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Politics
Tamil Nadu seeks new operator for Chennai International Airport amid concerns
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 25 Sep 2026, 02:01 AM
👁 28
The Tamil Nadu government has formally requested a change of operator for Chennai International Airport, citing operational and revenue concerns.
The state government of Tamil Nadu has submitted a formal request to the central Ministry of Civil Aviation to consider appointing a new operator for Chennai International Airport. Officials said the move is driven by perceived shortcomings in the current management, including lower-than-expected non‑aeronautical revenue and passenger‑service issues.
In its petition, the Tamil Nadu administration highlighted that the airport, which handles over 20 million passengers annually, requires a more aggressive commercial strategy to unlock its full revenue potential. The state also pointed to the need for better infrastructure upgrades and streamlined operations to match the growth of the region's aviation traffic.
The request arrives as the central government reviews proposals for private participation in several Indian airports under the National Civil Aviation Policy. While no decision has been announced, the Tamil Nadu government expects that a new operator with private‑sector expertise could enhance service quality and financial performance.
Stakeholders, including airline representatives and local business groups, have been consulted, and they broadly support the idea of a more commercially driven operator. The Ministry of Civil Aviation is expected to examine the proposal and respond in the coming weeks.
In its petition, the Tamil Nadu administration highlighted that the airport, which handles over 20 million passengers annually, requires a more aggressive commercial strategy to unlock its full revenue potential. The state also pointed to the need for better infrastructure upgrades and streamlined operations to match the growth of the region's aviation traffic.
The request arrives as the central government reviews proposals for private participation in several Indian airports under the National Civil Aviation Policy. While no decision has been announced, the Tamil Nadu government expects that a new operator with private‑sector expertise could enhance service quality and financial performance.
Stakeholders, including airline representatives and local business groups, have been consulted, and they broadly support the idea of a more commercially driven operator. The Ministry of Civil Aviation is expected to examine the proposal and respond in the coming weeks.