CHENNAI: The growing presence of stray dogs inside the Chennai airport premises has triggered concern and fear among passengers and airport staff, with the problem reported to be most visible in the arrival areas of both domestic and international terminals, particularly on the ground floors.
Passengers said stray dogs roaming freely within the airport premises have caused inconvenience and anxiety.
Airport employees, security personnel and two-wheeler riders operating within the airport complex have also been affected.
At times, dogs are reported to engage in aggressive fights among themselves, creating panic and forcing passengers and staff to move away in fear. There have also been instances of dogs chasing two-wheelers within the airport campus, raising serious safety concerns.
A similar situation had arisen at the airport a few years ago, following which the Airports Authority of India, in coordination with Greater Chennai Corporation officials, had taken corrective steps.
As part of the measures, more than 40 stray dogs were captured and taken to the corporation’s animal birth control centre at Alandur, where sterilisation surgeries were carried out. The airport authorities had then decided to conduct such drives once every six months.
At the beginning of 2025, the airport entered into an agreement with a private animal welfare organisation to capture and manage stray dogs within the premises. However, sources said the contract is no longer in force and that the periodic sterilisation programme has not been implemented for some time.
As a result, the stray dog population within the airport has increased again, leading to safety concerns not only for passengers but also for VIP movement and overall airport security.
Angered by the situation, several passengers have taken to social media to lodge complaints, alleging that dogs can be seen moving in groups across terminal areas, causing discomfort and fear, and urging immediate action to curb the menace.
Responding to the complaints, Chennai airport authorities acknowledged that there is a stray dog issue to some extent and apologised for the inconvenience caused.
They said steps are being taken to control the situation and ensure that passengers are not affected. Trained personnel have been deployed to handle and manage stray dogs, and the situation is being monitored, officials added.