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Tamil Nadu has shortlisted Cheyyur and Gummidipoondi for Chennai’s second airport and asked AAI to conduct a pre-feasibility study.
Cheyyur and Gummidipoondi shortlisted for Chennai second airport (Photo: PTI)
The Tamil Nadu government has shortlisted Cheyyur and Gummidipoondi as the two possible sites for Chennai’s second airport and has asked the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to conduct a pre-feasibility study of the locations.
The move comes as the state government looks to establish a new international airport near Chennai to meet the growing passenger and cargo traffic demand from Chennai and surrounding districts.
The state government’s decision to examine new sites comes against the backdrop of the controversy surrounding the proposed Greenfield International Airport at Parandur in Kancheepuram district.
The state government had earlier stated that alternative locations for setting up a new airport would be identified in consultation with experts.
The state government has maintained that additional airport capacity is required to address the city’s long-term requirements.
Existing Chennai Airport Also Set For Expansion
The plan for a second airport is being pursued alongside an expansion project at the existing Chennai Meenambakkam airport.
The AAI has planned to establish a new passenger-handling system on the north-west side of the existing airport.
The system is intended to handle increased passenger and cargo capacity more efficiently.
The AAI has also sought necessary permissions from the Tamil Nadu government to lay a road connecting the new passenger-handling system with the national highway.
The state government has said it will extend all necessary assistance to the AAI for implementing the project.
According to the Industries Policy Note cited by news agency ANI, the expansion of the existing airport will enhance Chennai airport’s services, while a new airport will also be established.
Parandur Project And The Political Controversy
The latest development follows the Tamil Nadu government’s decision to move away from the proposed Parandur airport project.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay recently announced in the State Assembly under Rule 110 that his government would abandon the proposed Parandur airport project and identify an alternative location.
Vijay cited severe environmental concerns, the threat to agricultural land and the potential loss of local livelihoods.
He said the project would be relocated to an alternative site where the impact on farms and residential settlements would be minimal.
The Chief Minister said a second airport was necessary to meet Chennai’s long-term passenger and cargo requirements as well as the needs of industrial growth, but maintained that such development could not come at the expense of local communities.
Vijay said he had visited Eganapuram and other villages on January 20, 2025, and heard the concerns of people protesting against the proposed airport at Parandur and 12 surrounding villages.
Opposition Criticises Parandur Decision
The decision to abandon the Parandur proposal drew sharp criticism from the opposition DMK and BJP.
DMK president and former Chief Minister MK Stalin described the decision as an “irreversible setback” to Tamil Nadu’s growth.
The Parandur airport had received in-principle approval from the Civil Aviation Ministry in April 2025 for setting up an international Greenfield Airport in Kancheepuram district.
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Ask News18The Tamil Nadu government has shortlisted Cheyyur and Gummidipoondi as the two potential sites for Chennai’s second airport and has requested the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to conduct a pre-feasibility study of these locations.
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Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has more than 10 years of experience in national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
September 06, 2026, 10:21 IST
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