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South India’s busiest aviation gateway

About Chennai Airport

Chennai International Airport (MAA), known locally as Meenambakkam Airport, is India’s fourth-busiest airport and a major gateway for domestic and international travel. The Chennai International Airport handles over 22 million passengers annually. It is roughly 21 kilometres south-west of the city centre. It sits remarkably close to the city compared with most Indian metro airports.

DetailInformation
AirportChennai International Airport
IATA CodeMAA
ICAO CodeVOMM
OperatorAirports Authority of India (AAI)
LocationMeenambakkam/Tirusulam, Chennai
Distance to City Centre21 km
Airport Hours24/7

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Airlines Operating at Chennai International Airport

Chennai Airport is served by a mix of domestic and international carriers:

Domestic carriers:

IndiGo (Terminal 1)Akasa Air (Terminal 1)SpiceJet (Terminal 1)
Air India (Terminal 4)Air India Express (Terminal 4)Vistara (Terminal 4)
Alliance Air (Terminal 4)

International carriers:

EmiratesSingapore AirlinesQatar Airways
Cathay PacificMalaysia AirlinesSriLankan Airlines
Air IndiaAnd many more

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Chennai Airport Terminal Layout & Navigation

Chennai Airport technically has four terminals, but only three are currently in operation.

TerminalCurrent UseAirlines
T1 (Kamaraj Domestic Terminal)Domestic arrivals & departuresIndiGo, Akasa Air, SpiceJet
T2 (New Integrated Terminal)International arrivals & departuresAll international carriers
T3Being demolishedNot in use
T4 (Old International Terminal)Domestic operationsAir India, Air India Express, Vistara, Alliance Air

International departures are currently handled at Terminal 4, and international arrivals at Terminal 3. T4 is being converted into a domestic terminal, while T3 will be demolished to make way for the new integrated terminal’s second phase. Once fully operational, the airport will function with four integrated terminals (T1, T2, T3, and T4).

[View Chennai Airport Terminal Maps]

Chennai International Airport Check-In Process

Check-In DetailInformation
International Check-In Opens3 hours before departure
International Check-In Closes1 hour before departure
Domestic Check-In Opens2 hours before departure
Online Check-InAvailable 24 to 48 hours before departure with most airlines
Documents NeededPassport, visa, ticket confirmation

How early should you arrive at Chennai Airport?

For international flights from Chennai to Australia, plan to arrive 3 hours before departure. This provides sufficient time for check-in, baggage handling, security, and immigration. 

[View detailed airport check-in timings]

Baggage Services at Chennai Airport

Chennai International Airport has left-luggage/cloakroom facilities for passengers temporarily. However, for flights, your baggage allowance is determined by your airline and fare class.

Baggage services available at Chennai Airport:

  • Baggage claim facilities
  • Luggage trolleys
  • Lost baggage assistance
  • Oversized luggage handling
  • Baggage storage services

Check both your checked baggage allowance and your airline’s cabin baggage limit before travelling to India.

Chennai Airport Passenger Facilities

Chennai International Airport is packed with facilities to make your journey comfortable.

FacilityAvailability
Free Wi-FiAvailable (500MB or 45 minutes)
Charging StationsThroughout both terminals
ATMsBoth terminals
Currency ExchangeBoth terminals
Medical Assistance24/7
Prayer HallMulti-faith, available
Sleeping PodsT1 Domestic Arrivals
Aerohub MallConnected via skywalk
Smoking LoungeAvailable

Free Wi-Fi at Chennai Airport

Free Wi-Fi is available at the T2 International Terminal. You get 500MB of data or 45 minutes of usage, whichever comes first. Dedicated self-service kiosks are installed in both arrival and departure halls; you don’t need an Indian SIM card to access them.

Sleeping Pods – Sleepzo

If you have a layover, Chennai Airport has Sleepzo sleeping pods in the domestic terminal arrivals area, next to baggage belt number 1. Each pod includes:

  • Reading lights
  • USB charger
  • Luggage storage
  • Ambient lighting
  • Comfortable bedding

One adult and one child under 12 can share a pod. Bookings are available on an hourly basis.

Aerohub Mall

A skywalk connects the terminal to Aerohub Mall, an on-site retail centre with shops and dining options. It’s accessible to both travellers and the general public, making it a great way to kill time during a long layover.

Chennai Airport Lounges

Chennai Airport has eight lounges across its terminals. Walk-in access typically costs ₹2,000-₹2,800 (approx.), but many credit cards and Priority Pass memberships include complimentary access.

International Lounges (T2)

LoungeLocationFeatures
Travel Club LoungeT2 InternationalFood, drinks, Wi-Fi, showers, 24/7
Plaza Premium LoungeT2 InternationalPremium dining, Wi-Fi, comfortable seating

Domestic Lounges

LoungeLocationFeatures
Travel Club LoungeT1 DomesticFood, drinks, Wi-Fi
Travel Club LoungeT4 DomesticFood, drinks, Wi-Fi
Business LoungeVariousPremium amenities

Access: 

  • Priority Pass membership
  • DreamFolks card
  • Select credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, RuPay, Diners, Amex)
  • Pay-at-door options

Best Airport Lounges at Chennai International Airport

Food & Dining at Chennai International Airport

Chennai Airport offers a selection of eateries, cafes, and retail stores across its terminals. International travellers can access duty-free shopping in the international zone after clearing departure formalities.

Aerohub Mall, connected via skywalk, offers additional dining and shopping options outside the secure area.

Accessibility Services at Chennai Airport

Chennai International Airport provides comprehensive accessibility support for passengers with reduced mobility.

The service includes:

  1. Wheelchair assistance
  2. Accessible toilets
  3. Lifts and ramps
  4. Ambulift for boarding
  5. Disabled parking
  6. Special assistance for elderly and differently-abled passengers

Pranaam Meet & Assist Service: Chennai Airport offers a paid meet-and-greet service called Pranaam with three packages, Bronze, Silver, and Platinum. All packages include “Meet at Aircraft Gate”, with the Silver package adding porter service for baggage assistance.

How to book

Pre-book assistance through your airline at least 24-48 hours before departure. You can also request assistance at the airport helpdesk.

Pet Travel Policy at Chennai Airport

CategoryTerminal AccessRelief Areas
Assistance AnimalsPermittedAvailable
PetsNot permitted inside terminalsNo indoor relief areas

*Pets must travel as cargo. Contact your airline directly for specific pet carriage requirements.

Chennai Airport Parking & Pickup

Parking OptionDetails
T1 ParkingMulti-level car park adjacent to terminal
T2 ParkingMulti-level car park, Levels P4-P7
Short-TermIdeal for pickups/drop-offs
Long-TermAvailable at both terminals

[Chennai Airport Parking Guide]

Chennai International Airport Transport

OptionCost (Approx.)TimeBest For
Chennai Metro (Blue Line)₹40-6040 minFastest, cheapest
Prepaid Taxi₹600-90030-60 minSafety and fixed pricing
Uber/Ola₹450-70030-60 minConvenience
Auto-rickshawMetered30-60 minBudget, metered
Bus (MTC)₹20-5045-90 minCheapest option

Please note: Transport fares, parking charges, and journey times are indicative and can vary depending on the provider, traffic, time of day, availability, and destination. Check the latest fare, parking rate and service information before travelling.

Quick Answers To Common Questions

Flights from Australia to Chennai

Flights from Chennai to Australia

Related Resources

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Reviewed By our Travel Experts, Last Updated: 23-Oct-2026