Chennai airport increases check-in counters to reduce congestion

Chennai airport is set to increase check-in counters at its international terminal from 72 to 120. This change aims to ease congestion and cut down wait times for passengers. The trial for the new counters began on Tuesday, with airlines including Air India, Indigo, and Emirates participating. Currently, the airport has three check-in islands named A, B, and C. The addition of two new islands, D and E, will provide 48 more counters based on airline demand. A senior airport official explained that these additional counters were meant to launch with the Phase II expansion of the airport but were moved up due to long queues during busy hours. Chennai airport serves at least 33 airlines that fly to various international locations. Authorities noted that passenger traffic peaks on weekends and evenings. There are plans for 72 more counters when the Phase II terminal opens next year, which will support increased flights. Additionally, airport officials have reorganized the numbering system for remote boarding gates at the T1 domestic terminal. These gates require passengers to take a bus to their flights, as they lack aerobridges. The new numbering system follows a logical order for easier identification. For example, the previous Gate 11 has been renumbered to 101A and 101B.