About flights from Chennai (MAA)
Chennai's airport punches above its weight. MAA connects to 69 direct destinations across 21 countries, which honestly surprised me the first time I looked it up — I expected a regional hub with a few Gulf routes and not much else. What you actually get is a well-organized international airport that handles everything from 30-minute hops to domestic tier-2 cities all the way up to a direct shot to London Heathrow, 8,235 kilometers away. The airport serves South India's tech corridor, its temples, its coastline, and a massive diaspora community that keeps those Gulf and Southeast Asia routes busy year-round.
Quick stats for MAA
- Direct destinations: 69
- Countries served: 21
- Continents reached: 4 of 6
- Average flight distance: 1,839 km
- Longest non-stop: London (LHR) — 8,235 km (~10h 18m)
- Shortest non-stop: Kadapa (CDP) — 228 km (~17 min)
- Reach score: 78/99
Why fly to Chennai?
The Gulf routes matter here more than the numbers suggest. There's a deep labor and family migration network between Tamil Nadu and the UAE, which means flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi run frequently and often competitively priced. But the Southeast Asia connections are the sleeper hit — three routes into Thailand and two into Malaysia make Chennai a legitimate jumping-off point for island-hopping without routing through Delhi or Mumbai first. British Airways running the London route is a nice touch for long-haul travelers who want alliance points and a lie-flat option. Domestically, 43 routes fan out across India, including short-haul links to smaller cities like Kadapa, just 228 kilometers away, that most travelers don't even realize they can reach directly.
Longest non-stop flights from MAA
The furthest destinations you can reach non-stop from Chennai:
- London, United Kingdom (LHR) — 8,235 km, approximately 10h 18m
- Frankfurt, Germany (FRA) — 7,594 km, approximately 9h 30m
- Saint Denis de la Reunion, Reunion (RUN) — 4,631 km, approximately 5h 47m
- Denpasar, Indonesia (DPS) — 4,559 km, approximately 5h 42m
- Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (ADD) — 4,533 km, approximately 5h 40m
Short-haul flights from MAA
Quick getaway options with the shortest flights from Chennai:
- Kadapa, India (CDP) — 228 km, approximately 17 min
- Salem, India (SXV) — 264 km, approximately 20 min
- Bengaluru, India (BLR) — 267 km, approximately 20 min
- Tiruchirappalli, India (TRZ) — 293 km, approximately 22 min
- Jaffna, Sri Lanka (JAF) — 355 km, approximately 27 min
Top countries by direct connections from MAA
Chennai International connects to 21 countries. Here are the most served:
- India — 43 destinations (Ahmedabad, Andal, Bagdogra, Bengaluru and 39 more)
- United Arab Emirates — 3 destinations (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah)
- Thailand — 3 destinations (Bangkok, Bangkok, Phuket)
- Sri Lanka — 2 destinations (Colombo, Jaffna)
- Malaysia — 2 destinations (Kuala Lumpur, Penang)
- Ethiopia — 1 destination (Addis Ababa)
- Bahrain — 1 destination (Bahrain)
- Brunei Darussalam — 1 destination (Bandar Seri Begawan)
Where to fly from Chennai
Flights to India
Chennai has 43 direct routes to India:
- Kadapa (CDP) — 228 km
- Salem (SXV) — 264 km
- Bengaluru (BLR) — 267 km
- Tiruchirappalli (TRZ) — 293 km
- Mysore (MYQ) — 390 km
- Vijayawada (VGA) — 400 km
- ...and 37 more destinations
Flights to United Arab Emirates
Chennai has 3 direct routes to United Arab Emirates:
- Sharjah (SHJ) — 2,922 km
- Dubai (DXB) — 2,933 km
- Abu Dhabi (AUH) — 2,966 km
Flights to Thailand
Chennai has 3 direct routes to Thailand:
- Phuket (HKT) — 2,055 km
- Bangkok (DMK) — 2,213 km
- Bangkok (BKK) — 2,228 km
Tips for travelers at MAA
The airport sits about 20 kilometers from the city center, and the Chennai Metro's Airport station makes getting in and out genuinely straightforward — skip the prepaid taxi queue if you're traveling light. Traffic on the GST Road corridor gets ugly during morning rush hours, so if your flight's before 9am, factor in extra time or just take the metro. December through February is the sweet spot for visiting: cooler, drier, festival season. Avoid flying into MAA in late October or November if you can — the northeast monsoon hits the city hard and delays stack up. Check visa requirements carefully for the Sri Lanka and Malaysia routes, as e-visa options vary.
Airlines operating from MAA
The following airlines offer non-stop flights from Chennai International:
3L, 6E, 8M, 9I, AI, AK, BA, BG, BI, BS, CX, EK, ET, EY, FD, G9, GF, IX, J9, KU, LH, MH, MK, OV, QR, SG, SL, SQ, TG, TR, UL, WY
Frequently asked questions about flying to Chennai
What's the best way to get from Chennai Airport to the city center?
You can take a pre-paid taxi from the airport for around ₹500-700, use the airport bus service for much cheaper fares, or book an app-based cab like Uber or Ola for convenience and transparent pricing.
When is the best time to fly to or from Chennai?
October to February offers the most pleasant weather with cooler temperatures and less humidity, making it peak travel season with better flight availability and prices compared to the hot summer months.
How many direct flights can I get from Chennai Airport?
Chennai International Airport connects to 69 direct destinations across India and internationally, giving you plenty of non-stop options to major cities in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.
Do I need a visa to enter India through Chennai?
Most visitors need a visa, which you can apply for online through India's e-Visa portal (valid for 60 days) or get a traditional visa from an Indian embassy—check your nationality on the official immigration website for specific requirements.
Any practical tips for Chennai Airport?
The airport has good signage and English-speaking staff, but arrive early during peak hours; download the airport's mobile app for real-time flight info, and note that the domestic and international terminals are in the same building but have separate check-in areas.
Is traveling through Chennai Airport budget-friendly?
Yes, it's quite affordable compared to major hubs—pre-paid taxis and buses are cheap, food options range from budget to upscale, and many airlines offer competitive fares since it's a secondary hub with good competition.
Plan your trip from Chennai
Browse the complete list of 69 destinations below to find your next flight from Chennai International. Each route page includes distance, estimated flight time, and airline information to help you plan your trip.