Tamil Nadu scraps Parandur airport plan, explores alternative sites

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced on Monday that his government will abandon the proposed Parandur greenfield airport project, citing its impact on agricultural land and the livelihoods of farmers. The decision, made in the state Assembly, reverses plans for a second international airport for Chennai and immediately drew criticism from the opposition DMK party, which warned of economic damage.

Addressing lawmakers, Vijay stated that while a new airport is necessary to accommodate Chennai’s growing population, industrial development, and cargo traffic, the site at Parandur in Kancheepuram district is unsuitable. He said the existing Meenambakkam airport, operated by the Airports Authority of India, currently has a capacity to handle 30 million passengers annually. "I stand firmly with the people protesting against the airport to be established in Chennais Parandur and 12 surrounding villages," Vijay said, describing farmers as "the backbone of the country."

The Chief Minister referenced his visit to Eganapuram and surrounding villages on January 20, 2025, where he heard residents' grievances. He also recalled opposing the project at a public meeting in...