Passengers using Chennai International Airport’s Terminal 2 and domestic Terminal 4 are facing delays while reaching vehicles parked in the multi-level car parking facility, as narrow lifts in the east section struggle to accommodate travellers with large suitcases and luggage trolleys.
Passengers arriving at the terminals are required to reach the ground floor of the parking facility before taking lifts to the second and fourth floors, where vehicles are parked. Travellers said the east-section lifts become particularly difficult to use when passengers are carrying multiple bags or pushing luggage trolleys.
Ramanathan, a traveller quoted by DT NEXT, said international passengers often arrive with several oversized suitcases. Once the luggage is loaded into the lift, there is little or no space for passengers to enter. In some cases, only one or two passengers can travel at a time, leaving others to wait for the lift to return.
The resulting delays have prompted some passengers to avoid the east section altogether. According to the report, some walk to the Pickup Point Plaza opposite domestic Terminal 1 to board their vehicles, while others make their way to the west section of the multi-level parking facility.
The west-section lifts are described by airport authorities as being designed to accommodate passengers, their belongings, luggage trolleys and additional passengers at the same time. Authorities have advised travellers to use these lifts in response to the complaints.
Passengers, however, have questioned why lifts with similar capacity were not provided in the east section of the facility. They have raised the issue with the Airports Authority of India and Chennai Airport authorities, including through the airport’s social media platforms.
The complaint highlights a practical gap in the design and operation of airport parking access: a facility may provide parking capacity, but its usefulness also depends on whether passengers can move between terminals, parking floors and vehicles with their luggage. For international travellers, families and passengers requiring assistance, lift capacity can directly affect the time and effort needed to complete that journey.
Passengers have urged the airport authorities to upgrade the existing east-section facilities. Until any upgrade is carried out, they have also suggested installing clear signboards directing travellers with luggage trolleys to the west section, where the available lifts can accommodate both passengers and baggage more easily.
