Can Chennai airport handle Code F aircraft?

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Although the Chennai airport is classified as a Code E airport, there have been instances where Code F aircraft were handled. | Photo Credit: X/aaichnairport

In the light of the Tamil Nadu government scrapping the massive second airport at Parandur, social media has been abuzz with debates on what the city could be missing out before a new airport is a reality in the future. Among them is why Chennai airport doesn’t handle Code F type aircraft such as A380 (very large wingspan ranges from 65 metres - 80 metres; passenger capacity: over 500).

Officials of Airports Authority of India (AAI) clarify that while Chennai airport is classified as Code E airport, the main runway can handle Code F aircraft when special procedures are in place.

A Code E airport can handle long-haul, widebody aircraft such as B777 or A330. The wingspan of such aircraft range from 52 metres – 65 metres with the passenger capacity ranging from 200 to 400.

In the past, on a few occasions, Chennai airport has handled Code F type aircraft but there is no passenger boarding bridge in place for such an aircraft, officials said.

For instance, in October last year, Chennai airport handled Antonov An-124 Ruslan, one of the largest cargo aircraft. In 2019, the airport received two Boeing 747-800 aircraft (Code F). Two years later, two taxiways commissioned at the airport too were suitable to handle Code F type aircraft, officials said.

“The main runway of the airport is capable of handling Code F type aircraft under Specialised Standard Operating Procedures. But we must understand that there are very few Code F type passenger aircraft. We handle several Code E type aircraft for international operations regularly. When there is a scheduled Code F type, we can certainly handle it,” an official said.

Two years ago, in a meeting held with AAI, the Tamil Nadu government had urged to make Chennai airport Code F compliant for regular operations and that it would give an impetus to the State’s economy.

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