Chennai. Photo: Shutterstock A massive new aviation project is taking shape in southern India, with plans to build a state-of-the-art airport in Parandur, approximately 70 kilometers west of Chennai — one of the country’s most dynamic and rapidly growing cities.
The project, estimated at $2.4 billion, will be developed as a greenfield airport, meaning it will be constructed entirely from scratch on previously undeveloped land, without any pre-existing aviation infrastructure.
Second International Gateway for Chennai
Envisioned as Chennai’s second international airport, the new facility is expected to serve as a major aviation hub for the entire region, easing pressure on the current airport and supporting long-term growth in passenger traffic.
Phase One: 20 Million Passengers Annually
In its initial phase, the Parandur airport will feature a single runway with the capacity to handle up to 20 million passengers per year. However, the long-term vision is far more ambitious — with plans to develop multiple runways and terminals capable of serving 100 million passengers annually, placing it among the world’s largest and busiest airports.
A Strategic Step in India’s Aviation Push
The project is part of a broader national strategy by the Indian government to modernize aviation infrastructure, particularly in fast-growing economic zones. India, already home to one of the world’s largest domestic aviation markets, is rapidly expanding its international footprint — and a new hub of this scale is seen as a catalyst for tourism, trade, industry, and foreign investment.
Tender to Be Released Soon
The official tender for selecting a developer and builder is expected to be published as early as next month, following imminent in-principle approval by the central government. The tender is likely to draw significant interest from global infrastructure and aviation companies, with the project viewed as a national flagship initiative.
Indian officials note that the Parandur airport will be a game-changer for the region — one that will reshape air connectivity in southern India for decades to come.
