Tamil Nadu Shortlists Manellore, Cheyyur For New Airport

The Tamil Nadu government, led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, has shortlisted Manellore in Tiruvallur district and Cheyyur in Chengalpattu district as potential sites for a new greenfield airport to serve the Chennai Metropolitan Area. This decision comes after the government scrapped the controversial Parandur airport project.

The Parandur project, which was estimated to cost around ₹27,400 crore, had faced sustained opposition from farmers and residents concerned about the acquisition of agricultural land, water bodies, livelihoods, and possible displacement. The previous DMK government had already acquired around 1,500-1,700 acres for the project.

Chief Minister Vijay had made dropping the Parandur airport a key election promise, stating that the government would instead look for a location that causes minimal disruption to farmland and residential areas. The new sites, Manellore and Cheyyur, have been recommended to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for detailed feasibility studies.

Manellore, located in Gummidipoondi taluk of Tiruvallur district, is around 60 km from Chennai, while Cheyyur, in Chengalpattu district, is approximately 100 km from Chennai. Both locations have been identified as leading alternatives for the proposed airport.

The decision to scrap the Parandur project was announced by Chief Minister Vijay in the state Assembly on August 24, 2026. Despite this, the state government has maintained that Chennai requires an additional airport to meet the city's growing aviation requirements.

Chennai's existing airport, which handles around 30 million passengers annually, is slated for expansion, including a proposed Terminal 5. However, the government continues to pursue a second airport for the metropolitan region to meet the increasing demand for air travel.

The next step will be detailed feasibility assessments by the AAI, which will examine factors including technical suitability, airspace considerations, connectivity, land availability, and the potential social and environmental impact of developing an airport at either location.

The government has indicated that the new site should balance Chennai's long-term aviation needs with concerns about the impact on agricultural land and residential areas. The search for a new airport site is expected to continue, with the government aiming to find a location that meets the needs of the city while minimizing disruption to the surrounding area.

The need for a new airport in Chennai is driven by the city's growing economy and increasing demand for air travel. The existing airport is facing capacity constraints, and a new airport would help to alleviate this pressure and provide a better experience for passengers.

In conclusion, the Tamil Nadu government's decision to shortlist Manellore and Cheyyur as potential sites for a new airport is a significant step forward in the search for a new aviation hub for Chennai. The feasibility studies will provide a clearer picture of the suitability of these locations, and the government will then be able to make a more informed decision about the future of the city's airport infrastructure.

The development of a new airport in Chennai will have a significant impact on the city's economy and infrastructure. It will provide a boost to the local economy, create new job opportunities, and improve the overall quality of life for residents. The government's commitment to finding a location that balances the needs of the city with concerns about the impact on the surrounding area is a positive step, and it is expected that the new airport will be a major asset for the city in the years to come.