Chennai Airport Soars with 80% On-Time Flight Performance
In a remarkable achievement, Chennai International Airport has recorded an impressive 80% on-time performance for domestic flights in December 2025. This figure places it at the top of the rankings, outperforming several newer and larger privately operated airports across India. The data, released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), highlights Chennai's operational efficiency despite ongoing infrastructure criticisms.
Outshining Private Airport Giants
Chennai airport surpassed major private airports in key metropolitan areas, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Delhi. Bengaluru airport, for instance, recorded a significantly lower on-time performance of 70.9%, securing second place among the six busiest airports evaluated. This performance gap underscores Chennai's superior scheduled operations and management capabilities.
DGCA Data and Methodology
The rankings are based on DGCA's monthly traffic data, which measures the timely operation of scheduled domestic flights at India's six busiest airports. The assessment considered operations from major airlines, including the Air India Group, IndiGo, Alliance Air, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet. This comprehensive evaluation ensures a fair comparison across different carriers and airport infrastructures.
Factors Behind Chennai's Success
Aviation experts attribute Chennai's strong performance partly to its lower traffic volumes compared to other major hubs. This reduced congestion makes managing flight schedules and aircraft turnarounds comparatively easier. Additionally, Airport Authority of India (AAI) officials cited multiple contributing factors:
- Enhanced ground handling efficiency
- Better runway availability
- Improved infrastructure readiness
- Adequate passenger holding capacity
- Effective security coordination
Technological and Operational Enhancements
The implementation of DigiYatra has played a crucial role in improving passenger flow. This biometric-based security system has reduced waiting times by enabling seamless checks, thereby supporting timely flight departures. Officials noted that this technological advancement has indirectly boosted punctuality by streamlining passenger movement.
Persistent Passenger Experience Challenges
Despite its excellent punctuality record, Chennai airport continues to face criticism regarding passenger experience. Issues such as poor signage, inconvenient pick-up points, and a passenger-unfriendly design have been highlighted by travelers. Airport authorities claim they are actively addressing these complaints to enhance overall satisfaction.
Airlines Leading the Punctuality Charge
Among airlines, the Air India Group topped the on-time performance rankings at major airports, followed by IndiGo, Alliance Air, and Akasa Air. These carriers benefited from proactive operational planning, particularly during challenging conditions like foggy weather, which often disrupts flight schedules.
This achievement positions Chennai airport as a benchmark for operational excellence in India's aviation sector, demonstrating that public sector airports can compete effectively with their private counterparts through strategic management and technological integration.
