Chennai, September 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has sought a change in the operator of Chennai International Airport, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to consider replacing the Airports Authority of India (AAI) with another operator. The proposal, made in a letter sent to Modi in August, comes amid the state government’s efforts to strengthen aviation infrastructure for industrial and investment growth.
In the letter, Vijay is reported to have highlighted the need for world-class airport infrastructure and more efficient management, particularly as Tamil Nadu seeks to attract greater domestic and international investment.
The state government has identified passenger handling, aircraft movements and cargo-handling capacity as key areas requiring improvement at Chennai airport. The proposed change is also being viewed in the context of the government’s decision to drop the planned greenfield airport project at Parandur in Kancheepuram district and focus on expanding the existing airport.
The proposal has drawn opposition from the Communist Party of India (CPI), which has urged the state government to withdraw the move, describing it as an attempt to privatise an important public asset.
The CPI said shortcomings at the airport should instead be addressed by improving passenger amenities, flight operations, cargo-handling facilities and road connectivity. It argued that management should continue under the public sector, particularly after the Parandur project was dropped.
The party cited AAI’s reported net profit of Rs 6,522 crore in 2025-26 and said Chennai airport generated around Rs 492.48 crore in profit during 2024-25. The CPI called for the existing airport to be modernised and expanded under AAI management, with its revenues continuing to remain a public resource.
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