J.. Krishnan, partner, S. Natesa Iyer Logistics LLP; V.K. Girish Pandian, president of the Industrial Estate Manufacturers Association, Guindy; Vijay Gopalan, former CFO, AirAsia India; and ex-IAS officer K. Phanindra Reddy at a panel discussion.

| Photo Credit: RAGHUNATHAN SR

For Tamil Nadu, which is aiming to become a $1.5 trillion economy, it is crucial for Chennai to get a second airport at Parandur at the earliest, say experts.While speaking at a panel discussion on why Parandur is vital for the city and the State, industry leaders said it would not only improve connectivity but also attract investments, support exports, and showcase Chennai’s global competitiveness. It is important to view an airport not only as a transport hub but also as a strategic economic asset that will unlock new opportunities, they saidK. Phanindra Reddy, a former IAS officer, said, “The second airport is like regaining a lost opportunity. You cannot get back the time and opportunities lost, but you can at least ensure that you lose no further. The decision will be made very quickly. This State has great strengths, and this gap must be overcome.”J. Krishnan, partner, S. Natesa Iyer Logistics LLP, and governing council member of Madras Chamber of Commerce and Industries, said Chennai was unique in having both a port and an airport, but while other cities woke up early and realised the need for a second airport, the city missed the bus long ago.“Tamil Nadu is one of the premier States in the country contributing to the tax kitty, [has created a lot of] employment [opportunities], has a motivated workforce, and very few States boast such advantages. But it has not been leveraged. Chennai has been focusing on semiconductor, IT, ITES, and hence, air cargo is increasingly important. The current infrastructure is highly inadequate. We need to think fast and act right and rapidly,” he added.V.K. Girish Pandian, president of the Industrial Estate Manufacturers Association, Guindy, said the government’s priority must be to ensure that the second airport is established at a good time. “The experience should be so pleasant to go and come out of the airport,” he added.Vijay Gopalan, former CFO of AirAsia India, said the Parandur airport would be hugely beneficial for the State economically. He recollected how the airline, which wanted to make Chennai its hub. eventually chose the Bengaluru airport in 2013, and highlighted the capacity constraints of the existing city airport.“Some of the best cities in the world such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Dubai are aviation hubs. Even ten years ago, we had an opportunity. There is only so much we can do with the existing airport, and we need a much larger airport. In front of our eyes, we lost to Bengaluru. The second airport is not a luxury but an absolute necessity for the State,” he said. Published - June 13, 2026 12:56 am IST