Exploring Chennai Airport: Navigating Its Many Gates

Chennai International Airport (MAA) is one of the busiest airports in India, serving as a major hub for arrivals and departures in South India. The airport has three terminals in operation as of 2024, with Terminals 1 and 4 handling domestic flights and Terminal 2 handling international flights. In total, the terminal consists of around 48 check-in counters, with boarding gates spread across two levels. While the exact number of gates is not specified, the presence of multiple terminals, check-in counters, and levels suggests that there are likely to be a significant number of gates at Chennai Airport.

The airport has three terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Terminal 4

Chennai Airport has three terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Terminal 4. Terminals 1 and 4 are used for domestic flights, while Terminal 2 is used for both international and domestic flights. The airport is India's fourth or fifth busiest, serving several cities, including Chennai, Tamil Nadu and another metropolitan region. It operates around 400 aircraft daily, with a quarter of its passengers being international flyers.

Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are connected by a building and are about a 20-minute walk apart. The terminals are also connected by sheltered bridges featuring moving walkways. Inter-terminal buses or golf carts are available for those with lots of luggage.

Terminal 2, also known as the Anna International Terminal or New Integrated Terminal Building (NITB-T2), opened in 2023. The terminal has eight aerobridges and eight conveyor belts and can accommodate approximately 4,450 passengers during peak hours.

Terminal 1, also known as the Kamaraj Domestic Terminal, is linked to 20 different destinations across India. The terminal has three aerobridges and can handle six million passengers annually.

Terminal 4 is used for Air India flights.

The airport has two runways

Chennai International Airport is a major hub for arrivals and departures in South India. It is one of the busiest airports in the country, serving a large number of passengers every year, a quarter of which are international flyers. The airport operates around 400 aircraft on a daily basis.

Chennai Airport has two runways. The primary runway is 07/25, which is 3,658m long and made of asphalt. The secondary runway is 12/30, which is 2,045m long and made of asphalt and concrete. The construction of the secondary runway began in May 2009 and was completed in 2011. It was built over the Adyar River using a bridge that includes a taxiway.

The Bravo Taxiway (B-TWY) functions as the main taxiway, running parallel to the primary runway. It was completed in July 2022.

The airport has a new multi-level car park

Chennai International Airport (MAA) is one of the busiest airports in India, serving as a major hub for arrivals and departures in South India. The airport has recently undergone significant expansion and upgrades to cater to the large volume of passenger traffic.

A notable addition to the airport is the new multi-level car park (MLCP), which was inaugurated in February 2023. This six-story car park is a significant infrastructure development, boasting multimodal connectivity with an extensive road and rail network. It offers exclusive direct access to the metro train and can accommodate up to 2,150 vehicles, providing much-needed relief from congestion in the terminal's arrival and pick-up areas.

The new multi-level car park is designed with convenience and accessibility in mind. It features automated parking spaces, EV charging stations, and a range of commercial amenities. Passengers and visitors can enjoy a five-screen multiplex, food courts, retail stores, a kid's play zone, and various restaurants.

The East MLCP has over 750 parking spaces, while the West MLCP offers more than 1,400 spaces, including dedicated parking for two-wheelers. This addition is part of Chennai International Airport's continuous efforts to enhance its operations and improve the overall passenger experience, solidifying its position as a key gateway to South India.

The airport has lounges for passengers

Chennai International Airport (MAA) is one of the busiest airports in India, serving several cities, including Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and other metropolitan areas. The airport has three terminals, with Terminals 1 and 4 dedicated to domestic flights and Terminal 2 serving international flights.

The Maharaja Lounge is another option for passengers, exclusively serving Air India customers and members of certain frequent flyer programs. This lounge is located in Terminal 4, near Gate 14, and offers a variety of amenities, including beverages, snacks, internet access, newspapers, magazines, and comfortable seating. Access to the Maharaja Lounge is also available to passengers with eligible credit and debit cards, Priority Pass, Lounge Key, and more.

Chennai Airport's lounges are designed to enhance the travel experience for both domestic and international passengers. These lounges offer a quiet and convenient space to relax, work, or enjoy refreshments before boarding their flights. With comfortable seating, Wi-Fi access, and a range of amenities, passengers can stay connected, refreshed, and well-informed during their time at the airport.

The lounges at Chennai Airport cater to the diverse needs of travellers, ensuring a pleasant and comfortable journey. With options for both domestic and international travellers, as well as access through various membership programs, the airport prioritises the comfort and convenience of its passengers. The availability of lounges adds a premium dimension to the overall airport experience, making it a notable feature of Chennai International Airport.

The airport has a range of facilities and services

Chennai International Airport (MAA) is one of the busiest airports in India, serving as a gateway to South India. The airport has a range of facilities and services to cater to the needs of its passengers.

Terminals and Gates

Chennai Airport has three terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 4 for domestic flights, and Terminal 2 for international flights. The terminals are interconnected and feature basic amenities such as vending machines, dormitories, and retiring rooms. The international terminal has eight aerobridges and eight conveyor belts, while the domestic terminal has three aerobridges. The boarding gates are on two levels, with six gates on the ground level and three on the first level.

Transportation

The airport is well-connected by road and rail, with state-run bus services, taxis, and the Chennai Metro rail providing easy access. A special bus service is also available to and from the airport. For those driving to the airport, there is a new six-story multi-level car park with extensive road and rail connectivity.

Passenger Services

Chennai Airport offers a variety of services to enhance the travel experience. Passengers can access lounges by purchasing a pass, and there is free Wi-Fi available for up to 45 minutes with an Indian phone number. ATMs and currency exchange counters are located in both terminals, and a range of dining options are available, although none operate 24 hours. Duty-free shopping is available at the international terminal, along with various shops selling merchandise, gifts, and souvenirs.

Additional Amenities

The airport also provides baby care facilities, luggage storage, and medical services at the Apollo Hospitals First Aid Room. Spa and massage services are available for those looking to relax during their layover. Other amenities include prayer rooms, rest zones, tourist information counters, shower facilities, and smoking areas.

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