Five months since the facility got ready and after multiple missed deadlines, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has now decided to open the cab pick-up point at the Chennai airport in June.

Thousands of air passengers landing at the Chennai airport every day have been looking forward to the opening of this cab pick-up point, which is located inside the plaza, opposite the T1 domestic terminal.

Tiring process

This is because, in the existing set-up, passengers board a shuttle vehicle or walk down to the west wing of the multi-level car parking facility, use the elevator, and finally catch a cab. Vexed over this circuitous arrangement to board a cab, many have complained and taken to social media platforms such as X narrating the inconvenience it has caused. To fix this issue, the AAI chose to provide an alternative cab pick-up point inside the plaza, opposite the T1 domestic terminal.

The work on the plaza — which was conceived as a space for passengers to relax — commenced three years ago.

While it had to be completed in October 2024, the work was constantly plagued by delays and it was finished in December last year. But, till date, the AAI had not opened the second cab pick-up point, citing it had to seek legal opinion to prevent any problems with the previous contractor and arbitrary implication.

Officials said that since the Model Code of Conduct for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections was imposed, the facility couldn’t be opened.

“Most of the processes are complete and we are hoping that the cab pick-up point can be started by the end of June for the convenience of passengers,” an official said.

Anitha G., a flyer from Chennai airport said the current cab pick-up arrangement was difficult for senior citizens. “After the flight, a substantial amount of time goes in taking a shuttle and then waiting for the elevator again at the parking facility. What is even more appalling is, though the facility was ready five months back, passengers are still unable to use it owing to unreasonable factors. Whatever procedures had to be completed, the AAI should have done them before the construction was over. It is sad that it took five months. I hope the plaza doesn’t miss this deadline too,” she added.