The construction of the second part of the new comprehensive terminal of Chennai Airport is further postponed to June 2026

Views of the ongoing Phase II modernization work at Chennai Airport. |Picture source: M. Srinath

With construction work delayed, it may take longer to complete the second part of the new integrated terminal (NITB) that will handle international flight operations at Chennai Airport.

Officials from the Airport Authority of India (AAI) said work on the NITB will be completed in June 2026 and will provide air passengers from August 2026 to August 2026. So far, 25% of the work has been completed in the second part of the NITB.

Six years ago, AAI allocated Rs 2.467 crore and began the construction of the Phase II modernization project. AAI envisions a luxurious terminal that provides new facilities for international air passengers, and the spacious buildings will allow the airport to accommodate up to 35 million passengers a year.

The structure of NITB is divided into two parts. After the first part of the NITB was ready, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was unveiled two years ago, which is an international terminal. The second part of the NITB will also be used for international flight operations, with the AAI fixed to December 2025 as the deadline for completion of construction. But the second part of the NITB has been plagued by delays and has revised it until June 2026. Inauguration ceremony, strict inspections must be conducted, and the terminal will only be prepared for air passengers by August next year.

Many difficulties: Officials

Officials said they have been fighting many difficulties after construction began six years ago. The work faced major setbacks when the pandemic hit the country for nearly two years. “But we got rid of this work, speeded up the work, and got the first part of the NITB as early as possible,” an official said.

Digging and building basements with hard rocks is as challenging as conditions, and contractors postpone their work to rising costs. He added: “We have been working on the best we can for the project and we will complete the inauguration by June 2026.”

Air passengers said they have been constantly witnessing some kind of construction project or another at the airport for years. “The airports entering and leaving are constantly doing some construction or other work. Although infrastructure projects may be delayed, there should be some responsibility, but authorities must find a way to pack it up,” he added.