Tamil Nadu CM Joseph Vijay said his government would abandon steps to establish the proposed airport at Parandur.
Vijay cited concerns over agricultural land, farmers and residents while stressing that Chennai still needs a new airport.
The state government will explore an alternative site with less impact on livelihoods and agricultural land.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay on Monday announced that his government would abandon steps to establish a new airport at Parandur, citing concerns over the loss of agricultural land and the impact on farmers and local residents. Vijay said Chennai still needs a new airport but argued that an alternative site should be identified with minimal disruption to livelihoods.
Why Vijay Opposed Parandur Airport
Speaking in the Assembly, Vijay said Chennai’s Meenambakkam airport, operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), currently has the capacity to handle around 30 million passengers annually. He said a new airport was necessary because of the city’s growing passenger needs, industrial expansion and rising cargo movement.
However, he said Parandur was not suitable because the proposed project would affect agricultural land and residential areas.
Vijay said he had visited Eganapuram and other villages on January 20, 2025, and met residents protesting against the proposed airport. He said he stood firmly with those opposing the project in Parandur and 12 surrounding villages.
“Farmers are the backbone of the country,” Vijay said, adding that their agricultural land and livelihoods should be protected.
Government To Look For Alternative Site
Vijay said he had opposed the Parandur project at a public meeting in Vikravandi in October 2024 while maintaining that he supported industrial development and the role of airports in supporting economic growth.
He said the airport should instead be located at a site where the impact on agricultural land and residents would be minimal.
“However, this project should not be located in Parandur. The government must reconsider this project,” Vijay said.
The Chief Minister said consultations had been held with senior officials and experts on Chennai’s future airport requirements. He announced that, in line with his earlier commitment to the protesting residents, his government would abandon the steps taken to establish the airport at Parandur.
The Civil Aviation Ministry had granted in-principle approval in April 2025 for an international greenfield airport at Parandur in Kancheepuram district.
