T4 airport is the latest terminal added to Chennai airport premises. Yesterday my flight was scheduled from this terminal. Till then I have used T1 from where all domestic flights depart. So with lot of excitement and anticipation I got into the airport.
To reach- When you enter airport premises, there is a board at the entry point saying- Go straight for T4 domestic terminal. Driving straight, crossing Aerohub Mall and Parking area, you will find another similar bridge up on the right side to the terminal. If you miss this bridge then you need to do another 20mts ride that too a full exit and re entry drive.
Inside airport premises- As you enter the luggage counter, each airline has a hub titled- Scan for fragile luggage only. This is the latest addition, otherwise rest is the same with luggage drop.
Since it’s a developing airport, only few decorations like Wall paintings, wall statues and very few Gods and Goddess statues are seen. Same is with eatery outlets too. Only one shop is there to stop by before you enter Security check in.
After security check in, you need to go in search of your gate. As of now the same floor gates are open. Like T1 on the left is - Chennai express food hub
and right is the food court under construction. There is one operating lounge on the top floor, while there is one coffee shop, one eatery shop and one momo shop open as of now.
Things to do in the airport for now-
- Inform the driver of the cab to take you to T4- Terminal. If possible use a word for the alphabet T. Why? Let me share what happened yesterday. Our driver irrespective of saying repetitively T4, he took us to D4 arrival gate. Then to turn back and come to the terminal fine of Rs.5000 is laid. So we went down took exit then entered. No charges were laid. The thing is many don’t know about this terminal. It has just opened so getting confused is possible.
-Second in the counters lot of patience is needed. For very less staff prevail for now. Irrespective of many security check counters, hardly one or two are only open for now. Yesterday everybody were directed to only one counter that it took nearly forty minutes to complete security.
-Third availability of less eatery shops. Since I am so used to T1 terminal, the assurance to get food was there. Here with upcoming shops, eatery outlets are less and preparation takes time too.
-Seeing the paintings portrayed on the wall is a must. Each painting is unique and beauty on its own.
-I didn’t use the lounge, but had a peep into it. From security check in on the left walking 10mts you will find a lift taking you up the lounge. It’s yet to develop, though many facilities are laid.
-Restrooms have all latest facilities plus being senior citizen friendly.
-Saw lot of water wending machines at many corners of the airport.
A huge spacious airport which will be crowded soon with lot of facilities, amenities in future. Though I couldn’t stop my mind from comparing between T1 and T4.