Chennai International Airport

Located in Tirusulam, Chengalpattu district, the Chennai International Airport Guide 2025: Terminals, Connectivity & Nearby Real Estate highlights India’s evolving aviation gateway. By 2025, it ranks 5th in passenger volume, 4th in cargo operations, and 3rd in international traffic movement. With direct flight connectivity to Asia, Europe, and the Middle East—and access to all six continents—the airport plays a vital role in powering South India’s global gateway.
Terminal Infrastructure in 2025
The airport currently operates three modern terminals, with further expansion underway to streamline both domestic and international travel:
- Terminal 1 (Domestic):
• Area: 729,000 sq. ft.
• 52 check-in counters
• Annual handling capacity: 16 million passengers - Terminal 2 (New International Terminal):
• Area: 650,000 sq. ft.
• 100 check-in counters, 11 baggage retrieval belts
• Replaces the outdated Terminal 3
• Designed for up to 10 million passengers per year
• A vital addition for international flight travelers to Chennai - Terminal 4 (Domestic):
• Area: 638,000 sq. ft.
• Annual capacity: 7 million passengers
• Advanced in-line baggage systems ensure faster processing
Additionally, a new satellite terminal is under development, improving operational efficiency and decentralizing passenger traffic.
Cargo Handling & Runway Infrastructure
The Chennai air cargo complex, operational since 1978, spans 19.6 acres and incorporates:
- Advanced Automated Retrieval Systems
- Separate import/export zones
- Efficient logistical support for both commercial and time-sensitive cargo
Two dedicated runways ensure uninterrupted movement:
- Primary Runway: 3,661 meters
- Secondary Runway: 2,890 meters (built across the Adyar River, making it India’s first river-bridge runway)
- Equipped with CAT-I Instrument Landing System (ILS)
- Limited low-visibility operations due to lack of CAT-III
Passenger-Friendly Amenities
For enhanced traveler comfort, Chennai Airport offers:
- Multi-Level Car Parking for 2,237 vehicles
- Aerohub Mall, spread over 250,000 sq. ft., includes a cinema, premium retail stores, and a 59-key transit hotel
- Aircraft Maintenance Hangar with a capacity for one wide-body or two narrow-body aircraft (70,000 sq. ft.)
- TajSATS catering for in-flight meals and premium lounge management
- Emergency Response by Tamil Nadu Fire & Rescue ensures 24/7 safety
Airport Administration & Utilities
- Ownership: Airports Authority of India (AAI)
- Immigration: Managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs
- Power Supply: Handled by TANGEDCO via an 11kV substation
- Regional HQ: Administrative headquarters for South India zone
️ Real Estate Growth Near Chennai Airport
The airport’s constant modernization has led to a significant surge in property demand near Chennai International Airport. Strategic localities with robust infrastructure and excellent connectivity are emerging as residential and investment hotspots.
- Tirusulam & Meenambakkam: The closest neighborhoods, highly preferred by aviation professionals and frequent flyers
- Pallavaram: Excellent metro access, thriving commercial hubs, and proximity to industrial corridors
- Chromepet & Tambaram: Affordable housing options with solid road and rail infrastructure
- Padur – OMR Corridor: Fast-developing zone due to Siruseri IT Park and premium gated communities
Spotlight: Godrej Azure, Padur
Among the most attractive real estate developments in this corridor is Godrej Azure, a flagship project by Godrej Properties. Positioned on Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) in Padur, it offers seamless access to the IT corridor. Godrej Azure distance from Madras International Meenambakkam Airport is 37.2 km, just 30–40 minutes from the airport making it ideal for those seeking luxury flats near Chennai Airport.
- Total Area: 6.22 acres
- Apartment Types:
• 2 BHK – 1029 sq. ft.
• 2.5 BHK – 1226 sq. ft.
• 3 BHK – 1455 sq. ft. - Towers: 3 high-rise towers housing 167 premium units
- Greenery: 70% open space, IGBC Silver Certified community
- Amenities: Clubhouse, Swimming Pool, Gym, Dribble Court, Indoor Badminton, Pharmacy, Convenience Store, Kids’ Play Area, and more
Project Status:
- Phase 1 & Phase 2 – Fully delivered and occupied with Occupancy Certificates (OC)
- Phase 3 – Now in pre-launch stage, slated for handover by 2029
- Address: No. 2, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, OMR, Padur Village, Thiruporur Taluk, Kanchipuram District – 603103
- Proximity to Siruseri IT Park enhances rental value and makes it ideal for real estate investors
- One of the best OMR apartments with airport access in terms of ROI and future appreciation
For those seeking ready-to-move flats near OMR Chennai or planning a smart buy in a well-connected IGBC-rated township, Godrej Azure stands out as a high-potential choice.
Seamless Connectivity & Last-Mile Travel
Thanks to a well-planned multi-modal network, Chennai Airport offers one of the best transit systems in India:
- Chennai Metro Rail: Blue Line link provides direct airport connectivity to the city center
- Suburban Rail Network: Tirusulam Station, adjacent to the airport, supports daily commuters
- Roadways: The airport lies on NH-45 (GST Road), connecting it to major suburbs and arterial highways
- Transport Access: Round-the-clock cab services, app-based mobility platforms, and buses ensure last-mile ease
This well-developed infrastructure not only benefits travelers but also boosts the real estate boom near Chennai airport.
Conclusion
In 2025, Chennai International Airport is more than a transit hub—it is a catalyst for regional growth, acting as a gateway for global access, investment, and infrastructure upliftment. The surge in real estate development, especially in corridors such as OMR and Padur, is a direct result of enhanced connectivity, modern terminals, and rising demand from professionals, NRIs, and investors.
Whether you’re seeking a home near Chennai airport, investing in a future-ready community, or eyeing property near Siruseri IT Park Chennai, Godrej Azure in Padur checks every box—location, design, amenities, and long-term value. The time to act is now, while OMR Chennai flats for sale 2025 still offer attractive entry points.