Stray Dogs Roam Freely at Chennai Airport's International Arrivals Terminal
At Chennai Airport's international arrival terminal, travelers are encountering an unexpected and concerning sight: stray dogs roaming freely at the exit points. This occurs despite a clear Supreme Court directive that mandates local bodies to remove strays from public places with high footfall.
Visible Health and Safety Hazards in High-Security Zones
The T2 international arrival terminus has seen a significant rise in the number of stray dogs, particularly at the A6 exit gate. Many of these animals are visibly wounded and suffering from skin infections. Additionally, dogs are frequently spotted along the pedestrian pathway leading to the Aerohub East parking area, creating safety and hygiene concerns in what is supposed to be a high-security, high-footfall zone.
Travelers report that the situation is exacerbated by individuals who feed the strays within the terminal premises. Food scraps are often left on the floor, attracting more dogs and contributing to unsanitary conditions. Several dogs can be observed eating, resting, and occasionally fighting among themselves, further unsettling passengers.
Failed Management Efforts and Regulatory Challenges
In response to the growing issue, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) previously formed teams to capture, sterilize, vaccinate, and relocate the dogs to the Sholinganallur animal birth control center. However, these efforts have had little visible impact. Early in 2025, agreements were established with NGOs to manage the stray dog population, but these initiatives are no longer being enforced.
GCC veterinary officer J Kamal Hussain explained the regulatory hurdles: "We couldn't entirely remove the dogs from the airport as ABC rules stipulated that they are dropped back at the original premises." He added that they are currently coordinating with AAI to remove all dogs from the premises soon and transfer them to a shelter, but only act upon receiving specific complaints.
Travelers Voice Concerns Over Health Hazards
Flyers have expressed strong concerns, urging authorities to restrict dogs from the terminal, carriageway, and aero-hub areas. K Srinath, a resident who recently arrived from Chicago, highlighted the risks: "Several international flights land during the day, and a few land late at night. Strays are spread out near the terminal gate and present a health hazard."
AAI officials have acknowledged the issue and stated they will respond, but concrete actions remain pending. The presence of stray dogs in such a critical transit hub not only violates Supreme Court directives but also poses significant risks to public health and safety, demanding immediate and effective intervention.
