Tamil Nadu Plans Alternative Site for Chennai Airport After Scrapping Parandur

The Tamil Nadu government has planned to set up a new international airport near Chennai to address rising passenger and cargo traffic from the city and neighboring districts, according to the state's Industries Policy Note. The move follows the government's decision to scrap the proposed Greenfield International Airport project at Parandur in Kancheepuram district.

According to the policy note, alternative sites for the new airport will be identified in consultation with experts. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) will conduct feasibility assessments for the proposed locations, and the state government will proceed based on the resulting feasibility reports.

The policy note also detailed plans by the AAI to construct a new passenger handling system on the north-west side of the existing Chennai airport at Meenambakkam to manage increased passenger and cargo capacity more efficiently. The AAI has requested permissions from the state government to lay a road linking the new facility directly to the national highway, and the state government confirmed it will extend full assistance for the project.

The decision to find an alternative location follows significant local opposition to the proposed Greenfield airport at Parandur. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay announced in the State Assembly under Rule 110 that the government would abandon the Parandur plan due to severe environmental concerns, risks to agricultural lands, and loss of local livelihoods.

Addressing the Assembly, Chief Minister Vijay stated that while a second airport is necessary for Chennai's long-term demands, industrial growth, and cargo needs, it could not come at the expense of local communities. The Chief Minister noted that he visited Eganapuram and other affected villages on January 20, 2025, to hear grievances directly from residents protesting across Parandur and 12 neighboring villages.

The Civil Aviation Ministry had previously granted in-principle approval in April 2025 for the Greenfield airport at Parandur. The cancellation of the project drew criticism from the opposition DMK and BJP, with DMK president and former Chief Minister MK Stalin describing the cancellation as an irreversible setback to the state's growth.