Chennai International Airport is facing increasing pressure after recent aviation data showed its position among India’s busiest airports has steadily weakened. Once the country’s third-busiest airport after Delhi and Mumbai, Chennai has already been overtaken by Bengaluru and Hyderabad and is now at risk of losing its fifth-place ranking as Kolkata Airport rapidly closes the gap. Industry experts say the shift reflects changing travel patterns and stronger infrastructure development at competing airports.
According to aviation officials, several factors have contributed to Chennai’s decline, including runway congestion, limited passenger amenities, and airlines reducing or suspending some services. These operational challenges have affected the airport’s ability to accommodate growing passenger demand, while competing airports have expanded capacity and attracted additional domestic and international routes. Although Chennai briefly regained the fifth position in May, recent passenger traffic figures indicate that the competition remains intense.
Authorities from the Airports Authority of India have stated that ongoing infrastructure upgrades and operational improvements are expected to strengthen Chennai Airport’s competitiveness in the coming years. Aviation analysts believe that expanding passenger facilities, improving connectivity, and attracting more airline services will be essential if Chennai is to maintain its status as one of India’s leading aviation hubs amid rapidly growing competition from other metropolitan airports.
