The Tamil Nadu government has shortlisted Cheyyur in Chengalpattu district and Manellore near Gummidipoondi as potential locations for Chennai’s second airport. This decision follows Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s recent announcement to abandon the previously planned greenfield project at Parandur. The state has formally requested the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to conduct a pre-feasibility study on these two sites.
A team from the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation has already completed initial inspections of both locations. While the Cheyyur site requires clearance from the Ministry of Defence due to its proximity to the Tambaram airbase, the Manellore site faces its own set of regulatory challenges. AAI officials are scheduled to visit both areas to evaluate their viability before submitting a formal report.
State authorities are pushing for an expedited review to accelerate the project, though experts suggest the development could take five to seven years to complete. A final decision regarding the site selection will be made by the government following the submission of the AAI’s findings. The project remains a priority for the state as it seeks to establish a new aviation hub for the region.
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