Chennai, June 22, 2026: The Tamil Nadu government has decided to drop the proposed greenfield airport project at Parandur, citing concerns over the protection of fertile farmland, wetlands, and the local ecosystem.
State Minister for Energy Resources and Law, C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar, confirmed that the government is now exploring alternative locations for Chennai’s second airport. Officials and aviation experts have started evaluating new sites that can meet infrastructure needs without affecting environmentally sensitive areas.
Government Backs Second Airport, Not Parandur Site
The government clarified that it supports the need for a second airport for Chennai. However, it does not want to develop the project at the cost of agricultural land and important water bodies.
According to officials, protecting multi-crop farmlands and preserving local wetlands remain key priorities for the government.
The final decision on a new airport location will require approval from Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.
Parandur Project Faced Strong Opposition
The Parandur airport project was announced in 2022 as Chennai’s proposed second airport. Since then, the project faced strong opposition from local residents, farmers, and environmental groups. Villagers argued that the project would affect livelihoods, agriculture, and water resources in the region. Several protests took place over the past few years, particularly in villages such as Ekanapuram.
Land Acquisition Already Underway
Before the project was shelved, the government had already acquired around 1,700 acres of private land across parts of Kancheepuram and Sriperumbudur taluks.Despite the land acquisition process, resistance from affected communities continued, keeping the issue in public and political discussions. The government has not yet announced how it will address concerns of landowners who had already surrendered their land for the project.
Experts Studying Alternative Locations
Officials are now working with technical experts to identify a suitable alternative site for Chennai’s second airport. The new location must meet aviation requirements while minimizing environmental damage and social impact. Experts will also examine factors such as airspace availability, connectivity, wind conditions, infrastructure needs, and future expansion possibilities.
Chennai Still Needs a Second Airport
With passenger traffic continuing to grow, the government believes Chennai requires a second airport to support future aviation demand. Officials say the search for a new location will continue until a site that balances development and environmental protection is identified. The decision marks a major policy shift and highlights the government’s effort to combine infrastructure growth with sustainable development.