Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced the abandonment of the Parandur airport project, opting instead to expand Chennai Airport with a new Terminal 5. The move follows years of farmer protests over land acquisition.

  • Parandur greenfield airport (5,746 acres) cancelled
  • Terminal‑5 will add 55 million passenger capacity annually
  • Over 1,000 local families had opposed the original plan

On August 24, 2026, C. Joseph Vijay, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, declared that the state will no longer pursue the proposed international airport at Parandur, Kanchipuram district. The decision aligns with the long‑standing opposition of his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which challenged the project even before winning power.

What Was the Parandur Airport Project?

The Parandur proposal was a greenfield international airport covering 5,746 acres of undeveloped land. It would have required the acquisition of land in 13 villages and the displacement of nearly 1,000 families, sparking continuous protests by local farmers since 2022.

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New Plan: Terminal‑5 at Existing Chennai Airport

Vijay announced that instead of a new airport, a new Terminal 5 will be built on the north‑western side of Chennai Airport in partnership with the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The development includes an approach road and a flyover. Chennai Airport currently handles about 30 million passengers a year; Terminal 5 is projected to boost capacity by an additional 55 million passengers annually.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the shift from a greenfield airport to an expansion of the existing hub reflects a broader trend in Indian infrastructure policy—prioritizing cost‑efficiency and minimizing displacement while still meeting rising passenger demand.

"Cancelling the Parandur project signals a clear intent to balance social stability with economic growth," says aviation analyst Dr. Ajay Rao.

Historical Background

In August 2022, the Union Civil Aviation Ministry approved Parandur as the site for Chennai’s second international airport. By September 2024, the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) submitted a detailed proposal estimating a Phase‑1 cost of ₹10,500 crore. Subsequent approvals for land‑pooling and master planning were granted in 2025, but mounting local resistance and political disagreement stalled progress.

Did You Know?: Before the airport plan, the Parandur area was only 4% industrially developed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: When will Terminal 5 be operational?
A: The target is 2029, subject to construction timelines and funding approvals.

Q2: What compensation will displaced farmers receive?
A: The state has pledged a rehabilitation package covering resettlement, livelihood support, and land redistribution, with detailed schemes still under preparation.