CHENNAI: Stray dogs have once again begun roaming in large numbers at Chennai International Airport, raising safety concerns among passengers, airport staff and security personnel. Travellers have reported frequent sightings of dogs inside domestic and international terminals, particularly in arrival areas and ground-level zones.
Passengers say the dogs often move in groups and occasionally turn aggressive, with incidents of dogs fighting and creating panic inside the terminal buildings. Two-wheeler users within the airport premises have also complained of being chased by stray dogs, adding to fears over safety and crowd management at the busy airport.
The issue has triggered strong reactions on social media, with passengers posting complaints on Chennai Airport’s official platforms and demanding immediate intervention by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Some travellers have questioned safety standards and urged authorities to revive earlier control measures that had reduced the problem.
Responding to the complaints, Chennai Airport authorities acknowledged that stray dog-related issues exist and apologised for the inconvenience caused. In a statement, the airport management said trained personnel have been deployed to manage stray dogs and that steps are being taken to restrict their movement in passenger-accessible areas.
A similar situation had occurred a few years ago, following which AAI, in coordination with the Greater Chennai Corporation, captured more than 40 stray dogs and carried out sterilisation surgeries at the Corporation’s animal birth control centre in Alandur. The exercise was planned to be repeated every six months.
Sources said the sterilisation drive and an agreement with a private animal welfare organisation are currently not operational, leading to a renewed increase in stray dog presence at the airport.