Chennai International Airport (MAA)

Chennai International Airport has two primary passenger areas: the older Kamaraj Domestic Terminal (T1) on the north side and the newer integrated terminal handling international departures and arrivals (T4/T2) to the south. A covered skybridge links the buildings, and moving between them typically takes 7–10 minutes on foot with clear overhead signage. Gates for widebody international services are clustered on the southern concourse, while domestic gates largely occupy the northern pier, so allow extra time if your connection requires swapping sides. Security screening for domestic flights sits immediately after the check-in halls in T1, with three to five lanes open during peaks; international passengers clear a separate checkpoint in the combined T4/T2 area after immigration. Early mornings (04:00–07:00) and late evenings (20:00–23:00) see the longest waits, often 20–35 minutes, while mid-day queues are usually under 15 minutes. Transit passengers connecting airside between international flights can follow “Transfer Desk” signs near Gate 17 to avoid re-clearing security when eligible. Arriving international passengers proceed to immigration counters on Level 1 of the southern terminal, where e-Visa and Indian passport lines are separated; processing typically ranges from 15–40 minutes depending on charter activity. Customs checkpoints follow baggage reclaim with a Red/Green channel layout, and domestic-to-domestic transfers require collecting bags landside before re-checking at T1. Disabled and senior travelers can request assistance desks near Belt 3 and at the curbside, and there is a dedicated immigration counter for wheelchair users. Amenities are concentrated landside in the common forecourt and airside near the southern gates, with 24-hour restaurants such as Saravana Bhavan and international options like Subway and Café Coffee Day. Lounges include the Travel Club in both domestic and international areas, plus airline-specific lounges used by Star Alliance carriers near Gate 16. Retail ranges from handicrafts and electronics to duty-free shops positioned after outbound immigration. Accessibility is supported by elevators at every pier junction, tactile floor paths, and wheelchair-accessible restrooms. Family rooms with changing stations sit near Gates 5 and 17, and a small children’s play corner is in the domestic departure lounge. Baby-care rooms and drinking-water stations are signposted throughout both terminals, and free Wi‑Fi is available after OTP verification.