Home / International Travel Insurance / India / Airports in Tamil Nadu / Chennai International Airport (MAA)
TeamAckoFeb 27, 2025
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Chennai is one of the few cities in southern India that caters to the needs of all types of travellers worldwide. It boasts a wealth of historical sites and picturesque landscapes, which is no wonder why this city attracts thousands of travellers every year.
Besides, Chennai Airport, the largest airport in the state, plays a major role in dispersing the massive crowds over the city. So, read this blog until the end and learn about the crucial details related to this airport.
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Chennai International Airport has been operational since 1912 and is the fourth busiest airport in the country after Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Spread across 1323 acres of land, this airport is 19.8 km from the city centre. It is the largest international airport in the state and is undergoing an expansion to accommodate 40 million passengers every year by 2035. Besides, this airport has a total of 3 terminals. Terminal 1 is used for cargo jets, while Terminals 2 and 3 are designed for domestic and international flights.
Here are some details about the airport to know:
Address: Airport Rd, Meenambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600027
IATA Code: MAA
Type: International airport that manages both domestic and international departures and arrivals.
Operational Authority: Airport Authority of India (AAI).
Airport Chennai is located in one of the major locations of the state, providing you with several means of transportation options, which include the following:
Hiring a taxi is one of the most convenient ways to reach the airport. You can find abundant taxis travelling towards the airport from different city routes. It can take 30 minutes to 1 hour to reach Chennai Airport, depending on the level of traffic.
You can also reach the airport by bus, regularly available in different city sections. Both public and air-conditioned buses travel to and from Chennai Airport daily.
Chennai Airport also shares good connectivity through rail routes. The nearest railway station is 2 km from the airport, connected to the Central Chennai Railway Station.
Through the Blue Line metro line at the Airport Metro Station, you can conveniently travel to the city centre of Chennai. Passengers who wish to travel towards the regions near the metro station can opt for this route.
Spread across over 1323 acres of land, Chennai Airport, also known as MAA Airport, was the first airport to introduce domestic and international terminals. Currently, the airport features three terminals, Terminals 2 and 3, serving as the passenger terminals. These include:
Kamaraj Terminal is the building responsible for handling domestic arrivals and departures at Chennai Domestic Airport. It is 13,000 sq. m. and features numerous modern amenities and facilities, including 4 security kiosks and 18 check-in counters.
It is Chennai Airport's terminal building, meant to handle the arrivals and departures of international flights. It covers an area of 15,700 sq. m. and is well-equipped with necessary services, such as 30 custom counters, 22 immigration checks, 19 check-in counters, 4 security kiosks, etc.
Meenambakkam Airport, or the Chennai Airport, provides a wide array of facilities inside the terminal buildings for the passengers. These include the following:
There are numerous eatery options in the food court section inside the airport terminal building.
The airport features ATMs and currency exchange counters inside the terminal building.
You can access internet connections free of cost once you successfully check-in.
The airport also offers medical and first aid services for the passengers.
Chennai Airport also offers several duty-free shops inside the terminal building. It is best to purchase some of your favourite items as souvenirs for your friends and family.
Passengers can also find babycare areas inside the airport.
There are also designated counters inside the terminal building called lost and found counters. You can contact one of these whenever you lose or find an item inside the airport.
The airport also features some of the best lounges for passengers, allowing them to relax before their flight arrives.
The following points feature some of the interesting things to do at Chennai International Airport while you wait for your flights to arrive:
There are several types of duty-free shops inside the terminal building of Chennai International Airport. Thus, picking some of your favourite souvenirs for friends and family during your waiting hours at the airport is always ideal.
The eateries section of the airport provides diverse options, ranging from wholesome food snacks, beverages, and refreshments for passengers. Thus, it is fun to try some of them and have a few authentic South Indian food items while you wait for your flight.
You can find bookshops inside Chennai Airport, where you can pick up the latest magazines, newspapers and books of different genres.
Below are some of the places to visit near Chennai International Airport to spend some of your free time:
One of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Southern India, the Viswaroopa Adhivyadhihara Sri Bhaktha Anjaneyaswami Temple is located 1 km from the airport. A visit to this holy shrine is a good way to start your exploration.
Phoenix Market City in Chennai is where you can shop and have delicious street food. Located about 1.9 km from the airport, this place is ideal to go through retail therapy.
The Rajiv Gandhi Memorial is located just 3.9 km from the airport. It is a memorial to the late Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi, which tourists often consider visiting.
To wrap up, Chennai Airport is not only the largest airport in Tamil Nadu but also one of the busiest airports in the country. It handles international and domestic flights to some of the world's major destinations. The airport is also well-equipped with the necessary facilities, ensuring a convenient travelling experience for all passengers.
MAA is the airport code of Chennai.
Yes, you can take several means of transportation from Chennai Airport, including taxis, town cars, buses, etc., that travel to different routes in the city.
Chennai Airport is also known as Meenambakkam Airport.
Several accommodation options near Chennai International Airport are based on specific budgets and preferences.
Yes, Chennai Airport is the busiest airport in Tamil Nadu.
Yes, you can reach Chennai Airport by car or a taxi within 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the level of traffic.
You can get both domestic and international flights from Chennai Airport.
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