Industry Leaders Convene to Call for Urgent Second Airport to Fuel Chennai’s Next Phase of Economic Growth
Chennai, June 13, 2026: As Tamil Nadu aggressively pursues its trillion-dollar economy vision, industry leaders and veterans have strongly argued that strengthening the state’s aviation infrastructure is critical to sustaining its current momentum. At a panel discussion hosted by Super Chennai on Friday, titled “A Global City Needs Global Connectivity – Why Chennai Needs a Second Airport Now,” policymakers, logistics experts, and business leaders gathered to discuss why a second international airport is a strategic economic necessity to enhance connectivity, attract foreign investments, and support rising export demands, Super Chennai said in a press release.
Panellists noted that while Chennai has firmly established itself as a major national economic engine and the primary gateway to South India for manufacturing, logistics, automobiles, healthcare, and technology, its aviation infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with these expanding sector ambitions. With passenger traffic and cargo volumes continuing to rise year-on-year, speakers emphasized that the proposed second airport must be viewed as an economic asset rather than a simple transportation project. The panel further highlighted that the new facility must be planned as a comprehensive economic ecosystem featuring multimodal connectivity, cargo villages, air freight stations, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) infrastructure, and advanced technology-enabled passenger services.
Stressing the urgency on the logistics front, J. Krishnan, Partner, S Natesa Iyer Logistics LLP and Governing Council Member, Madras Chamber of Commerce and Industries, said: “Chennai enjoys a rare advantage as both a major port city and an aviation gateway. While we have successfully expanded our maritime infrastructure over the years, aviation infrastructure has not kept pace with the city’s growth. As Tamil Nadu strengthens its position in sectors such as electronics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, a second airport is no longer a choice—it is an economic necessity. We must act with urgency if Chennai is to remain globally competitive.”
The lack of infrastructure readiness poses a direct threat to capturing future manufacturing shifts, according to industrial leaders. Highlighting the impact on manufacturing and investments, V.K. Girish Pandian, President, Industrial Estate Manufacturers Association, Guindy, said: “Connectivity plays a significant role in investment decisions. Chennai has built a strong manufacturing ecosystem over decades, but investors today compare infrastructure readiness across cities. A second airport can become a catalyst for new industrial clusters, logistics hubs, residential developments and employment opportunities, while strengthening Tamil Nadu’s attractiveness as an investment destination.”
From an aviation business perspective, a second hub is seen as an essential foundation for the modern corporate landscape. Discussing aviation infrastructure and its broader economic impact, Vijay Gopalan, former CFO, AirAsia India, said: “The second airport should not be viewed as a luxury project. It is essential infrastructure that will determine Chennai’s ability to attract investments, global capability centres, talent and future industries. Cities such as Singapore, Dubai and Bengaluru have demonstrated how aviation infrastructure can drive economic transformation. Chennai now has an opportunity to build an airport ecosystem that supports growth for the next three decades.”
Emphasising the importance of long-term planning and execution, Mr. K. Phanindra Reddy, IAS (Retd.), said: “The issue is not merely about building another airport; it is about preparing Chennai for future demand. Capacity constraints are already becoming evident, and infrastructure projects of this scale require years of planning and execution. The second airport must be developed alongside supporting road, rail, metro and logistics infrastructure to maximise its economic impact and ensure Chennai does not lose further opportunities.”
The event concluded with a clear consensus that the second airport will be the single most critical factor in determining Chennai’s future global competitiveness and its position as one of India’s elite investment hubs. Organizers announced that Super Chennai’s panel discussion series will continue as a monthly platform, bringing together policymakers and industry experts to address the vital infrastructure challenges directly impacting the city’s growth trajectory.
