Chennai Madras (Meenambakkam) International Airport

Airport Details

Airport Code

MAA

Full Airport name

Chennai Madras (Meenambakkam) International Airport

Address

Tirisulam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Country Dialing Prefix

91

Telephone

(044) 2234 1971 (domestic terminal) or 2234 0551 (international terminal)

Website

www.airportsindia.org.in

Number of Terminals

2

Time Zone

GMT + 5.5

Airport Information

Location

The airport is located at Tirisulam, 19km (11.5 miles) south of Chennai.

Airport News

A new 'green field' airport is planned for Chennai, with possible opening in 2015, to cope with demand for increased capacity.

Transfer Between Terminals

The two terminals are next to each other within the main terminal building complex.

Driving Directions

It is relatively easy to drive from the city to the airport or the other way. Take the GST Road leading southwest from the city or northeast from the airport and then just follow the signs.

Car Hire

Car hire counters are located in the arrivals area. Several local companies, including Aviation Express, are represented at the airport.

Public Transport

Bus: There is a bus stop outside the airport gate. Bus 18A departs frequently for the center of the city. The journey takes around 45 minutes (tel: (044) 600 002; ). Taxi: Taxis are available outside the terminals. Pre-paid taxis are the most commonly used means by international travelers heading for Chennai city. They can be booked from a counter in the arrivals area of the terminal buildings. Autorickshaws are also available.
Rail: There is a Southern Railway (tel: (044) 600 003; ) suburban railway station just outside the airport, called Tirusulam. Trains to Fort George Station and Egmore Station run every 20-40 minutes from early morning until late in the evening.

Car Parking

There are 500 parking spaces outside of the terminal building.

Information and Help Desks

Information desks are available in both terminals.

Airport Facilities

Money and communications: Foreign exchange counters are available in both departure and arrival areas. Indian Bank ATMs are available in the domestic terminal. Internet access and video phones for conference calls are available at the airport's communication center.
Eating and drinking: There are restaurants in both terminals as well as in the building linking them. There are also snack bars and vending machines for snacks, drinks and newspapers.
Shopping: There are duty-free shops, several gift shops, a book store and newsagents at the airport. A pharmacy is located in the domestic terminal.
Luggage: Luggage trolleys are available free of charge. Queries about lost luggage can be directed to the airport information desks or to the airlines.
Other facilities: A medical facility is available. Free mineral water is available for travelers through designated water coolers in both terminals. The airport also has dormitory accommodation and retiring rooms available for transit passengers.

Conference and Business Facilities

An executive lounge is available, and the airport's communication center provides Internet access and video phones for conference calls.

Facilities for Disabled Travelers

The airport offers special assistance, reserved parking spaces and specially adjusted rest spaces and toilets for physically disabled travelers. The airport also has an ambulift facility to aid with boarding and disembarkation.