CHENNAI: The resurfacing of the primary runway at Chennai Airport has been delayed, raising concerns over operational efficiency and passenger convenience. The delay is reportedly linked to limitations in fully utilising the airport’s second runway.
The primary runway was last re-carpeted in 2015, while the secondary runway underwent the process in 2024. The airport has two runways – the primary one is 3.66 km long and the secondary runway measures 2.89 km.
As per aviation safety norms, runways are required to undergo complete resurfacing once every 10 years. Accordingly, the main runway was due for mandatory resurfacing in 2025. The Airports Authority of India had initiated steps to award contracts to private agencies, and the work was initially expected to begin in January this year.
However, even in February, the work has not commenced. Officials said that the delay is due to the operational challenges in using the secondary runway as a full-time alternative during the repair period. Though the secondary runway is 2.89 km long, only about 2 km can currently be effectively used.
Nearly 800 metres remain partially restricted due to obstacles such as tall trees, telecommunication towers and other structures outside the airport boundary. It is reported that as many as 176 obstructions need to be cleared to enable full utilisation of the secondary runway.
Until this issue is resolved, authorities are hesitant to completely close the primary runway for re-carpeting. Officials are exploring the possibility of carrying out repair work in phases by restricting flight movements for a few hours every day and using the secondary runway during those hours. However, such an approach could extend the completion timeline to over a year.
Meanwhile, other infrastructure projects at the airport are also facing delays. A new passenger lounge with an integrated pickup point, aimed at reducing long walking distances and congestion near the multi-level car parking area, has been under construction for over two years. The passenger rest lounge, Flasha, was expected to become operational by December 2025.
However, even midway through February 2026, the lounge and pickup point remain unopened, leaving thousands of daily passengers struggling with long exit times. Many passengers say that although their flight duration may be just two hours, it often takes more than three hours to exit the airport and reach home.
Similarly, the prepaid taxi booking counter, which was previously located inside the international Terminal 2, was removed during expansion works. Passengers have been requesting its reinstatement, claiming inconvenience in arranging transport after arrival.
During a development review meeting held in November 2025, officials assured that a prepaid taxi counter would be reintroduced at the Terminal 2 arrival area within weeks. However, it has not yet been restored, causing hardship for international passengers.