On Thursday, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu reassured the public that Chennai is not included in the list for privatization. He stated, “Don’t worry, Chennai is not in the privatization agenda.” During his visit to Chennai airport for the launch of the Udan Yatri Cafe, he shared that a proposal for privatizing 11 airports is currently with the Cabinet and still pending a decision.
The minister explained that privatization can lead to improved services and that the Ministry is working on a model that balances this with the need for investment. Currently, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is focused on developing new airports in less viable locations, which adds to AAI’s financial burden.
He highlighted the necessity of increasing passenger capacity. While the process is not strictly privatization, as the government retains ownership of the land, operations may be leased out to improve service levels. “We want to ensure that whoever operates can enhance services and bring in additional revenue, ultimately benefiting passengers,” he emphasized.
When asked if Chennai would be considered for this new operational model upon completion of current construction, Naidu firmly stated, “No. We are committed to improving Chennai airport ourselves. This airport is very important to us.” He referred to Chennai as the fourth-largest airport in the country and a vital gateway to the East, underscoring the need for focused development.
Currently, with a capacity of around 22 million passengers annually, efforts are underway to enhance this figure to 35 million. Naidu mentioned that the construction of Terminal 3 is expected to be completed by March 2026, and they are working to efficiently manage operations and additional terminal buildings to increase capacity.
Addressing concerns about minor issues, such as access to parking, which could affect the airport’s image, he noted that resolving these matters was a key reason for his visit. “Passenger comfort is our priority, and we aim to provide seamless travel experiences, from parking to boarding,” he said, expressing a commitment to addressing even the smallest issues.
Furthermore, in response to questions about cargo operations at Chennai airport, Naidu underscored the airport’s potential as an industrial hub, promising a focus on increasing cargo handling in the future.
