Chennai airport’s Rs 2,467 crore integrated T3 enters final construction phase

Construction of the new integrated T3 terminal at Chennai airport has entered its final phase, with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) targeting completion by January 2027 and an inauguration by April 2027, subject to statutory approvals.

The new terminal is being developed as an 86,135-square-metre integrated facility to handle both domestic and international flights. The project has a cost of Rs 2,467 crore and is part of the second phase of Chennai airport’s modernisation plan.

According to an AAI official, concrete work is 98 per cent complete, while structural steel erection is 85 per cent complete. Flooring, roof erection and electrical work are nearly complete, while installation of the glass facade is progressing.

Around 55 per cent of equipment installation has also been completed. This includes the air handling unit, baggage handling system, counters and elevators. Partition work is currently under way.

More than 1,500 workers have been deployed at the site to complete the terminal.

The project experienced delays because of the non-availability of raw materials during the West Asia crisis. AAI has been reviewing progress since January.

Once the terminal is completed, the number of aerobridges at Chennai airport will increase from 14 to 23, allowing passengers to enter and exit aircraft directly through the terminal rather than being ferried between remote bays by buses.

The airport’s flight-handling capacity is also expected to increase from 35 flights an hour to 45 flights an hour following completion of rapid-exit taxiways.

The first phase of Chennai airport’s modernisation programme was completed in 2023 and inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The integrated T3 is now being developed as the next major addition to the airport’s passenger infrastructure, with the January completion target to be followed by the planned April 2027 inauguration.