The Tamil Nadu government has officially scrapped the controversial greenfield airport project proposed at Parandur in Kancheepuram district, nearly four years after its initial announcement, according to state records and statements. Joseph Vijay announced in the State Assembly on August 24, 2026, that his administration would drop the project and instead search for an alternative location to accommodate Chennai’s growing aviation needs.
Why the Parandur Airport Plan Was Abandoned
Joseph Vijay, the decision to abandon the project stems from concerns over agricultural land disruption and the displacement of local residents. The chief minister stated in the assembly that while Chennai requires a new airport to handle rising passenger demand, industrial growth, and cargo movement, the facility must be built in a location that causes minimal disruption to residential areas and farming communities.
The scrapped greenfield project had faced sustained resistance from local villagers. Joseph Vijay visited Eganapuram and surrounding villages on January 20, 2025, to listen to the grievances of residents protesting against land acquisition. The villagers argued that the airport would force the relocation of entire communities, swallow fertile agricultural land capable of producing multiple annual crops, and destroy local water bodies.
The state’s political opposition has strongly criticized the reversal. Stalin stated that dropping the project would set the state’s development back by several years, adding that Tamil Nadu’s interests should not be compromised for political considerations. Former minister and DMK MLA Thangam Thennarasu also warned that abandoning a site selected after exhaustive studies for two runways could harm the state economy and push industries toward neighboring Andhra Pradesh.
Expansion Plans for Existing Chennai Airport at Meenambakkam
With the Parandur site dropped, the state is shifting immediate capacity improvements back to the existing facility. The Airports Authority of India will construct Terminal 5 in the northwestern area of the existing airport, which passengers will be able to reach via an elevated corridor, according to government disclosures.
The Meenambakkam facility currently handles 30 million passengers annually. Ongoing construction on Terminal 3, which will handle international flights alongside Terminal 2, will lift capacity to 35 million passengers a year. Once Terminal 5 is completed, the airport’s overall capacity will rise further to 55 million passengers annually.
Did You Know?
The search for a second airport for Chennai began back in 1999. Successive governments previously examined sites near Tambaram, Maraimalai Nagar, and Sriperumbudur before the Parandur project received in-principle approval from the Civil Aviation Ministry in April 2025.
What May Happen Next for Chennai Aviation Infrastructure
Following the formal abandonment of the Parandur site, the state government plans to consider alternative locations for a second greenfield airport. Expert teams are expected to conduct technical feasibility studies before any new site is finalized, ensuring minimal impact on agricultural land.
Meanwhile, execution of the terminal expansions at Meenambakkam will proceed. The Airports Authority of India will advance construction on Terminal 3 and lay the groundwork for Terminal 5 in the northwestern sector, alongside the planned elevated corridor access for passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Parandur airport project scrapped?
Joseph Vijay announced that the project would be dropped because it threatened to disrupt agricultural land and displace local farmers and residents who had mounted extended protests against land acquisition.
What is the current capacity of the Chennai airport at Meenambakkam?
The existing airport handles 30 million passengers a year. Ongoing work on Terminal 3 will increase capacity to 35 million passengers a year, and the future completion of Terminal 5 will raise capacity to 55 million passengers a year.
Will Chennai still get a second airport?
Yes. The state government has stated that Chennai still requires a new airport to meet rising passenger demand, industrial growth, and cargo movement, and officials plan to identify an alternative site following technical feasibility studies.
How do you think the Tamil Nadu government should balance urban industrial growth with the protection of agricultural land?
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