.
However, the absence of rapid exit taxiways poses a challenge for larger aircraft like the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8, necessitating careful manoeuvring post-landing.
To address this issue, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) initiated upgrades to taxiways and parking bays, ensuring the airport’s readiness to accommodate jumbo planes since 2011.
Connectivity
Situated along the Grand Southern Trunk Road, Chennai International Airport enjoys convenient access via a major national highway, facilitating smooth transit for passengers from various cities.
Complementing road connectivity, Tirusulam railway station forms part of the Suburban railway network, offering another accessible transportation option.
Government-regulated prepaid taxi services operate round the clock, ensuring affordability and reliability for travellers.
Moreover, the integration of Chennai Metro’s airport station further enhances connectivity, marking it as the second airport in India to be seamlessly linked to a metro system.
Shuttle services efficiently ferry passengers between the metro station and airport terminals.
Plans include a connector tube linking the metro station’s concourse to the airport terminals’ departure area, streamlining passenger transit.
Additionally, integration efforts extend to the Tirusulam suburban train station, enhancing multimodal connectivity for travellers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chennai International Airport is a testament to India’s aviation prowess, seamlessly blending a rich historical legacy with modern infrastructure.
With the ongoing expansion project to enhance its capacity and convenience, the airport is poised to elevate travel experiences for millions of passengers annually.
Moreover, its strategic location and robust connectivity via road, rail, and metro further solidify its status as a vital transportation hub in South India.
From its historic milestones to cutting-edge facilities, Chennai International Airport continues to soar as a beacon of progress in the global aviation landscape.
FAQ
Q: Which terminal 4 is at the Chennai airport?
A: Terminal 4 is the new international block primarily utilized for Chennai International Airport departures, complementing the Anna Terminal (Terminal 3), which handles arrivals.
Q: What is terminal 1 in Chennai airport?
A: Terminal 1, also known as the Kamraj domestic terminal, serves all domestic operations, while Terminal 2, the Anna international terminal, facilitates international flights. Remember to explore our Chennai International Airport Lounge for a relaxing experience.
Q: Is Chennai terminal 2 domestic or international?
A: Terminal 2 encompasses the Domestic Terminal (Terminal 1) and the New Integrated Terminal Building for international flights, ensuring seamless travel experiences.
Q: What is terminal 3 in Chennai Airport?
A: Terminal 3, or the Anna International Terminal, has long been the gateway for Chennai International Airport arrivals, welcoming visitors to Chennai and its vibrant surroundings.
