NITI Aayog Urges Chennai Airport Expansion to Address Lack of Direct Flights to Europe

The Union government's public policy think-tank, NITI Aayog, recently highlighted the urgent need for Chennai to expand its airport and enhance international flight connectivity to support business growth. In its Investment Friendliness Index 2026 report published on July 18, 2026, the think-tank noted that the Chennai airport currently lacks direct flights to Europe, despite the presence of numerous European multinational corporations (MNCs) in the city.

In the report, Tamil Nadu was ranked third in investment friendliness, trailing only Gujarat and Maharashtra. While the State performed exceedingly well in infrastructure, business climate, and talent pool, NITI Aayog pointed out that the Chennai airport must expand to better serve the growing population and business needs.

Chennai airport, which was once the gateway to the South and the country's third busiest airport, still lacks direct connectivity to major international destinations like Paris, Amsterdam, and Munich. Meanwhile, Bengaluru has overtaken Chennai in the rankings, already offering nonstop flights to these European hubs, with plans to add Zurich in October 2026.

Local air passengers and industry representatives have voiced strong demands for a modern second airport to boost the local economy. V.K. Girish Pandian, a businessman and frequent flyer, explained that transits are a major hassle for business travellers and international clients who value direct flights.

An airline representative also noted that private airports, such as the one in Bengaluru, provide unmatched incentives and guidance to help airlines secure profitable slots. The representative urged the Tamil Nadu government to focus on building a second airport to attract more carriers.

AMPA. Palaniappan, vice-president of the Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry, reiterated the dire need for a second airport. He pointed out that despite Chennai's diversified growth in manufacturing, business, and Global Capability Centres, and a large number of travellers commuting to Korea and Japan, the airport lacks direct flights to these countries. He stated that a massive second airport with superior infrastructure is essential for the city to compete with Bengaluru, New Delhi, and Mumbai.