Chennai Airport’s new terminal to be ready in two years with new services. The new terminal at Chennai airport will serve both domestic and international travellers when it is finished in two years. According to a TOI report, the terminal is being built next to phase 1 of the integrated terminal (T2), which now handles international arrivals and departures, and is situated where the former international arrival facility stood. According to an official of the Airports Authority of India, the demolition work has been completed, and this month is set aside for the start of building once the contractor receives the site.
The new terminal, which will take up some 60,000 square metres, will be connected with the current T2 terminal to form a sizable integrated structure that can accommodate both domestic and international aircraft depending on demand. When the integrated terminal is finished, two domestic terminals will be on either side of it.
Phase 2 development of T2 includes the construction of the new terminal. This phase will raise the integrated terminal’s overall area to 197,000 square metres and increase its annual passenger handling capacity from the present 25 million to 35 million. Depending on the needs, the terminal’s layout will be adaptable to suit both domestic and foreign travellers. When there is a surge in domestic passenger traffic, the new terminal may be used to route them, making everything run well for everyone.
Every day, the city airport welcomes about 50,000 domestic travellers, and at busy times like weekends and holidays, there is frequently a spike in demand for domestic travel. Airlines, however, find it difficult to reserve slots for more frequencies. Airlines will be able to add more flights to their timetables because of the increased terminal space.
More aerobridges for boarding and disembarking will be included in the integrated terminal when it is finished, enabling airlines to plan more international flights. To reduce the possibility of improperly handled luggage, it will also have several amenities like self-baggage drop, e-gates, a passenger flow monitoring system, 3D sensors for boarding, a specialised baggage scanning system, and an advanced baggage handling system.
In other news, there will be major upgrades to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, including the extension of the international terminal and the demolition of the domestic terminal. To accommodate the increasing demand for flights and passenger traffic, the airport’s master plan seeks to enhance infrastructure and connections. Should the runway end safety area not be expanded by September 2024, the airport’s licence may be revoked.
In addition, three passenger terminals would be positioned in between two runways at the recently constructed greenfield airport in Chennai’s Parandur. The airport will have a metro rail station and be conveniently located next to the Chennai-Bengaluru motorway via a connecting road. For approval, the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests has received the design from the state government.
Just a stone’s throw away from the bustling Chennai International Airport lies a haven for shoppers and entertainment seekers: the vibrant array of malls surrounding the airport. These shopping meccas offer a fusion of modernity and tradition, catering to the diverse tastes of locals and travellers passing through the city.
From luxury brands to budget-friendly options, these malls boast an extensive range of stores, ensuring every shopper finds something to delight in. Whether it’s the latest fashion trends, electronics, or handicrafts, these malls serve as one-stop destinations for all shopping needs.
Here’s a list of top 5 shopping malls near Chennai airport.
Shopping Mall Near Chennai Airport
Galada Mall Grand
The Grand Galada Mall is most known for its dining options and movie theatres. Nonetheless, Grand Galada Mall Chennai has many stores where you may get essential home goods. There is a food court and parking lot at the mall. The site is conveniently reachable by bus or taxi from the Chennai airport.
Distance from Chennai Airport to Grand Galada Mall Chennai: 850 m
Address: Thirushoolam, SH 48, SH 48, Arumalai Chavadi, Pallavaram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600043
Hours: 10 am–1 am
Forum Vijaya Mall
There are over a hundred retailers in this shopping centre close to the airport, including apparel, furniture, home goods, cuisine, jewellery, shoes, and more. Satisfy your appetites for films in real-time by watching the newest film at SPI Cinema’s The Palazzo Multiplex. Enjoy some enjoyable and interactive games at Fun City with your children.
Distance from Chennai Airport to Forum Vijaya Mall: 12.3 km
Address: 183, Great Southern Trunk Rd, Arcot Rd, Vadapalani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600026
Hours: 10 am–10 pm
Phoenix Market City
Spanning more than a million square feet, Phoenix Market City is one of Chennai’s largest shopping centres. Here you may discover an 11-screen multiplex theatre together with 250 domestic and international retail brands. It has everything from game zones to coffee shops, jewellery stores, clothing stores, and excellent fine-dining alternatives for everyone from adults to children.
Address: Velachery Main Rd, Indira Gandhi Nagar, Velachery, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600042
Hours: 10 am–10 pm
Ampa Skywalk Mall
If you have an insatiable desire to purchase branded clothing, visit Chennai’s Ampa Skywalk Mall, which is close to the airport. The best selection of premium brands that suit your sense of style can be found at this mall. Play games, watch your favourite movie, or indulge in the delicious array of food court offerings. This location is ideal for families, couples, travellers, students, and even senior citizens who want to shop for everything in one location.
Distance from Chennai Airport to Ampa Skywalk Mall: 15.6 km
Address: Sky Walk, 103A, Nelson Manickam Rd, Aminjikarai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600029
Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm
Express Avenue Mall
One of Chennai’s most opulent shopping centres, this one was constructed by the Indian Express Group and features a 4-star business hotel, a hypermarket, a movie theatre, a food court, a vast arcade, anchors, and many other high-quality brands. Enjoy steep discounts on practically all brands during this unique occasion. There are many excellent restaurants within the mall, driveways, and free parking accessible.
Distance from Chennai Airport to Express Avenue Mall: 15.6 km
Address: 17, Pattullos Rd, Express Estate, Thousand Lights, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600002
Hours: 10 am–10 pm
FAQs
What are some of the popular malls near Chennai Airport?
Popular malls near Chennai Airport include Phoenix Marketcity Chennai, Forum Vijaya Mall, and Palladium Chennai.
Are there entertainment options available in these malls?
Yes, these malls offer various entertainment options such as cinemas, gaming arcades, and amusement centres, ensuring a fun-filled experience for visitors of all ages.
Is there parking available at these malls?
Yes, ample parking facilities are available at most of these malls, offering both open-air and covered parking options for the convenience of shoppers.
Are there dining options available in these malls?
Absolutely! These malls boast a diverse culinary scene with numerous restaurants, cafes, and food courts offering a wide range of cuisines to suit every palate.
Chennai is home to some of India’s busiest and most well-known airports, with over 400 flights every day. After New Delhi and Mumbai, it is the third busiest airport in India in terms of both international traffic and cargo capacity. Therefore, it wouldn’t be shocking if you found yourself arriving at or departing from Chennai Airport shortly. This location is likely to be one of your stopover locations because it serves as a major hub for numerous domestic and international airlines. However, because layovers and connecting flights are monotonous, most individuals would rather avoid them. The good news is that the Chennai airport is close to many amazing tourist destinations. So here are some of the Best Places To Visit Near Chennai Airport.
If your aircraft is delayed by several hours or you have a lengthy stopover in Chennai, you can easily leave the airport and visit one or more of these nearby attractions.
Best Places To Visit Near Chennai Airport
Santhome Cathedral Basilica
Distance from the Chennai Airport – 18.1 km (Approx. 17 minutes drive)
Things to do – the Portuguese constructed Santhome Cathedral Basilica in the 14th and 15th centuries which is a historical Christian pilgrimage site. One of the most well-liked tourist destinations in Chennai is the neo-gothic cathedral. The Portuguese statue of the Virgin Mary and a map depicting South Asia in the sixteenth century are the main draws of the location. Christians frequent the location and participate in the regular masses held there.
Timings: Open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day
Entry Fee: Free
Address: 38, Santhome High Rd, Dummingkuppam, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004
Edward Elliot’s Beach
Distance from the Chennai Airport – 16.2 km (Approx. 16 minutes drive)
Things to do – At the end of the busy Marina Beach sits Edward Elliot’s Beach, one of Chennai’s most well-known beaches. It is one of the best locations to visit in Chennai near the airport since it is less congested and cleaner than the other beaches in the city. The Velankanni Church and Ashtalakshmi Temple are two well-liked sights on this coastline. Near the shore, there are lots of eateries with a variety of cuisines. It’s the ideal location for strolls, sunbathing, and soaking feet in seawater.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Address: Besant Nagar, Chennai, India
Valluvar Kottam
Distance from the Chennai Airport – 13.4 km (Approx. 20 minutes drive)
Things to do – This temple honours a well-known poet and philosopher from Tamil Nadu. Make sure you take in this monument’s stunning architecture. You can photograph this amazing piece of art by taking a few shots. Enjoy the mouthwatering regional cuisine that is served outside the temple as well.
Timings: 8.30 am to 5.30 pm. Open on all days
Entry Fee: Free
Address: Nungambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai
Vivekananda House
Distance from the Chennai Airport – 15.7 km (Approx. 16 minutes drive)
Things to do – Vivekananda House, a well-known tourist destination in Chennai, honours Swami Vivekananda, a Hindu monk who led the Ramakrishna movement in South India and spent six weeks visiting the city in 1897. Swamiji’s personal belongings and artworks depicting religious and pre-religious events are on display. The location is worth a visit for anyone looking for a quiet area to meditate or for stunning Victorian architecture. Among the attractions in Chennai close to the airport, it’s a must-see.
Timings: Open from 10 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. and 3 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. Monday closed.
Entry Fee: Rs. 10 for adults and Rs. 5 for child
Address: Vivekananda House, Kamaraj Salai, Marina Beach Road, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Marina Beach
Distance from the Chennai Airport – 18.6 km (Approx. a 1-hour drive)
Things to do – This is one of the most well-liked beaches in Chennai, where people go every day. This is a vibrant and attractive beach with a nice vibe where you may enjoy a variety of beach sports. It’s worth eating here because beach shacks are serving delicious south Indian food and fish. On the beach, there are numerous vendors selling rubbish jewellery, showpieces, and other artefacts, so you can also go shopping. To have fun, you can go ponytail riding and kite flying.
Distance from the Chennai Airport – 19 km (Approx. 18 minutes drive)
Things to do – The 6.25 acres that make up the Chennai Rail Museum were dedicated in 2002. It features a sizable collection of old British coaches and steam engines, as well as technical and historical exhibitions. Make sure you have enough time to enjoy everything the Chennai Rail Museum has to offer if you plan to come. This location houses a model train coach, art gallery, history museum, and rail museum, among other things. You can also take a trip on the toy train inside the premises. It’s a fun tourist destination close to the Chennai airport.
Timings: Open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday closed.
Entry Fee: Rs. 40 for general visitors and Rs. 25 for school students. The entry fee includes entry to the museum, one train joyride, tea or coffee, and snacks.
Address: Next to ICF Furnishing Division, New Avadi Rd, Villivakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Basant Nagar Beach
Distance from the Chennai Airport – 15 km (Approx. 30 minutes drive)
Things to do – Visit this beach and spend time with your loved ones. With its beautiful surroundings and crystal-clear water, this beach is a treasure for walks in the morning and evening. Savour the dawn and dusk, and enjoy a wonderful picnic on the sandy shore. You can also take part in beach sports like paragliding and jet skiing. It is among the top tourist destinations close to the Chennai airport.
Address: Besant Nagar, Chennai, India
Victory War Memorial
Distance from the Chennai Airport – 18.8 km (Approx. 25 minutes drive)
Activities: The Victory War Memorial, once called Cupid’s Bow, was constructed in remembrance of the American soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. However, it was renamed Victory War Memorial following World War II. The marble building here was most recently updated with the names of the men who died in the Indo-China War of 1963 and the 1948 operations in Kashmir.
It is perfect for history buffs and research scholars. Visitors come here to honour the sacrifices and to enjoy a peaceful evening in the exquisitely designed garden.
Timings – Open 24 hours
Address: 37FP+96X, Port Trust Officers Quarters, Sathya Nagar, Chennai Port Trust, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Arignar Anna Zoological Park
Distance from the Chennai Airport – 15.4 km (Approx. 30 minutes drive)
Things to do – This is Southeast Asia’s largest zoological park. It covers 602 hectares of land, and a variety of animals can be seen there. You may tour the area by renting a battery-powered rickshaw. Kids will enjoy it, and you may sample some snacks and drinks. In addition, you can take safari trips to witness animals like wolves, ostriches, tigers, lions, jaguars, cheetahs, black bucks, and hyenas. You can also read books about wildlife here, visit the library, and broaden your understanding of animals and nature. It is among the most enjoyable sights to see close to the Chennai airport.
Timings – 9 am to 5 pm. It is closed on Tuesday
Entry Fee –30/- per person for Adults (above 10 years)
10/- per person for Children (2 to 10 years)
0/- Free entry for children below two years
25/- for Camera / Camera mobile / iPad / tablet
150/- for Handycam
Address: Grand Southern Trunk Rd, Vandalur, Tamil Nadu
MGR Memorial
Distance from the Chennai Airport – 20 km (Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes drive)
Things to do – Dedicated to the memory of the late MGR, the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, this memorial monument is a well-known tourist spot. You can come to see this location’s splendour, which includes beautiful fountains and an impressive canopy of greenery. Enjoy the vista of Marina Beach that serves as the background when strolling around the paths.
Timings – 6 AM TO 9 PM
Entry Fee – Free
Address: Marina Beach Road, Navalar Nagar, Chepauk, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
FAQs
What is the cost of security for a rental automobile in Chennai?
You must pay a security deposit for each automobile rental package; the exact amount depends on the plan you select. The deposit serves as a safeguard against mishaps, excess mileage, insurance issues, etc., and you may anticipate receiving your money after these deductions.
Does the amount of driving I can do around the Chennai airport have a “Kilometre limit”?
When hiring a car from IndusGo at the Chennai airport, there is no such limit on km. However, you can choose between 120km, 240km, or 480km packages depending on how far you plan to travel. Every additional kilometre driven will result in a fee for anything exceeding the selected package.
Which tourism destinations close to Chennai Airport are the best?
When on vacation in Chennai, you can visit the tourist attractions Marina Beach, MGR Memorial, Edward Elliot’s Beach, and more, all of which are close to the airport. By renting a car with IndusGo, you may visit all of these tourist attractions without breaking the bank.
