Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay on Monday announced in the Assembly that his government would abandon the steps taken to establish the proposed airport at Parandur, citing concerns over the impact on agricultural land and the livelihoods of farmers and residents.
Vijay said Chennai needs a new airport because of growing passenger demand, industrial development and increasing cargo movement. However, he said the airport should be located at a site where agricultural land and residential areas are affected as little as possible.
“I stand firmly with the people protesting against the airport to be established in Chennai’s Parandur and 12 surrounding villages,” he said.
The Chief Minister said he had visited Eganapuram and other villages on January 20, 2025, and listened to the grievances of people protesting against the proposed airport in Parandur and the surrounding areas.
Protests surrounding Parandur airport
The protests have centred on concerns over the impact of the proposed airport on agricultural land and the livelihoods of farmers and residents in Parandur and 12 surrounding villages.
Vijay said farmers were the backbone of the country and expressed his support for those protesting to protect their agricultural land. He also said he had opposed the Parandur airport project at a public meeting in Vikravandi in October 2024.
At the same time, Vijay made a distinction between opposing the proposed location and opposing the need for a new airport. He said he supported industrial development and recognised the role of airports in supporting such growth.
“However, this project should not be located in Parandur. The government must reconsider this project,” he said, adding that an alternative location should be identified where minimum agricultural land is affected and people’s livelihoods are not disrupted.
Why Tamil Nadu still needs a new airport
Speaking about Chennai’s existing aviation infrastructure, Vijay said the Meenambakkam airport, operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), currently has the capacity to handle 30 million passengers annually.
He said the city’s growing requirements, industrial development and increasing cargo transportation made a new airport necessary. The focus, however, should be on finding a location that minimises the impact on farmland and residential areas.
Vijay said detailed consultations had been held with senior officials and experts regarding the establishment of a new airport.
“To fulfill the promise I made to the people that day… the steps taken to establish a new airport in Parandur will be abandoned by this government,” Vijay said.
The decision comes after the Civil Aviation Ministry granted ‘in-Principle’ approval in April 2025 for setting up an international greenfield airport at Parandur in Kancheepuram district.
The state government’s latest decision means the proposed Parandur location will no longer be pursued, while the need for a new airport to cater to Chennai’s future requirements remains.