Chennai International Airport (MAA) guide — domestic and international terminals, the airport Metro to the city, lounges, and the busiest routes from Chennai. Reviewed 2026.
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Quick answer: Chennai International (MAA) is the city's airport at Tirusulam, about 15-20 km from the centre and typically 30-60 minutes by road. It uses multiple terminals: domestic flights run from T1 and T4, while the newer integrated T2 (operational since 2023) handles international flights, with further expansion under way. Usefully, the Chennai Metro Blue Line connects directly to the airport. Busiest routes include Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai, plus strong Southeast Asia and Gulf links. The key thing to know: domestic and international use different terminals, so confirm yours and use the metro to skip traffic. Verify on the official AAI Chennai site.
Last reviewed July 2026 by the FlightGPT flights desk · airport facts cross-checked against the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the airport operator · live Chennai fares are found in the FlightGPT search above.
MAA has multiple terminals. Domestic flights operate from T1 and T4 (the Kamaraj domestic terminals), used by IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, Akasa and SpiceJet. International flights operate from the newer integrated T2 (the Anna terminal), used by carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines and others; a further new terminal is being built to expand capacity. The terminals are close together with free shuttle connections. Confirm your boarding terminal by flight number on the official site, as domestic flights split between T1 and T4.
Domestic terminals T1/T4 are used by IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air and SpiceJet. International terminal T2 hosts carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, SriLankan and Etihad. Common destinations include Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Coimbatore domestically, and Singapore, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Colombo and Doha internationally, reflecting Chennai's strong Southeast Asia and Gulf links.
Chennai has lounges in both the domestic and international terminals, with operators such as Plaza Premium and Travel Club / domestic lounge brands. Access is typically via eligible credit/debit cards, Priority Pass or DragonPass, business-class tickets, or paid walk-in entry. Because domestic and international sit in different terminals, the lounge you can use depends on where you fly from. Confirm current lounge names, locations and access policies on the official airport site.
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International flights use the newer T2 (Anna terminal). Domestic flights split between T1 and T4 (Kamaraj terminals) depending on the airline and flight. Always confirm your exact terminal by flight number on your airline app or the official AAI Chennai site before you travel, as domestic operations are spread across two terminals.
Yes. The Chennai Metro Blue Line has a station connected to the airport, giving a quick, traffic-free link to the city. It is one of the easier airport metro connections in India. Check the current timings and which terminal the station entrance serves on the official metro or airport site.
Arrive about 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3-4 hours before an international flight. Check-in usually closes around 60 minutes before domestic and about 75 minutes before international departures; confirm the exact cut-off with your airline, particularly during peak periods.
Yes, complimentary WiFi is available in the terminals; you typically connect using your mobile number and an OTP, or obtain credentials at an information desk if you lack an Indian SIM. Follow the on-screen or signage instructions in the terminal to get online.
Yes, paid short-stay and long-stay parking is available at the terminals, with rates structured by duration. Charges can change, so check the current details on the official AAI Chennai airport site before you travel, and note which car park serves your terminal.
Yes. The Meenambakkam, Pallavaram and GST Road areas near the airport offer hotels across budgets, convenient for early flights and layovers. Many provide airport shuttles; booking a transfer or cab in advance is the simplest way to reach your terminal.
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