Overview
Chennai International Airport – Chennai, India
Chennai International Airport (IATA: MAA, ICAO: VOMM) is the main international airport serving Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu in southern India. Located in the Tirusulam and Meenambakkam area, the airport provides domestic and international connections to destinations across India, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and other international markets.
Chennai is one of the closest major international destinations to Sri Lanka and an important gateway for travellers visiting Tamil Nadu and southern India for business, leisure, education, medical treatment, shopping and visiting family or friends.
The airport handles both domestic and international flights, with passenger facilities connected to Chennai's Metro, suburban railway and road transport networks.
For official airport information, passengers can refer to the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
At a glance
Airport Information
- Airport Name
- Chennai International Airport
- Also Known As
- Chennai Airport / Madras Airport
- IATA Code
- MAA
- ICAO Code
- VOMM
- Location
- Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Airport Area
- Tirusulam / Meenambakkam
- Nearest Major City
- Chennai
- Airport Type
- International and Domestic
- Country
- India
Arrivals
Arrivals at Chennai International Airport
Passengers arriving on international flights normally proceed through immigration, baggage collection and customs before entering the public arrivals area.
Passengers can find a range of services in and around the airport, including:
Arrival Process
- 1Arrival at the terminal
- 2Follow signs to immigration
- 3Passport and immigration clearance
- 4Baggage collection
- 5Customs clearance
- 6Enter the arrivals area
- 7Currency exchange, ATM or mobile connectivity if required
- 8Metro, taxi, ride-hailing, bus, suburban train or other transportation
- 9Hotel or onward travel
International travellers should ensure that they meet India's current passport, visa, immigration and entry requirements before travelling. Foreign nationals and OCI cardholders can complete India's e-Arrival Card online before arrival, subject to the latest requirements and exemptions published by the Government of India. The e-Arrival Card is an arrival information form and does not replace a visa or other required travel authorisation. Passengers should check current requirements through the official Government of India immigration and visa websites before departure.
Arrival Facilities
- Currency exchange
- ATMs
- Mobile and telecom services
- Medical assistance
- Accessibility facilities
- Baggage services
- Restaurants and refreshments
- Shopping
- Car rental
- Taxi services
- Ride-hailing services
- Metro connectivity
- Bus services
- Suburban railway access nearby
- Information services
- Parking
- Hotel and onward transportation options
Facilities may vary by terminal and passenger area.
Departures
Departures from Chennai International Airport
Passengers departing from Chennai should allow sufficient time for airline check-in, baggage drop, immigration for international flights, security screening and reaching the boarding gate.
Travellers should check the terminal shown on their airline booking before travelling to the airport, particularly when connecting between domestic and international flights.
Chennai International Airport provides a range of facilities for departing passengers, including:
Departure Process
- 1Confirm your airline and terminal
- 2Arrive at Chennai International Airport
- 3Airline check-in
- 4Baggage drop
- 5Immigration for international departures
- 6Security screening
- 7Departure area
- 8Proceed to the boarding gate
- 9Flight departure
Departure Facilities
- Airline check-in facilities
- Self-service facilities where available
- Currency exchange
- ATMs
- Duty-free shopping for eligible international passengers
- Restaurants and cafés
- Airport lounges
- Medical services
- Accessibility assistance
- Baggage services
- Free Wi-Fi
- Prayer and passenger facilities
- Parking
- Transit and connection facilities
Facilities vary by terminal and departure area.
Terminals
Terminals at Chennai International Airport
Chennai International Airport handles both domestic and international passenger operations through its terminal complex.
Passengers should always check the terminal indicated on their airline ticket or booking confirmation, as airline and terminal arrangements can change.
International Flights
International passenger facilities handle flights connecting Chennai with destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and other international markets.
Passengers arriving from Sri Lanka will complete Indian immigration, baggage collection and customs procedures before entering the public arrivals area.
Domestic Flights
Domestic passenger facilities serve an extensive network of destinations across India.
Passengers connecting from an international flight to a domestic service may need to complete immigration, collect their baggage, clear customs and proceed to the appropriate domestic departure area, depending on their itinerary and baggage arrangements.
Inter-Terminal Connections
The Airports Authority of India provides inter-terminal shuttle services and battery-operated carts between domestic and international passenger areas.
Passengers making connections should allow sufficient time to move between terminals and complete any required immigration, baggage, check-in and security procedures.
Transfers
Connecting Flights at Chennai International Airport
Chennai Airport provides connections to a large domestic network across India as well as international destinations.
Passengers travelling on a through-ticket should follow the transfer instructions provided by their airline.
Typical International-to-Domestic Connection
Depending on the itinerary, passengers may need to:
Passengers travelling on separate tickets should allow additional time because they may need to collect baggage and complete a new check-in for their onward flight.
Always confirm with your airline whether baggage is checked through to your final destination.
- Complete Indian immigration
- Collect checked baggage
- Clear customs
- Proceed to the appropriate domestic departure area
- Re-check baggage where required
- Complete security screening
- Proceed to the boarding gate
Getting into the city
Transportation from Chennai International Airport
Travellers arriving at Chennai Airport have several transportation options depending on their destination, budget and preferred level of convenience.
The main options include:
- Chennai Metro
- Airport taxi
- App-based taxi and ride-hailing services
- Suburban railway
- Public buses
- Private transfers
- Car rental
Chennai Metro
The Chennai Metro provides one of the most convenient public transportation connections between Chennai International Airport and the city.
Chennai International Airport Metro Station is connected to the airport passenger terminals.
Metro services provide connections towards important areas and interchange stations across Chennai, including access towards:
Passengers can use interchange stations to connect with other Metro services depending on their final destination.
Metro operating hours, frequencies and fares may change, so passengers should check current information with Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) before travelling.
Guindy
Little Mount
Nandanam
Teynampet
Thousand Lights
Government Estate
Chennai Central
Other parts of the Chennai Metro network
Best for
- Solo travellers
- Budget-conscious travellers
- Travellers staying near Metro stations
- Passengers travelling towards central Chennai
- Travellers with manageable luggage
Airport Taxi
Taxi services are available at Chennai International Airport.
Passengers should use authorised airport taxi facilities or recognised transportation providers and follow airport signage to the appropriate pickup area.
Taxi is one of the most convenient options for travellers carrying luggage or travelling directly to hotels, hospitals, businesses or residences.
Best for
- Families
- Travellers with luggage
- Medical travellers
- Groups
- Late-night arrivals
- Direct hotel transfers
App-Based Taxi and Ride-Hailing Services
App-based transportation services are widely used in Chennai.
Availability and designated airport pickup arrangements can change, so passengers should use the relevant mobile application and follow airport signage to the authorised pickup area.
App-based transport can be particularly useful for travellers who prefer:
Mobile booking
Cashless payment where available
Direct hotel transportation
Door-to-door travel
Suburban Train – Tirusulam Railway Station
Tirusulam Railway Station is the suburban railway station located near Chennai International Airport.
The Chennai suburban railway network provides connections towards central Chennai and other areas along the Tambaram–Chennai Beach corridor.
Important stations along this corridor include:
Chennai Park Station is located near Chennai Central railway station, making the suburban railway useful for some passengers connecting to long-distance trains.
Travellers should check current suburban train schedules before travelling.
Tambaram
Pallavaram
Tirusulam
Guindy
Mambalam
Nungambakkam
Chennai Egmore
Chennai Park
Chennai Fort
Chennai Beach
Best for
- Budget travellers
- Independent travellers
- Passengers connecting with India's railway network
- Travellers familiar with Chennai public transport
Public Bus
Public bus services operate along routes serving Chennai Airport and surrounding areas.
The airport is located close to GST Road, an important transport corridor connecting the airport with different parts of Chennai.
Passengers planning to use public buses should check current route and timetable information before travelling.
Public buses can be a useful lower-cost option for travellers with limited luggage.
Private Transfer
Private airport transfers can be arranged in advance through hotels, travel providers or transportation companies.
A private transfer can be useful for:
Families
Groups
Medical travellers
Travellers carrying significant luggage
First-time visitors
Passengers requiring direct transportation to a specific destination
Car Rental
Car rental and chauffeur-driven vehicle services may be available for travellers who prefer private transportation.
Visitors planning to drive themselves should ensure that they meet India's applicable driving licence requirements and understand local road and traffic regulations.
For many international visitors unfamiliar with Chennai traffic, a taxi or chauffeur-driven vehicle may be more convenient.
Where to go next
Transportation to Popular Areas in Chennai
T. Nagar
Recommended options
- Taxi
- App-based taxi
- Metro combined with local transportation
- Private transfer
- Suburban railway via nearby stations where convenient
T. Nagar is one of Chennai's best-known shopping and commercial districts and is particularly popular for textiles, jewellery and retail shopping.
T. Nagar is a popular destination for Sri Lankan visitors travelling to Chennai for shopping and short stays.
Chennai Central
Recommended options
- Chennai Metro
- Taxi
- App-based taxi
- Suburban train connection
- Private transfer
Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station, commonly known as Chennai Central, is one of Chennai's main long-distance railway terminals.
Chennai Metro provides airport connectivity towards Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Metro Station.
Passengers using the suburban railway can travel towards Chennai Park, located near Chennai Central.
Chennai Egmore
Recommended options
- Taxi
- App-based taxi
- Suburban railway
- Metro combined with local transportation
- Private transfer
Chennai Egmore is another major railway station serving regional and long-distance destinations.
The suburban railway corridor from Tirusulam includes Chennai Egmore.
Nungambakkam
Recommended options
- Taxi
- App-based taxi
- Suburban railway where suitable
- Metro combined with local transportation
- Private transfer
Nungambakkam is a major commercial, residential and hospitality area with hotels, businesses, educational institutions and medical facilities.
Guindy
Recommended options
- Chennai Metro
- Suburban railway
- Taxi
- App-based taxi
- Public bus
Guindy is an important business and transport area relatively close to Chennai Airport.
Both Metro and suburban railway services provide convenient public transport options between the airport area and Guindy.
Anna Nagar
Recommended options
- Metro
- Taxi
- App-based taxi
- Private transfer
Anna Nagar is a major residential and commercial district in Chennai.
Travellers using Chennai Metro can connect through the network depending on their final destination within Anna Nagar.
Apollo Hospitals / Central Chennai Medical Areas
Recommended options
- Taxi
- App-based taxi
- Pre-arranged hospital transfer
- Private transfer
Chennai is a major destination for medical travel, with hospitals and specialist healthcare facilities located across the city.
Medical travellers should confirm the exact hospital branch and address before leaving the airport, as major hospital groups may operate multiple facilities across Chennai.
Travelling from Chennai Airport to Other Parts of Tamil Nadu
Recommended options
- Mahabalipuram
- Kanchipuram
- Pondicherry / Puducherry
- Vellore
- Tirupati
- Madurai
- Coimbatore
- Trichy / Tiruchirappalli
- Domestic flight
- Train
- Intercity bus
- Taxi
- Private transfer
- Rental vehicle
Chennai is an important gateway for travellers continuing to destinations elsewhere in Tamil Nadu.
Popular onward destinations include:
Depending on the destination, travellers can continue by:
Passengers travelling long distances should check current rail, bus or flight schedules before leaving the airport.
Before you land
Tips for Travellers Arriving at MAA
- Keep your passport, visa and travel documents easily accessible.
- Check India's latest visa and immigration requirements before travelling.
- Complete the e-Arrival Card before travel if it applies to you.
- Remember that the e-Arrival Card does not replace an Indian visa.
- Collect your baggage before leaving the international arrivals area unless your airline confirms it is checked through.
- Confirm your terminal before travelling to or from the airport.
- Use authorised taxis and designated app-based transport pickup areas.
- Consider Chennai Metro when travelling to areas close to the Metro network.
- Tirusulam suburban railway station provides another low-cost public transport option.
- Allow additional road travel time during busy traffic periods.
- Confirm the exact address of your hotel, hospital or business before leaving the airport.
- Passengers connecting to domestic flights should allow sufficient time for immigration, customs and terminal procedures.
- Check current train, Metro and bus schedules before travelling.
Flights from Sri Lanka
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Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Chennai International Airport uses the IATA airport code MAA.
Airport guides
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MAA · Chennai Airport guide
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