New Rapid Exit Taxiway and Link Taxiway commissioned at Chennai International Airport

By Chennaivision in National News, News May 19, 2023

AAI Chennai Intl. Airport, in its continuous efforts to enhance operational efficiency, has commissioned the Rapid Exit Taxiway* ‘Zulu’ (Z/RET-1), and Link Taxiway** D-1, today. The commissioning of both taxiways comes at a time when the airport’s peak hour handling capacity is expected to go up from the present 36 movements/hour to 45 movements/hr. With steady increase in air traffic at Chennai Airport, the augmentation of airside infrastructure resulting in operational efficiency has been of paramount importance. The newly commissioned rapid exit taxiway will be a huge fillip to airside operations by minimizing Runway Occupancy Time (ROT) for arriving flights (Runway 07/25) and thereby increasing overall runway throughput.

Designed to accommodate Code E aircraft operations, the Rapid Exit Taxiway (Z/RET-1) is a significant addition to the infrastructure of Chennai Airport. With a length of 400 meters and a width of 23 meters, this taxiway is strategically located at a distance of 1831 meters from Runway 07 threshold, connecting to Taxiway – B (Bravo).

In addition to the new Rapid Exit Taxiway, Chennai Airport has also commissioned 150.93- meter long Link Taxiway D-1 This taxiway provides an additional entry and exit to the main apron, further easing congestion and streamlining the flow of aircraft during peak hours. The implementation of this taxiway will facilitate swift and safe manoeuvring of aircraft on the main apron, particularly during peak hour traffic, thus reducing congestion in the taxiway network, also bestowing more flexibility to airside operations of the Chennai Airport.

Chennai International Airport has always been committed in delivering world-class services to its customers. The commissioning of the above-mentioned projects is a testament to the airport’s continuous efforts to improve operational efficiency, air traffic management, and ensure the utmost safety and convenience for passengers, airlines, and ground handling services alike. Also, with the migration to New Integrated Terminal (NITB Phase I) expected in coming days, the addition of new taxiways will be a major shot in the arm for the city airport, which is ever closer to pre pandemic figures and looking forward to adding new airlines and routes.

*Rapid-Exit Taxiway – Taxiways linked to runways at an angle that permits aircraft to exit the runway at high speeds

**Taxiway

A defined path, on a land aerodrome, selected or prepared for the use of taxiing aircraft (ICAO). A taxiway is intended to provide a link between one part of the aerodrome and another, including to and from the runway.