Parandur Airport | New Chennai Greenfield International Airport Project, Location, Cost and Latest Updates

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The Parandur Airport project is one of the most ambitious infrastructure developments in Tamil Nadu. Officially named the New Chennai Greenfield International Airport, it is designed to serve as Chennai’s second airport, easing pressure on the existing Chennai International Airport. Spread across nearly 5,000 acres in Kanchipuram district, the project is expected to handle millions of passengers, strengthen cargo facilities, and transform the region’s economy.


Location and Accessibility - Parandur Airport

The Parandur airport location has been carefully chosen for its connectivity and land availability. It is situated about 40 km from Chennai city centre and 70 km from the current Chennai International Airport. The site also benefits from its proximity to Thirumalpur Railway Station, which is just 10 km away, offering convenient access to travellers.

Key Details Information
Location Parandur, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu
Official Name New Chennai Greenfield International Airport
Owner Airports Authority of India (AAI)
Operator Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO)
Type Public
Serves Chennai Metropolitan Area
Current Status Under Construction

Nearby residential areas such as Koothapakkam (9.8 km away) are already seeing rising property demand. Apartments and residential plots in this locality range between ₹20 lakh and ₹60 lakh, and prices are projected to rise further as airport construction progresses.


Features and Facilities - Parandur Airport

The New Chennai Greenfield International Airport at Parandur will be built with world-class facilities, including:

  • Two parallel runways

  • Cargo and freight terminal for trade and logistics

  • Passenger terminal buildings with modern design

  • Taxiways and parking bays

  • Metro and expressway connectivity

Once operational, the airport will be able to handle 60 million passengers annually. Its dedicated cargo terminal will make Chennai a key logistics hub, boosting exports, imports, and regional business opportunities.


Project Cost and Development Phases - Parandur Airport

The Parandur airport project cost is estimated at ₹27,400 crore, making it one of the largest aviation projects in South India. The development will take place in four phases and will cover:

  • A detailed master plan for expansion

  • Techno-economic feasibility studies

  • Financial models for connectivity

  • Environmental and archaeological clearances

  • Phase-wise development of terminals and runways


Timeline and Current Status - Parandur Airport

The initial plan was to open the first phase of the airport by December 2028. However, due to challenges in land acquisition and environmental clearance, the timeline has now been shifted. The first phase is expected to be operational by late 2029 or early 2030.

Timeline Target Revised Status
October 2025 Acquire 5,369 acres of land Delayed due to protests
January 2026 Begin groundwork Pushed forward
December 2028 Complete first phase Now 2029/2030

Land Acquisition and Impact - Parandur Airport

The Parandur airport land acquisition process involves around 5,369 acres of land. Out of this, 1,386 hectares are agricultural land and 576 hectares are water bodies. Approximately 12 villages and 1,000 families will be affected, making rehabilitation and compensation critical aspects of the project.

Villages affected include:

  • Parandur

  • Valathur

  • Nelvoy

  • Thandalam

  • Polavur (Podavur)

  • Madapuram

  • Ekanapuram

  • Akkammapuram

  • Singilipadi

  • Mahadevi Mangalam

  • Gunakarambakkam

  • Edayarpakkam

In addition, the project will involve cutting down around 36,635 trees, which has raised environmental concerns. A detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is currently in progress to address these issues. Clearance from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is also awaited.


Connectivity and Transport Links - Parandur Airport

Connectivity has been one of the major focus points in the Parandur airport master plan. Several projects are being planned to ensure smooth access:

  • A dedicated road link connecting the airport to the Bangalore-Chennai Expressway.

  • An extension of the Chennai Metro Rail from Poonamallee to Parandur, with two stations proposed at the airport.

  • Improved rail connectivity through the nearby Thirumalpur Railway Station.

The cost of the metro extension project is estimated at ₹10,712 crore, and a Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared.


Economic and Real Estate Impact - Parandur Airport

The Parandur Greenfield Airport is expected to create over 1,000 direct jobs and significantly boost the local economy. Real estate around the airport is already witnessing increased demand, and property prices in nearby districts are projected to rise by nearly 15% in the coming years.

The project also includes the development of an AeroCity, with planned business centres, hotels, retail hubs, and commercial spaces. This integrated township will make the airport region a major investment destination.


Environmental and Sustainability Measures

The airport will focus on sustainable infrastructure by using renewable energy sources, rainwater harvesting, and eco-friendly building materials. By incorporating green initiatives, the project aims to reduce its environmental footprint and cut long-term operational costs.


Opposition and Challenges

Despite its promise, the Parandur airport project has faced strong opposition from villagers, particularly in Ekanapuram, where protests against land acquisition continue. Farmers have expressed concerns about losing agricultural land and livelihoods.

To address this, the government has been offering compensation packages, including monetary benefits and developed land plots within the planned AeroCity. This model has been inspired by similar land acquisition strategies used in projects like Purandar Airport near Pune.


Future Prospects - Parandur Airport

The completion of Chennai’s second airport at Parandur will be a turning point for the region. Its benefits include:

  • Decongesting Chennai International Airport

  • Creating new trade opportunities with the cargo terminal

  • Attracting investments through AeroCity development

  • Enhancing real estate growth around Kanchipuram and Chengalpattu

  • Strengthening Tamil Nadu’s position as an aviation hub in South India


Conclusion - Parandur Airport 

The New Chennai Greenfield International Airport at Parandur is not just another airport; it is a symbol of progress for Tamil Nadu. With its strategic location, planned connectivity, modern facilities, and economic potential, the project will redefine Chennai’s role in aviation and commerce. While delays and land acquisition issues continue to slow progress, the long-term benefits make this airport one of the most important infrastructure projects in India.