About Chennai International Airport: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
City of beautiful temples, culture, and vibrant festivals, Chennai has India's cleanest and culturally structured Airport, Chennai International Airport (MAA), situated in Tirusulam, 21 km southwest of the city centre. Chennai Airport was established in 1930, and its original name was Madras International Airport. This is the 5th busiest Airport in India, handling 22 million passengers and 0.3 million tonnes of cargo annually, and operating 36 airlines, including both domestic and international flights. The Airport has two terminals and one integrated terminal for combining domestic and international operations. Also, the aircraft flying from Chennai airport, Tamil Nadu, covers 60 cities and 18 countries. Chennai airport MAA, offers a variety of facilities for travellers.
About Terminals Of Chennai Airport
Terminal 1: Kamaraj Domestic Terminal
Kamaraj domestic terminal is named after the former CM of Tamil Nadu, K. Kamaraj, and is located on the northern side of the airport complex. This terminal manages domestic flights to the main cities of India, including Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, as well as regional destinations.
The terminal has security lanes and multiple check-in counters, also provides standard domestic amenities, lounges, shops, a food court, an ATM, and a modern baggage claim area. Terminal 1 is bridged to Terminal 2 by a corridor.
Terminal 2: Anna International Terminal
Terminal 2 is located south of T1, part of the older terminal complex named after a well-known political leader in Tamil Nadu, C.N. Annadurai. T2 operates all international departures and arrivals that connect to main global cities in Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and more.
T2 also provides facilities such as immigration counters for arrivals and departures, a customs inspection area, an international departure lounge, duty-free shopping for both arrivals and departures, prayer rooms, currency exchange services, baby care rooms, international SIMs, and forex counters.
Integrated Terminal (T2): The New Terminal
The integrated terminal is located near the old international terminal area, which is designed for all-in-one facilities, and the purpose is to combine both international and domestic flight operations. T2 is spread in an area of approximately 220,000 sq meters with a passenger capacity of 35 million travellers per year. The design of this terminal is inspired by the local culture and architecture of Tamil Nadu, featuring multiple levels for arrivals and departures, as well as a dedicated security clearance lane and immigration facility.
The new terminal offers the best facilities like expanded check-in kiosks, more lounges, a large-scale food court and shops.
Busiest Routes from Chennai International Airport
International Routes from Chennai Airport: Dubai, Singapore, Colombo, Malaysia, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Kuwait, Muscat, Thailand, and Germany, among others.
Domestic Routes From Chennai Airport: Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Coimbatore, Pune, Kochi, Port Blair and Madurai, etc.
Top Airlines Fly From Chennai Airport
International Airline: Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Sri Lankan Airlines, Etihad Airways, Thai Airways International, Malaysia Airlines, Air Arabia, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, British Airways, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Gulf Air, SalamAi
Domestic Airline: Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, Alliance Air
Cargo Airline Domestic and International Both: Air India Cargo, Qatar Airways Cargo, Spicejet Airlines Cargo, Afcom Holdings, Afcom Cargo, Blue Dart Aviation, Ethiopian Airlines Cargo, Etihad Cargo, Emirates SkyCargo, Oman Air Cargo.
Suggested Read: Best Domestic Airlines for Affordable Travel
Facilities offered by Chennai International Airport
Lounges: Spacious lounges are available at both domestic and international terminals, offering various amenities by Air India, allowing you to relax while waiting for your flights.
Wi-Fi: The airport offers free Wi-Fi access to passengers, allowing them to enjoy their free time by watching their favourite shows or staying up-to-date with news from various portals.
Dining: Both hot and cold buffets are available with a variety of restaurants.
Duty-free: Duty-free is available for both arrivals and departures for international flights only. Passengers can buy without paying extra tax while showing their passports
Currency Exchange: Currency exchange counters are available at international terminals
ATMs: At both domestic and international terminals, ATMs are provided for easy withdrawal.
Medical Facilities: Medical services are available for emergency cases to passengers and crew members. Also, special assistance is available to help passengers from check-in to boarding the flights.
Baby Feeding Facilities: Travelling with toddlers can be quite tough, and feeding them in public is often impossible. That's why baby feeding and caring rooms are available separately.
Massages and Spa: Passengers travelling long routes and having connecting flights often become tired from sitting for extended periods. Massages and spa services are offered at the Airport.
Business Class Service: Travel club lounge is available at both domestic and international terminals ( near gate 1 and 5 at domestic and gate 11,16-17 at international terminal).
Spacious modern ambience with wellness, dining, library and entertainment facilities. The airport also offers amenities such as Chinese, Western, and Indian restaurants. Alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks are available, and Wi-Fi, shower and charging points are available in some international units.
Transportation To and From The Airport
Metro: The Metro Blue Line is directly connected to the Airport.
Taxis and Cabs: Prepaid taxi counters are provided at both terminals. Book your cab through apps like Ola and Uber.
Buses: Public buses go directly to the Airport (MTC Buses).
Private Vehicles and Parking: Paid parking areas are available at both terminals.
Travelling Tips
Early Arrive: For international flights, arriving 2-3 hours before the departure and for domestic flights, 1 hour before is best to avoid hassle.
Keep Essentials: Keep your ID proofs, visa copy, passport and boarding pass handy.
FAQs
Chennai International Airport (MAA) is located in Tirusulam, Tamil Nadu, approximately 21 km southwest of the city centre.
The airport has two terminals. Terminal 1 operates domestic flights, and Terminal 2 handles international flights.
Chennai Airport operates multiple airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, Alliance Air, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Sri Lankan Airlines, and Etihad Airways.
You can reach the airport on the blue metro line. Metro is directly connected to the airport by bus and taxis (Ola and Uber).
Yes, you can find food and shopping options at the airport.
MAA is the IATA code for Chennai International Airport.
Yes, ATMs and banking services are available at the airport.
Yes, Chennai Airport supports e-boarding passes and digital check-in.
Firstly, you must go through the ID verification process and baggage x-rays and scanning. Any items not allowed will be kept aside.
Yes, lounges are available at both terminals with a variety of amenities.
