Chennai Airport to Observe Yatri Suvidha Diwas; Showcases 12 Years of Aviation Transformation and Passenger-Centric Growth
Chennai, June 13, 2026: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) at Chennai International Airport will observe Yatri Suvidha Diwas on June 15, 2026, celebrating the remarkable transformation of India's civil aviation sector and Chennai Airport's evolution into a world-class aviation hub. Ahead of the observance, Shri M. Raja Kishore, Regional Executive Director and Airport Director, addressed the media in Chennai on Saturday, highlighting key achievements in passenger convenience, infrastructure development, digital innovation and sustainability.
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| M. Raja Kishore, Regional Executive Director and Airport Director |
Speaking on the occasion, Raja Kishore said the past 12 years have marked an unprecedented phase of growth for Indian aviation, driven by the vision of making air travel accessible, affordable, safe and seamless for all citizens. He noted that Chennai Airport has been a key beneficiary of this transformation, emerging as one of the country's leading aviation gateways.
Press Conference Youtube Video link ЁЯСЗ
A major milestone in Chennai Airport's modernization journey was the commissioning of the New Integrated Terminal, which significantly enhanced passenger handling capacity, operational efficiency and overall travel experience while showcasing Tamil Nadu's rich cultural heritage through its architecture and design.
The airport today features advanced passenger processing systems, expanded check-in and security facilities, upgraded baggage handling infrastructure and improved accessibility features. These enhancements have enabled smoother passenger movement while maintaining high standards of safety, security and comfort.
Highlighting the role of technology in improving passenger experience, Raja Kishore said Chennai Airport has successfully adopted DigiYatra, facilitating seamless and contactless travel. Across India, DigiYatra is currently operational at 38 airports and has enabled more than 10 crore passenger journeys, setting new benchmarks in convenience and efficiency.
Several passenger-friendly initiatives have also been introduced at Chennai Airport, including the Udan Yatri Caf├й, which provides affordable refreshments, the Flybrary book-sharing initiative and dedicated Kids' Zones designed to improve the travel experience for families.
The airport has also strengthened facilities for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and passengers requiring special assistance, reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
Reflecting the broader growth of Indian aviation, the number of operational airports across the country has increased from 74 to 165 over the past decade. Under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme, 669 routes have been operationalised across 95 airports, extending air connectivity to underserved regions and boosting economic development.
Chennai Airport's strong multimodal connectivity through the Chennai Metro Rail network, suburban railway services at Tirusulam and direct highway access continues to provide seamless travel options for passengers while supporting sustainable urban mobility.
On sustainability, Raja Kishore highlighted the airport's green initiatives, including the promotion of electric vehicles, efforts to maintain a single-use plastic-free environment, enhanced use of natural lighting through skylights and the adoption of solar power. These initiatives align with national goals, as 100 airports across India now operate on 100 per cent green energy.
He also noted India's growing leadership in aviation, citing the country's high percentage of women pilots, expanding Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) ecosystem, increased aviation training capacity and the emergence of GIFT City as a major aircraft leasing hub.
The Airport Director said the recognitions received by Chennai Airport from tourism and aviation bodies reflect its continued focus on service excellence, passenger satisfaction and operational efficiency.
"As we celebrate Yatri Suvidha Diwas, every infrastructure project, digital initiative and service enhancement undertaken by Chennai Airport has one objective — improving the passenger journey. The achievements of the past 12 years demonstrate the remarkable progress of Indian aviation and the important role airports play in connecting people, supporting economic growth and delivering world-class passenger experiences," he said.
He thanked passengers, airline partners, stakeholders, employees and members of the media for their continued support and trust.
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