Chennai Airport Adds Transit Suites at T3 Terminal

CHENNAI, May 24, 2026 - Chennai airport is set to introduce eight suite rooms for international transit passengers inside the upcoming T3 International Terminal, aiming to improve facilities for travelers facing long layovers. The Airports Authority of India plans to complete the rooms by December 2026 as part of the airport’s ongoing terminal expansion project.

The suites will be located inside the new integrated terminal complex, which combines the existing T2 terminal with the under-construction T3 extension. Airport officials said discussions have already begun with hotel operators regarding management and maintenance of the facility.

Chennai Airport T3 Terminal Adds Transit Passenger Facilities

According to officials from the Airports Authority of India, the transit suites are being developed to support passengers with layovers extending between 10 and 12 hours. The facility is expected to provide short-stay accommodation without requiring travelers to leave the airport premises.

The T3 International Terminal is being built as an extension of the T2 terminal across a total integrated area of 2,20,972 square metres. The broader project is being developed at a cost of ₹2,467 crore.

AAI officials said the airport plans to invite bids from hospitality operators once construction progresses further. The selected operator will manage the suite rooms and passenger services inside the terminal.

Transit Suites Planned for Long Layovers

Airport authorities said the idea emerged after identifying the challenges faced by transit passengers during extended waiting periods between international flights.

“Several air passengers sometimes have long transit times stretching to 10-12 hours. Hence, we thought it would be useful to have such a facility for them to rest,” an airport official said.

Frequent flyers have also welcomed the move, saying transit accommodation and cloak room facilities remain important amenities at major airports handling international traffic.

The airport currently handles international operations through the T2 terminal, which became operational after construction delays. The T3 section is expected to further increase passenger handling capacity and improve airport infrastructure in Chennai.

AAI Continues Chennai Airport Expansion

Airport officials earlier considered developing a larger hotel facility inside the terminal complex but later revised the plan due to operational and security considerations.

The Chennai airport expansion remains part of broader efforts by the Airports Authority of India to modernize passenger infrastructure across major Indian airports.

The transit suites are expected to support growing international passenger traffic while improving the airport’s appeal as a regional transit hub in southern India.