Delay in lounge construction at Chennai Airport irks travellers

CHENNAI: Air passengers are urging the Airport Authority of India (AAI) to open the lounge facility at Chennai airport, which was supposed to be opened for the public in October last year.

AAI had started the construction of a new passenger rest lounge, Flasha, in 2023, and was supposed to get it ready for public use by October 2024.

But almost a year later, construction is going on at a snail’s pace, and passengers are not amused. Currently, passengers arriving at the domestic terminal (T1) have to walk a long distance to reach the pickup point near the multi-level car parking. Though free battery vehicles are provided for the purpose, there aren’t enough number of vehicles provided, which causes long queues and tired and frustrated passengers during peak hours (early morning).

A few years ago, the airport had a luggage storage room, but it was closed due to repeated bomb threats. Because of this, passengers now don’t have a place to rest or safely leave their belongings.

After many requests from the passengers, AAI decided to build a lounge with seating, luggage room, charging points, food stalls, gift shops, restrooms, and a pickup point for private vehicles. “The work is still in progress. The lounge may be opened by the end of this year or early 2026,” said officials.