Chennai airport code is MAA, and its ICAO code is VOMM. Chennai International Airport is the principal aviation gateway for Chennai and Tamil Nadu, supporting domestic, international, cargo and business aviation movements.
The airport is in Tirusulam, southwest of central Chennai. Operators should plan for city traffic when arranging crew transport, passenger transfers, hotels and time-critical services.
Chennai International Airport Overview
Planning a business aviation flight at Chennai (MAA/VOMM)? Review more India airport guides, explore flight support services in India, or send ATTS your MAA airport permits, ground handling, parking and aviation fuel requirements.
Airport codes and key details
- IATA code: MAA
- ICAO code: VOMM
- Location: Tirusulam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Operator: Airports Authority of India
- Traffic: domestic, international, cargo and general/business aviation
Current terminal arrangement
Chennai Airport’s terminal arrangement changed after the opening of the integrated Terminal 2 in July 2023. Terminal 2 handles international operations, while Terminals 1 and 4 serve domestic operations. Airlines may change their terminal assignments, so crews and passengers should confirm the current terminal with the airline or handler before travel.
Older descriptions that identify Terminal 4 as the international terminal are no longer current. For a business aviation movement, use the access, reporting and passenger-processing instructions issued by the confirmed ground handler.
Runways and aircraft planning
MAA has two runways, approximately 3,661 metres and 2,890 metres long. Runway availability, declared distances, aircraft limitations and taxi routing must always be checked in current aeronautical publications and NOTAMs.
Business Aviation Support at Chennai
Permits and airport coordination
India permit requirements vary by aircraft registration, routing and type of operation. Operators should submit a complete request with the schedule, aircraft documents, operator details, crew and passenger information, purpose of flight and requested services. Parking and operational acceptance remain subject to airport approval.
Terminal, parking and schedule coordination
Chennai is one of India’s busiest aviation gateways, so business aviation movements require accurate pre-flight coordination. Submit the aircraft registration and type, operator, routing, schedule, passenger and crew information early. Confirm parking acceptance, the handler reporting point and any applicable slot conditions before departure. Terminal arrangements should reflect the current domestic use of T1 and T4 and international processing through T2.
Turnaround and aviation fuel planning
The handling request should state the intended ground time and requirements for aviation fuel, ground equipment, catering, baggage and passenger assistance. For technical stops or same-day business movements, agreeing the service sequence before arrival helps protect the departure schedule. Crews should continue monitoring NOTAMs and airport restrictions.
Coastal weather and Chennai transfers
Heavy monsoon rain, thunderstorms and cyclonic weather can affect ramp activity, visibility and road journeys. Operators should review current forecasts and retain practical operational margins. Surface travel varies considerably between the airport, central Chennai, industrial areas and the southern IT corridor, so passenger vehicles and crew accommodation should be arranged for the actual destination.
Ground handling and aviation fuel
ATTS can coordinate ground handling, aviation fuel, supervision, passenger and crew assistance, transport, catering and other local requirements at Chennai. Service availability and lead times should be reconfirmed for the exact aircraft, schedule and operation.
Operational considerations
- Confirm the assigned terminal and airside meeting point before arrival.
- Check parking availability, operating restrictions and required prior permissions.
- Review NOTAMs and weather, especially during the northeast monsoon period.
- Allow for Chennai road traffic when scheduling crew changes and passenger transfers.
- Verify customs, immigration and quarantine arrangements for international movements.
Passenger and Crew Transport
Chennai Airport is connected to the city by road, metro and suburban rail. Business aviation crews normally use pre-arranged transport to match handler reporting times and aircraft access procedures. Transfer time varies significantly by destination and traffic conditions.
Related ATTS services: airport ground handling in India and aviation fuelling services in India.
More India airport guides: Coimbatore (CJB), Madurai (IXM), Tiruchirappalli (TRZ) and Visakhapatnam (VTZ).
Official airport information: Check the Airports Authority of India Chennai Airport page for current airport information and notices. Operational requirements should be reconfirmed for the planned movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the airport code for Chennai?
Chennai International Airport uses IATA code MAA and ICAO code VOMM.
Which terminal handles international flights at Chennai Airport?
Terminal 2 is the integrated international terminal. Terminals 1 and 4 handle domestic operations. Confirm the latest airline assignment before travelling.
How many runways does Chennai Airport have?
The airport has two runways, approximately 3,661 metres and 2,890 metres long. Operational data must be checked against current aeronautical publications.
How far is Chennai Airport from the city?
The airport is in Tirusulam, southwest of central Chennai. Actual road distance and transfer time depend on the destination and traffic, so operational transfers should be planned with adequate contingency.
Can ATTS arrange support at MAA?
ATTS can coordinate permits, ground handling, aviation fuel, supervision, transport and crew or passenger support at Chennai, subject to airport, authority and supplier confirmation.
