Business Class Flights to (MAA) Chennai Airport

Taking a trip to Chennai? Whether you’re visiting southern India for business or pleasure, make the most of your experience by planning ahead with this guide to Chennai International Airport (MAA). Find out how to get the best deals on flights to MAA, tips for navigating the airport, and more.

Getting to Know the Chennai Airport

Even before you book your MAA airfare, it’s important to understand a bit about the airport itself so you can save time and effort during your travel. Located 13 miles (21 kilometers) southwest of downtown Chennai in the state of Tamil Nadu, India, the airport serves the Chennai metropolitan area and is a major hub for travel to and from South India. As one of the busiest airports in the country, following Delhi and Mumbai’s airports, MAA sees more than 21 million passengers pass through each year, including 15 million domestic travelers and 5 million international. Previously known as Madras Airport before the city was renamed in 1996, the airport gets its code, MAA, from its original moniker.

MAA Terminals

There are three terminals at the Chennai airport: Terminals 1 and 4 handle domestic MAA flights, while Terminal 2 handles all international flights to MAA. A new satellite terminal is currently under construction to replace the former Terminal 3, expanding the airport’s passenger capacity and allowing for future growth. Navigating between terminals is simple thanks to a moving walkway connecting the domestic and international terminals in less than 15 minutes. Passengers can also take a free shuttle between terminals.

MAA Transportation

1. There are many ways to get to and from the Chennai airport, including public buses, metro trains, Chennai’s suburban railway system, taxi, and more. Depending on how much time you have and how much you want to spend, you can find a transportation option that suits your needs. For a cost-effective choice, opt for the bus, operated by the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC), which takes you directly from the airport to several stations all across Chennai. The Metro rapid transit system is another convenient option, taking passengers from the airport station to various locations throughout the city. For access to the suburbs from the airport, travelers can take the Chennai Suburban Railway via the Tirusulam station, located just a few minutes' walking distance from the airport. The most convenient transportation choice for getting to and from MAA airport is via taxi, which takes around 50 minutes, depending on traffic.

MAA Airfare Pricing & Booking Tips

Ready to purchase your MAA tickets? It’s important to have an idea of average airfare ranges to know what to expect. MAA flights from the U.S. average around $1,000-$1,300 for round-trip economy tickets. MAA airfare both ways to and from Europe averages around $770. Passengers traveling to Chennai from Southeast Asia can expect round-trip fares around $400.

Current MAA Ticket Pricing

Average airfare ranges by route [Sources: KAYAK, Skyscanner, Google Flights]

Lowest fares: $290 one-way, $568 round-trip [Sources: Skyscanner]

Mid-tier pricing: $575-$972 [Sources: Expedia, Expedia]

Premium carrier rates: $849-$854 [Sources: United]

Price variability factors [Sources: MakeMyTrip]

Factors affecting MAA airfare include:

1. Departure city
2. Direct vs. 1 or 2 stopovers
3. Round-trip or one-way
4. How far ahead you book your MAA tickets
5. Season/time of year you’re traveling
6. Airline and fare class
7. Departing airport (major hub vs. smaller airport)

To save on MAA airfare, try booking your tickets as far in advance as possible and be flexible about your travel dates. Choosing off-peak travel times and searching for MAA flights on discount air carriers can also bring down your total cost.

Seasonal Airfare Trends

Peak tourist season in Chennai is from November to February, when the weather is pleasant and cool and many festivals and cultural events take place. These high-travel months also see a corresponding surge in airfare pricing; to get the best prices on MAA tickets, try traveling during off periods. Historically, September has been one of the cheapest months for MAA tickets.

Direct vs Connecting Flights Airfare

For U.S.-based travelers looking to fly to Chennai, the best option is to book a one-stop itinerary via popular connecting hubs such as Doha, Dubai, London (LHR), Frankfurt, and Singapore (SIN), since there are no direct flights from America to Chennai (MAA). Some of the most commonly booked routes to Chennai from the U.S. include those from JFK to MAA and SFO to MAA.

1. New York (JFK) → Doha → MAA (average itinerary: 20 hours)
2. Chicago (ORD) → Dubai → MAA (average itinerary: 20 hours)
3. San Francisco (SFO) → Frankfurt → MAA (average itinerary: 21 hours)
4. Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) → London → MAA (average itinerary: 22 hours)

What Airlines Fly to Chennai?

More than 30 airlines offer flights to MAA. Top carriers for domestic MAA flights include IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air. For international MAA airfare, your airline will largely depend on your departing location. For service from Dubai, Emirates is a top choice, and for flights to MAA from Doha, many travelers choose Qatar Airways. Other international air carriers serving flights to MAA include Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, British Airways, United Airlines, and American Airlines.

A Peek Inside the Chennai Airport

From dining to shopping to relaxation, the Chennai Airport is equipped with a wide range of passenger services. The duty-free shopping area includes beauty products, liquor, sweet treats, local handicrafts, and souvenirs, all available at reasonable prices. The airport’s food scene runs the gamut from sit-down fine dining establishments to cafes, snack bars, and fast food options. You can find all types of cuisine, from Indian favorites to Chinese to American. You can also find lounges for unwinding before takeoff in each of the airport’s three terminals. Other notable facilities and services at the Chennai airport include childcare areas, brand-name clothing retailers, pharmacies, and dedicated resting areas with recliners.

Ready to book your MAA tickets? Our expert travel agents are available 24/7 and can secure the best flights at the best prices. Call (866)-616-3342, or contact us today to see how you can save anywhere from 40-70% on flights across all major carriers.