Chennai Airport Terminal Complex Boasts 13 Aerobridges, Confirms AAI

In response to recent media reports suggesting that Chennai Airport might face limitations in attracting long-haul widebody international flights due to aerobridge shortages and operational constraints, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has issued a clarification debunking these claims.

According to AAI, the Chennai Airport terminal complex currently boasts 13 aerobridges, with an additional aerobridge designed for Code E aircraft under construction. Expected to be operational by March 2024, this new addition will increase the airport's capacity to cater to larger aircraft. Of the existing 13 aerobridges, five are capable of accommodating Code E aircraft.

Furthermore, AAI revealed plans for the completion of the second phase of Terminal 2 (T2) by 2025, which will result in the availability of three more Code E capable aerobridges. Following this expansion, Chennai Airport will have a total of nine aerobridges equipped to handle Code E aircraft for international operations in a swing mode.

Addressing concerns about specific aircraft models, AAI clarified that the Airbus A380, often mentioned in the context of widebody aircraft, belongs to the Code F category. However, production of this aircraft type ceased in 2021. In contrast, newer generation wide-bodied long-haul aircraft such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777, which are currently in operation and are being ordered by airlines for future use, fall under the Code E classification. Chennai Airport is fully capable of accommodating these aircraft types, ensuring its readiness to handle long-haul international flights efficiently.

HBL