A major hub for arrivals and departures in South India, Chennai International Airport (MAA) is one of the busiest and best airports in the country. A large number of passengers are served every year by the airport. A quarter of these are international flyers. The airport has more than 400 aircraft flying in and out of it every single day. Chennai International Airport is situated in Tirusulam which is about 21 km away from the heart of the city. It takes approximately 30 minutes to get to the city center from the airport.
Here’s a complete Chennai International Airport guide that will help you while flying in and out of the city.
How Many Terminals Are There in Chennai Airport?
Three passenger terminals are in operation at the airport as of 2024. Domestic flights are handled by Terminals 1 and 4, and international flights are handled by Terminal 2. To greatly expand capacity, a new satellite terminal is being built to replace old Terminal 3, which is being replaced by an expanded Terminal 2. In addition, a dedicated air cargo facility has been built out of the former Meenambakkam passenger terminal. To support a range of aviation operations, the airport has two asphalt runways. By enhancing its operations and passenger experience, these upgrades aim to set up the airport as an important hub for both domestic and international travel.
Passenger Services at Chennai International Airport:
For travelers who will soon be booking International flights that will arrive or depart from the city, this Chennai International Airport guide will offer a sneak peek into the passenger services available in detail.
- Airport Lounges
Regardless of the travel class you are flying in, you can gain access to Chennai airport lounges for a fee. Lounges found at the airport are located at the domestic as well as the international terminal as well. You can enter a couple of the lounges holding an economy class ticket as well. You can check the Chennai airport map for the specific location of the lounges. Many travelers have claimed it has one of the best Chennai airport visitors entries.
- Wi-Fi Services
You can use Wi-Fi at the airport for free for about 45 minutes. To gain access, you must provide a valid Indian phone number and receive a PIN via an SMS, which you can enter to use the Wi-Fi. Once your free Wi-Fi limit expires, you have the option to purchase internet for further usage. Also, there are several mobile phone charging points across the airport that are complimentary for all passengers.
- ATMs
If you need to withdraw cash, you will find ATMs located in both the terminals. Make sure to know what your withdrawal limits are and plan likewise especially if you are traveling internationally on last minute flights. It will also help if you notify your bank of your travel plans.
- Currency Exchange
This is among the most useful services for international passengers passing through Chennai International Airport. There are currency exchange counters at both Domestic Terminal and International Terminal.
- Food and Drinks
Chennai airport food options are aplenty in both terminals. While there may not be any 24-hour dining options, you will find several food concessions throughout the airport and at varying schedules. Drinking water is available free of cost. You can also use environmental-friendly drinking water cups provided at the airport.
- Duty-free shopping
Both arriving and departing passengers of economy or business class flights can enjoy duty-free shopping at the International Terminal at Chennai airport. Besides that, you will find many shops throughout the airport selling a wide variety of merchandise which includes gift items, apparel, souvenirs, tea, and other items.
- Baby Care Facility
There are baby care facilities at both terminals. These baby changing services are a boon for passengers traveling with infants.
- Luggage storage, lockers, and trolleys
Chennai International Airport offers luggage storage landside at International Arrivals. Depending upon size, the rate is INR 5 to INR 20. While there is no Chennai airport porter service as yet, there are luggage trolleys available to use free of cost. Luggage wrapping service is available at the landside check-in area in International Departures.
- Massages and Spa Services
There are massages and spa facilities available at Chennai International Airport. Jetlagged passengers waiting on account of a stopover can relax and unwind here.
- Medical Services
At the Chennai International Airport (MAA), there is an Apollo Hospitals First Aid Room where emergency medical assistance is provided. You can seek the help of an airport staff member for access. There is a pharmacy as well located at Domestic Departures airside.
- Special Assistance
Chennai International Airport (MAA) offers special assistance to travelers that require it. You can look at the airport’s official website for details on Chennai airport wheelchair assistance and other types of special assistance offered here.
- Baggage Screening; Lost and Found Counters
Baggage screening has been updated at the International Terminal. Inline baggage screening has still to begin at the Domestic Terminal. There are lost and found counters at the Chennai International Airport where you can seek assistance should you lose your baggage.
- Chennai Airport Car Rentals
The car rentals found at Chennai International Airport include Chennai Airport Car Rental, Zoom Cars, Aviation Express Airport Car Rentals, and Mary Matha Cabs Car Rentals.
- Additional Services
Additional services you can hope to enjoy at Chennai International Airport (MAA) include prayer rooms, rest zones, tourist & railway information counter, shower facilities, smoking areas, retiring rooms, and conference rooms.
Hotels near Chennai International Airport:
For passengers who prefer not to stay at the airport, there are several nearby hotels you can stay at. Some of the top nearby hotel choices include NGH Transit Hotel, Treebo Adin Residence, Quality Inn Airport, Trident, Kek Accommodation, and The Mount Manor.
Nearby Airports:
At a distance of approximately 137 km, Tirupati Airport (TIR) is the nearest airport to Chennai International Airport (MAA). Alternate international airports near Chennai airport include Bengaluru International Airport (BLR), Coimbatore International Airport (CJB), and Tiruchirapalli International Airport (TRZ). You will find connecting cheap flights to any of these from Chennai International Airport (MAA).
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I get to the airport for an international flight in Chennai?
You should arrive at least three hours before your flight’s scheduled departure for a seamless boarding process and other immigration formalities.
Do you really need to arrive 3 hours before an international flight?
Yes, if you do not want to miss your international flight from Chennai due to a delay in the security check-in or immigration process, it is recommended that you arrive at least 3 hours prior to your flight’s departure time.
Where is Chennai International Airport located?
Chennai International Airport is located in Tirusulam, about 21 km from the heart of Chennai city. It takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the city center from the airport.
What is the nearest airport to Chennai International Airport?
The nearest airport to Chennai International Airport is Tirupati Airport (TIR), Bengaluru International Airport (BLR), and Coimbatore International Airport (CJB).
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