Tamil NaduMonday, 7 September 2026·The Hindu - Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu’s second Chennai airport plan: Cheyyur and Gummidipoondi shortlisted for AAI pre-feasibility study
Tamil Nadu has shortlisted Cheyyur and Manellore near Gummidipoondi for Chennai’s second airport and asked AAI for a pre-feasibility study.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In September 2026, the Tamil Nadu government shortlisted Cheyyur in Chengalpattu district and Manellore near Gummidipoondi in Tiruvallur district for Chennai’s second airport and asked the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to conduct a pre-feasibility study.
Key specifics
- Cheyyur is about 40 km from Puducherry airport and nearly 35 km from Kalpakkam.
- Manellore is about 50 km from Chennai city and 35 km from Sriharikota.
- TIDCO completed the first round of inspections for both sites before the AAI study.
- The State had earlier dropped the Parandur greenfield airport project and shifted to alternative sites.
- Sources said the project may still take 5–7 years even after approvals.
Exam lens
TNPSC geography and governance question: match the airport sites with districts and nearby landmarks, Cheyyur–Chengalpattu, Manellore–Tiruvallur, AAI pre-feasibility study, and the 5–7 year project timeline.