Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced that his government would withdraw the steps taken to establish a new airport at Parandur, citing concerns over the impact on agricultural land and the livelihoods of farmers and local residents.
Speaking in the Assembly, Vijay said Chennai’s Meenambakkam airport, operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), currently has the capacity to handle 30 million passengers annually. He said a new airport was necessary to meet the city’s growing requirements, support industrial development and cater to the increasing movement of cargo.
However, the Chief Minister stressed that the new airport should be located in an area where agricultural land and residential settlements would be affected as little as possible.
Vijay backs farmers opposing Parandur airport
Vijay said he had visited Eganapuram and other villages on January 20, 2025, where he listened to the grievances of residents protesting against the proposed airport at Parandur and 12 surrounding villages.
“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 farmers were the backbone of the country and expressed his support for those protesting to protect their agricultural land.
Vijay said he had also opposed the Parandur airport project at a public meeting in Vikravandi in October 2024, while making it clear that he supported industrial development and recognised the role of airports in facilitating it.
“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 the impact on agricultural land would be minimal and people’s livelihoods would not be disrupted.
Government to abandon steps for Parandur airport
Vijay said detailed consultations had been held with senior officials and experts regarding the establishment of a new airport.
“To fulfil 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.
In April 2025, the Civil Aviation Ministry had granted ‘in-principle’ approval for setting up an International Greenfield Airport at Parandur in Kancheepuram district.
(with ANI inputs)
