Delhi to Chennai Flights
Delhi to Chennai is one of the busiest long-haul domestic routes in India, connecting the national capital with South India's leading port city and automotive manufacturing base. Delhi to Chennai flights operate through most of the day, and fares change noticeably depending on how far in advance the ticket is booked and how close to the travel date the search is made.
Route Overview
Delhi to Chennai flights cover approximately 1,760 km by air, operating between Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi and Chennai International Airport (MAA). Nonstop Delhi to Chennai flights take approximately 2 hrs 45 mins , while a connecting flight via Hyderabad, Bangalore or Mumbai can extend the total journey to 4 to 6 hours. 14 flights operate daily on the Delhi to Chennai route, with the highest concentration of departures in the early morning and late evening.
Airlines on the Delhi to Chennai Route
- IndiGo operates the highest number of daily departures on the Delhi to Chennai route.
- Air India Express operates several Delhi to Chennai flights spread through the day.
- Air India operates flights on the Delhi to Chennai route.
- SpiceJet and Akasa Air add further capacity, particularly during peak travel periods.
What Makes Fares Go Up or Down
- Corporate and business travel keeps demand steady through most weekdays on the Delhi to Chennai route.
- Pongal in mid-January and the period around Diwali bring a noticeable rise in demand and fares in both directions.
- The winter wedding season in December and January also keeps Delhi to Chennai fares above the yearly average.
- Delhi to Chennai fares are generally lowest outside the festival and wedding seasons.
- Weekday travel, particularly from Tuesday to Thursday, is usually priced lower than weekend departures.
Tips to Pay Less
- Book Delhi to Chennai flights 3–4 weeks in advance for travel around Pongal, Diwali or the wedding season.
- Fly on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday where possible, as these days are usually cheaper than weekends.
- Compare fares across nearby travel dates using the fare calendar.
- Set a fare alert on MakeMyTrip to track price changes instead of checking manually.
- Book the return ticket together with the outbound flight once both dates are confirmed, as this can cost less than two separate one way fares.
How to Book Delhi to Chennai Flights on MakeMyTrip
- Open MakeMyTrip and log in, or continue as a guest.
- Enter Delhi as the departure city and Chennai as the destination, then select the travel dates and number of passengers.
- Use filters to narrow the list to nonstop flights, a specific time of day or a preferred airline.
- Select the preferred flight and review its change and cancellation terms before booking.
- Complete the passenger details, apply a promo code if available and proceed to payment.
- Save the ticket and complete web check-in once it opens closer to the travel date.
Baggage Rules
- Most economy bookings on Delhi to Chennai flights allow 7 kg of cabin baggage and 15 kg of check-in baggage. Some bookings allow 20 kg or more of check-in baggage, depending on the airline and fare booked.
- Baggage rules vary by airline, so passengers should confirm the specific allowance before booking, particularly when carrying equipment or oversized items, which are typically handled as chargeable extras.
Documents Required at Check-In
A valid photo ID, such as an Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, PAN card or driving licence, is required along with the e-ticket. A child without a photo ID can use a birth certificate or school ID instead.
Airports at Both Ends
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi offers food courts, retail outlets, paid lounges and rest areas, which are useful because many Delhi to Chennai flights depart early in the morning.Chennai International Airport (MAA) handles both domestic and international flights from its terminal complex and offers ATMs, a prepaid taxi counter and a range of food options on the domestic side.
Weather and Flight Schedules
Chennai's northeast monsoon, from about October to December, can occasionally delay Delhi to Chennai flights, so passengers should check real-time flight status before leaving for the airport during this period. Outside this period, the Delhi to Chennai route generally experiences fewer weather-related disruptions than some other domestic sectors.
Getting Around After Landing
Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are available immediately outside Chennai International Airport (MAA). A metro line also connects the airport to several parts of the city.
Quick Summary
- Nonstop Delhi to Chennai flights take approximately 2 hrs 45 mins .
- IndiGo and Air India Express operate the highest number of daily flights, with Air India, SpiceJet and Akasa Air adding further capacity.
- Delhi to Chennai fares are generally lower outside Pongal, Diwali and the winter wedding season.
- Booking 3–4 weeks in advance and flying midweek both help reduce the fare.
- Passengers should check flight status in advance during Chennai's monsoon months.
last updated at 6 Oct 2026 10:27:29