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 rough estimate puts the number of passengers served every year by the airport to be a little over 20 million. 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.

Chennai Airport Terminals:

The domestic and international terminals at Chennai International Airport are situated adjacent to each other. The airport has a total of four entry gates and two each are situated at both terminals. There are 9 boarding gates at the Domestic Terminal and 6 boarding gates at the International Terminal. For a detailed Chennai airport terminal guide, look through the airport’s official website for the Kamaraj Domestic Terminal and the Anna International Terminal location and services.

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’s one of the best Chennai airport visitors entry 2018.

• Wi-Fi Services

You can use Wi-Fi at Chennai International 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 terminals – 2 counters at the Domestic Terminal and 5 counters at the 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 a plethora of 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. 

Is terminal 1 domestic or international in Chennai airport?

Terminal 1 is a domestic terminal at the Chennai International Airport. While Terminal 3 caters to international arrivals, Terminal 4 is used for international departures. 

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. 

Is Chennai Terminal 4 international or domestic?

Terminal 4 at Chennai International Airport is used for international departures. 

–Travel Diary

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Your excitement regarding your trip might have got you to the airport before flight time; or you might have hurried your way to the airport not to miss the flight; or it might be crucial for you to reach your destination at estimated landing time in order to avoid being a late attendee to your business meeting –imagine being stuck at the airport due to any definite or vague reason! That announcement of the flight being deferred or cancelled is enough to leave you fuming.

Well, we all know such uncertainties are beyond our control. In situations where you cannot help but wait; take a deep breath and think of ways to enjoy the inevitable interim. Playing games would be fun, think of the games to play at the airport. While many sophisticated airports like Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Indira Gandhi International Airport etc. accommodate restaurants, spas, gym, lounges and playrooms for kids providing you with many options of airport activities, the unsolicited interval never seems to end even after skimming through magazines, having food, relaxing at spa or exerting yourself at gym. So, we have come up with some cheerful game ideas.

1. I Spy – spy your surroundings:

Start playing ‘I Spy’ with your companion/s. If you take pride that you are a detailed observer of your surroundings, prove it to your group by winning ‘I Spy’. You can choose this game to play at the airport with a group involving two or more members. Choose any object from around without saying it aloud and start giving hints until the other person correctly guesses what you’ve picked. In a group, the first person who correctly specifies the object in your mind gets the turn and s/he starts giving hints of the thing s/he noticed. And as this game of noticing the things in the airport goes on, so does the time go unnoticed.

2. The Memory Game – What’s your IQ?

Take a playful test of your IQ level by getting your group ready for this game to play at the airport. Say out any random word and the person next to you will have to repeat yours before saying out their word. And the third person will have to repeat his predecessor’s two words and add another word. Thus, the fourth person will repeat the first, second and third words and then add his word. When the circle reaches the first person, s/he must repeat all the words in order and add another word. Any person who doesn’t repeat the sequence is dismissed. Get as many members as possible to make this game difficult and effective at the same time.

3. What do you know? Let’s find out.

This is an interesting game to play at the airport involving the destinations on departure board. Begin with the first destination in the list and tell the facts you know about the place. It can be anything like the capital city or currency of the place; famous places; historic events etc. Win a point for each fact. The next person says what s/he knows about the next destination in the list. By the end of the destinations in the list, the person with the highest points is declared a winner! (If you think that the opponent is fooling you with wrong facts, check out in Google to know the truth and outsmart them to be the unanimous winner).

4. Scavenger hunting at Airport:

Whether alone or with a group, a simple pastime game to play at the airport is Scavenger hunt. Make a list of the random things that would be generally found, ranging from items in the stores of the airport or things like a stroller, blue suitcase, to a man wearing brown tie and a lady in black suit.  If pen and paper are not handy, write down in your notepad on mobile. Cross off the items when you see them. If all the items are found, gift yourself something from the airport stores. In a group, the person who finds most or all of the items wins!

5. Recall what you see?

Recalling is another pastime airport activity.  Notice the details with this game to play at the airport, taking it as a challenge to your observation skills and memory.  All you need to do is look at a specific area in the airport for 60 seconds and then turn back. Now recall all the things that you have observed in those 60 seconds and make a list in the next 60 seconds. The person with the highest items in their list wins the game! You’ve got to applaud their recalling capacity.

If you are a sole travaller done with all entertaining activities, games and walking around the airport; take out your smartphone, download the game apps like PUBG and start playing!

–Travel Diary

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Kozhikode Calicut International Airport (CCJ)

Also referred to as Calicut International Airport, Kozhikode Calicut International Airport (CCJ) serves Kerala’s Malappuram and Kozhikode cities. The Calicut International Airport is placed in Karipur which is about 12 miles from Malappuram and 16 miles from Kozhikode. Given international status in 2006, Kozhikode Calicut International Airport is Kerala’s third busiest airport and also the twelfth busiest one in the country. Calicut Airport runway is famous for being surrounded by valleys and hills and was recently re-carpeted in 2017.

Using the Kozhikode Calicut International Airport (CCJ) as their hub, Air India, Air Arabia, Air India Express, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, IndiGo, Jet Airways, Oman Air, Qatar Airlines, and SpiceJet airlines serve various destinations across India and abroad.

Kozhikode Calicut International Airport Terminals:

There are two terminals at Kozhikode Calicut International Airport (CCJ) – Domestic and International. Domestic terminal of Calicut Airport serves regional and domestic flights while the international one is meant exclusively for international flight operations. Located just a short distance from the terminals, Kozhikode Airport Parking has the capacity to hold more than 800 parked cars at a time offering both long and short-term parking options. There’s also the Payless Parking option that comes with additional benefits.

Passenger Services at Kozhikode Calicut International Airport:

• Al Hind Lounge

Found at the airport’s international terminal, the lounge is accessible by passengers of certain airlines as well as members of some airline flyer programs and their alliance partners. Those booking business class flights will have better chances of accessing the lounge. However, others can access the luxury lounge as well for a fee. It is a good place for Calicut Airport departure as well as arrival passengers who wish to relax before or after a flight.

• Calicut Airport Food and Shopping

There are several restaurants and cafés at Kozhikode Calicut International Airport (CCJ) that passengers can head to and enjoy a wide variety of choice. You will also find coffee and juice kiosks here. This is a convenient facility for departing passengers of economy or business class who’d like to enjoy a few pre-flight snacks. Similarly, there are scores of duty-free shops all over the airport where you can buy some of the best souvenirs/gifts for family and friends.

• Kozhikode Calicut International Airport Car Rental

If you check Calicut Airport official website you’ll see that you have the option to rent cars via their search engine. Hiring a car in this region is a good idea and will keep you independent to a large extent. Some of the popular local car rental agencies include Savaari, Kottayam Cars, Kerala Cars, and Clearcar Rental among others. You also have the option of international agencies such as Hertz, Avis, Budget, Thrifty, and Europcar among others but these are costlier options. There are buses and taxis available as well outside the airport in case you prefer those options.

• Lost and Found Counter

Kozhikode Calicut International Airport (CCJ) offers sophisticated baggage services. However, in case of delayed or missing baggage, passengers can approach the Lost and Found Counter to ask for assistance. If you wish to know more in detail about this service, you can get Calicut Airport phone number from their website and contact them directly.

• Special Need Assistance

If you need special assistance at Kozhikode Calicut International Airport (CCJ), it will be provided. The airport offers wheelchair facilities, special meals on request, access to business center, assistance to disabled passengers, and any other special requests travelers might have. They also offer assistance to unaccompanied minors, pregnant women, those traveling with infants, and travelers with pets among others.

• Services for arrival passengers

Services at Kozhikode Calicut International Airport (CCJ) for arrival passengers include them being greeted at the arrival gate and being welcomed with a bouquet. In addition to being escorted to the exit, they will also be offered Limousine services. Arriving passengers will also be offered connecting flight help and enjoy efficient baggage handling. Be assured that you will be received warmly regardless of whether you’re arriving on a planned vacation or making an unannounced trip on last minute flights.

• Services for departure passengers

Departure passengers of Kozhikode Calicut International Airport (CCJ) enjoy their own set of benefits. They are greeted at the curb and should thereby keep boarding pass preferably in hand. Assistance will be provided for upgrades, luggage handling, and rebooking arrangements among other things.

• Medical Assistance

Kozhikode Calicut International Airport (CCJ) offers a Safety Assistant as part of its medical assistance. There’s Medical Oxygen Airport Assistance offered as well. Passengers who are hearing impaired, blind, or low on vision are also offered emergency medical assistance should they need it. Check the airport’s official website for details on this type of assistance and how to ask for it.

• Other Services

Apart from the ones mentioned above, Kozhikode Calicut International Airport (CCJ) offers many more services. Some of the other services include Prayer Rooms, ATMS, Child Care Room, Post Office, Internet café, Book Vending Machine, Currency Exchange, Telephones, Baggage Wrapping Machine, and Public Comfort Station among other facilities.

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Situated in Civil Aerodrome in Rajkot, Gujarat, Rajkot Airport (RAJ) is a domestic public airport placed about 2 km from the city’s railway station. Flight operations at this relatively small airport are dominated by airlines Air India and Jet Airways. If you check the Rajkot Airport map, you will see that it has a runway of 1600 m and there are plans to extend it in the near future to 1800 m. The airport is the third busiest one in Gujarat serving from its base the cities of Mumbai, New Delhi, and Chennai. Rajkot Airport (RAJ) is situated 3 km east of the city of Rajkot which is a popular tourist destination in Gujarat famous for its rich heritage and exotic wildlife.

Rajkot Airport Terminal:

Rajkot Airport (RAJ) has only terminal and it has the capacity to handle 125 people at a time. Apart from the cities mentioned above, the airport connects to various places within the state as well. While Rajkot Airport name is one that not many have heard of, it is still one of the most important airports in Gujarat. Rajkot Airport has the capacity for parking not more than 65 cars at a time. If you wish to have more details on this, you can get Rajkot Airport number from their official website and contact them directly.

Passenger services at Rajkot Airport:

• Baggage Services

Rajkot Airport (RAJ) has 2 sophisticated X-ray baggage scanners at the facility. Passengers can easily get their baggage checked without having to wait in serpentine queues. Owing to its small size, Rajkot Airport flight schedule can be checked fairly easily as well. There are 2 security checks at Rajkot Airport (RAJ) in addition to 2 check-in counters as well.

• Food and Shopping at Rajkot Airport

For departure as well as arrival passengers, there are plenty of food and shopping opportunities. Both sections are home to a wide number of duty-free shops, cafeterias, tea/coffee stalls, juice counters, and snack counters among other things. Passengers can also buy authentic Gujarati handicrafts and other items among other things.

• Lost and Found Counter

Rajkot Airport (RAJ) offers this service for passengers who need assistance to track lost or delayed baggage. They can approach the desk and all possible assistance will be offered to track their belongings at the earliest.

• Transport to and from Rajkot Airport

Right outside the domestic terminal passengers will find several taxi service counters where they can book taxis and travel to any part of Rajkot. To get to Rajkot Airport (RAJ), Rajkot bus stand is at a distance of 4 km from the airport. Alternatively, Rajkot railway station which is about 2 km from the airport is another option. Booking Uber or Ola cabs to and from Rajkot Airport is also a convenient option.

• Medical Services

Rajkot Airport (RAJ) offers medical and first-aid assistance to passengers in need of it. They have a well-equipped room and able staff to treat any case of a medical emergency that may occur. Passengers can, therefore, be assured that there will be medical assistance provided should they require it.

• Special Assistance

Special assistance is offered by Rajkot Airport (RAJ) to disabled passengers, those traveling with infants, and elderly passengers among others. Apart from a medical aid room, there is also the facility of a child care room for the convenience of travelers with kids.

• Other Services

Apart from the services mentioned above, Rajkot Airport (RAJ) offers several more to make travel a comfortable experience for passengers. There are snack counters available at arrival and departure terminals and free trolley services are offered among other things. Also, Rajkot Airport is well-equipped to handle any aircraft emergency that may unexpectedly come up.

Nearby Airports:

There are other airports near Rajkot you can consider flying out of or into as well. The nearest domestic airport to Rajkot is Jamnagar Airport about 81 km away. However, about 221 km from Rajkot is the Ahmedabad Airport which is the closest international one. Other options include Kandla Airport about 113 km away, Porbandar Airport about 137 km away as well as Bhuj Airport and Bhavnagar Airport both 157 km away. You can fly into these airports from any of the major cities they are connected to. In addition to Rajkot, these are great places to explore as well and will make your Gujarat trip that much more exciting.

–Travel Diary

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Located in Dulles, Virginia and opened in the year 1962, this popular Washington DC airport is one of the best in the United States. The namesake of John Foster Dulles who served as the United States’ 52nd Secretary of State, Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is among the most popular landmarks in the country. Serving the Washington Metropolitan area, the main terminal of Dulles Airport is one of the biggest landmarks the city has to offer. Sprawled across a massive 13,000 acres, Washington Dulles International Airport serves more than 20 million passengers every year. With four runways and 139 airline gates, Dulles Airport is a major hub for United Airlines.

Washington Dulles International Airport Terminals:

Apart from one main terminal, Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) has two midfield terminal buildings as well which are known as Concourses A/b and C/D. The main terminal welcomed an additional extension meant for international Dulles Airport arrivals. This new facility has the incredible capacity to process within an hour about 24,000 passengers. United Express and non-United flights operate out of concourses A and B while C and D are meant to be used only for United Airlines.

Washington Dulles International Airport permits public parking for 24,000 plus vehicles easily. There are hourly, daily, and valet parking options in four economy lots and two garages made available to passengers. Payment for parking is accepted in the form of cash, MasterCard, American Express, and Visa.

Passenger services at Washington Dulles International Airport:

• Airline Clubs and Lounges

There are scores of airline lounges at Dulles Airport since there are a number of airlines that operate out of it. There is an Air France Lounge (Air France) at concourse A, Galleries Club & Galleries First Lounges (British Airways) at concourse B, First & Business Class Lounge (Etihad Airways) opposite gate A15, Senator & Business Lounge (Lufthansa) at concourse B, a Turkish Airlines Lounge at concourse B, three United Clubs (United Airlines) – one at concourse D and two at C, and a Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at concourse A. So premium passengers booking flights from Washington to Hyderabad or elsewhere with these airlines will enjoy access to such top airport lounges.

• Food and shopping

If your scan through Washington Dulles Airport map online, you will be guided to which shops are located where at the airport. You have the option to indulge in duty-free shopping as well. The map will also guide you to bars and restaurants across various terminals. Dulles Airport departures can stop by for a quick snack before their flight. Additionally, you will also be able to locate exchange services, spas, and other personal care facilities on the map. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) also has a specials and promotions section you should check out.

• Car Rentals at Dulles Airport

Located right at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) are several car rental companies that arriving passengers will find useful. There are free shuttle vehicles that passengers can use to get to and from rental lots to the Terminal. Some of the rental companies you will find here include Alamo, Avis, Hertz, Budget, Thrifty, Advantage and several more.

• Lost and Found Office

Passengers who lose their baggage or other items can head to the Lost and Found Office for assistance. Situated in the arrivals area baggage claim, the Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) Lost and Found Office is open Mondays to Fridays from 9am to 3pm. There are plenty of agencies at the airport that handle lost as well as found items so check online for details on whom to contact for what kind of help.

• Information Desks

You will find information desks across the main terminal and all concourses manned by Travelers Aid volunteers. They can easily be approached by passengers regardless of the type of assistance required. Passengers will also be guided through Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) should the need arise.

• Dulles Airport Ambassadors

Dressed in blue and yellow distinct shirts imprinted with Airports Authority logo, these Airport Ambassadors are there to guide confused passengers through Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Those who need assistance or help with directions can also approach them.

• Passenger Services for International Arrivals

Passengers whose final destination is Washington DC will exit at the Terminal arrival level baggage area. There is a waiting area outside where friends or relatives can wait for arriving passengers. Travelers who haven’t been cleared ahead will have to be screened by United States CBP (Customs and Border Protection). The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) will screen passengers who are about to board connecting flights from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). They will also have to recheck their baggage.

• Special Assistance

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) offers a myriad of special assistance to passengers in need of it. Apart from offering wheelchair service, the airport has made restrooms, parking areas, telephones, and elevators easily accessible for disabled passengers. There are also Pet Relief Areas meant for service animals escorting differently-abled passengers. There are emergency medical services offered as well.

• Commuting to and from Dulles Airport

The Silver Line Express Bus is a non-stop one that directly connects the Wiehle Avenue Metrorail Station from Washington Dulles International Airport. This is the cheapest way in or out of the airport. Other commuting options include rental cars and taxis. Those who prefer arriving in their own vehicles will find plenty of parking options at the airport.

• Other Services

Apart from the ones mentioned above, there are several other services offered by Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Situated in concourse A is an interfaith chapel that’s always left open for travelers looking for a quiet place to reflect. Free Wi-Fi and charging stations are available as well for the convenience of travelers. At the Terminal is a USO Lounge meant to be used by Military personnel and their loved ones.

–Travel Diary

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