Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has reportedly written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking a change in the operator of the Chennai airport, weeks after the state government dropped its proposed greenfield airport project at Parandur in Kancheepuram district.
According to The Hindu, the state has sought the Union government’s intervention to replace the Airports Authority of India (AAI) as the operator of Chennai airport. The move comes as Tamil Nadu shifts its focus to expanding the existing airport after dropping the Parandur airport project.
The state government has shortlisted Cheyyur and Gummidipoondi as possible sites for a second airport.
However, since a new airport would take several years to become operational, the government is now seeking improvements to Chennai airport in the interim, including a change in its operator. The state government’s decision to drop the Parandur airport project followed opposition from farmers and residents over land acquisition and the project’s potential impact on agricultural land and water bodies.
In a letter sent to the Prime Minister in August, the state government highlighted Tamil Nadu’s efforts to attract industries and investments and said better management of Chennai airport was important to support the state’s business environment.
“The letter has highlighted that be it passenger volume, aircraft movement, or cargo volume, the Chennai airport needs significant improvement. Such a business-friendly State needs an excellent airport. The State government hence wants a change in the operator,” a source was quoted as saying.
The state’s request effectively seeks to bring in a private operator in place of the AAI. The proposal comes amid concerns over delays in infrastructure projects and the airport’s overall passenger experience.
Air passengers have long sought privatisation, arguing that a private operator could improve upkeep, connectivity and the airport’s overall ambience.