Chennai Airport: Visitor Access And Guidelines Explained

Visitors were previously allowed in the Chennai Meenambakkam International Airport since 2012, with a fee of Rs. 70. However, in 2019, amidst tensions between India and Pakistan, Chennai Airport confirmed that visitor entry had been banned. This ban was due to a seven-tier security arrangement implemented by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) across all airports in India. While visitors were not allowed for a period, Chennai's new international terminal has since allowed visitors by obtaining a visitor pass from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for a fee.

Visitor passes for Chennai airport can be obtained from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for a fee

The international terminal, on average, receives about 500 visitors per day. Visitors can access a limited space through Gate 3, from where they can watch passengers complete check-in procedures and enter the security hold area. This provision was made keeping in mind the convenience of passengers and their relatives, especially in cases where senior citizens are travelling alone.

It is important to note that visitor entry to the airport may be restricted in certain situations, such as heightened security alerts. For example, in March 2019, Chennai Airport confirmed that visitor entry had been banned due to a high-security alert issued by higher authorities across all airports in India.

In addition to the visitor pass, Chennai Airport also offers a meet-and-greet service for a fee. This service includes assistance with clearing airport formalities, escorting to check-in and immigration counters, and helping with baggage.

The Chennai airport banned visitors in 2019 due to security concerns

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) issued a red alert, mandating a seven-tier security arrangement at international airports, including Chennai. This entailed rigorous screening of all passengers and close monitoring of the airport vicinity. The authorities also implemented random checks at terminal entrances and deployed bomb detection and disposal squads, dog squads, and swift response teams. These stringent measures caused some inconvenience to travellers and their companions, especially those travelling alone, such as senior citizens.

The Chennai Airport's ban on visitors was part of a broader security protocol enacted by the Indian government to fortify civil aviation installations, encompassing airports, airstrips, airfields, and flying schools. This proactive approach aimed to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure the safety of passengers, staff, and the general public.

It is important to note that Chennai Airport's old terminals had previously allowed visitors, but the new domestic terminal did not permit visitors when it became operational in August 2013. However, as of December 2024, Chennai's new international terminal has started allowing visitors with a pass from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for a small fee.

The new international terminal at Chennai airport is open to visitors

As of December 2024, visitors are allowed at the new international terminal of the Chennai airport. This is a change from the previous policy, which banned visitors from the airport.

Those who want to see off their companions at the terminal can do so by obtaining a visitor pass from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for Rs. 60 per person. The counter is located just outside the terminal. Visitors can access a limited space through Gate 3, from which they can watch passengers complete check-in procedures and enter the security hold area.

The Chennai airport's director, G Chandramouli, has stated that the visitors' fee for all international airports in the country has been increased to Rs. 100. Previously, the Chennai International Airport charged Rs. 70, while the old domestic terminal charged Rs. 30. The new international terminal is likely to operate alongside the old international terminal for a couple of months.

It is important to note that there may be exceptions to the rule, such as during heightened security alerts. For example, in March 2019, the Chennai airport confirmed that visitor entry had been banned due to a high-security alert issued by higher authorities across all airports in India. During such times, it is essential to follow the instructions and protocols put in place by the airport authorities and security officials.

The Chennai domestic airport does not allow visitors

The Chennai International Airport, on the other hand, does allow visitors, but they must obtain a pass from the AAI for a fee of Rs. 100 per person. This fee was increased from Rs. 70 in 2017. Visitors to the international terminal must also undergo thorough security checks.

The differing policies for the domestic and international terminals are due to the higher volume of visitors at the international terminal. The AAI has also stated that the ban on visitors to the domestic terminal is intended to enhance security and reduce loitering in the airport, which has caused nuisance in the past.

In March 2019, the Chennai airport was placed on high alert following terror threats after the Pulwama attacks, and no visitors were allowed during this time. A seven-tier security arrangement was put in place, with intensive vehicle and passenger checks, as well as enhanced screening procedures.

The visitor fee for the Chennai International Airport was raised to Rs. 100 in 2017

Visitors are allowed in the Chennai International Airport, also known as Chennai Meenambakkam International Airport. In 2013, the new international terminal of the airport was opened to visitors, who can obtain a visitor pass from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for a fee.

The Chennai International Airport is a major hub for arrivals and departures in South India and is one of the country's busiest and best airports. It is situated in Tirusulam, about 21 km from the heart of Chennai city, and it takes approximately 30 minutes to get to the city centre from the airport.

The Director of the Chennai Airport, G Chandramouli, stated that the fee increase brought the airport in line with other international airports in the country, which also charge a Rs. 100 visitor fee. The Chennai International Airport receives a large number of visitors each day, and this measure ensures that the airport can continue to provide efficient services and a positive experience for all travellers passing through.

It is worth noting that visitor access to the Chennai Airport may be restricted during heightened security alerts. For example, in 2019, amidst tensions between India and Pakistan, a red alert was issued by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), resulting in a ban on visitor entry to the airport.

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