Overview
- Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in August asking the Union government to replace the Airports Authority of India (AAI) as operator of Chennai International Airport, a request first reported on September 18–19.
- The state framed the move as a near-term fix after dropping the Parandur greenfield project and shortlisting Cheyyur and Gummidipoondi for a second airport, saying Chennai needs better passenger volumes, aircraft operations and cargo handling now.
- The proposal has drawn sharp political pushback from regional and left parties including the DMK, CPI, CPI(M) and AMMK, while the BJP has sought an explanation from the chief minister.
- The CPI pointed to AAI financials — including reported net profits for AAI and Chennai airport — to argue against handing a profitable public asset to private management, and called for upgrades under public control.
- No operational change has occurred and the request now awaits consideration and formal approval from the Centre, a process that would determine whether management shifts to another public body or to private operators.