Chennai airport phase-2 international terminal to open by December, set to handle 35 million passengers annually

LR Shankar / TNN / Updated: Mar 24, 2026, 21:19 IST

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AAI sets December 2026 deadline

Amid supply disruptions, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has set December 2026 as the target to complete Phase-2 of Chennai airport’s international terminal. (Photo credit: LR Shankar)

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Terminal façade construction in progress

The truss structure for the terminal façade is being installed. Vehicle movement between departure terminals has been altered temporarily to accommodate construction. (Photo credit: LR Shankar)

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West Asia tensions disrupt steel imports

Escalating tensions in West Asia have affected steel imports, posing a challenge to the project’s timely completion. (Photo credit: LR Shankar)

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Skeletal structure eady

The terminal extension’s skeletal structure is completed, representing over 40% of total construction work. (Photo credit: LR Shankar)

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Interior work to start after roof

Sources confirmed that interior works will commence after the roof is erected, signaling progress toward completion. (Photo credit: LR Shankar)

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Phase-2 originally due June 2026

Phase-2 was initially scheduled for completion in June 2026, but raw material delays pushed the timeline. (Photo credit: LR Shankar)

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Contractors directed to stick to deadlines

Despite material supply issues, contractors have been instructed to adhere strictly to the December deadline. (Photo credit: LR Shankar)

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Increased passenger handling capacity

Once completed, the airport will handle 35 million passengers annually, significantly boosting capacity. (Photo credit: LR Shankar)

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Accommodation of larger aircraft

The expansion will allow ‘Code F’ aircraft (largest wingspan) to operate, compared to the current ‘Code E’ aircraft, reducing Chennai’s competitive disadvantage against Bengaluru and Hyderabad. (Photo credit: LR Shankar)

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Flexible aerobridge design

The Phase-2 airside design enables aerobridges to serve both smaller and larger aircraft, ensuring efficient operations regardless of plane size. (Photo credit: LR Shankar)

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Enhanced passenger amenities

The terminal will feature additional baggage conveyors, immigration and check-in counters, and modern amenities. Check-in counters will increase from 120 to 192. (Photo credit: LR Shankar)

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