Aerohub Mall at Chennai airport might get more retail outlets only after six months

Only a handful of retail outlets, food court, and the multiplex function now. | Photo Credit: M. Srinath Passengers and locals heading to Aerohub Mall at Chennai airport for shopping may be disappointed to find that several outlets remain closed for months now.What is even more disconcerting is that it may take at least another six months for the new retail outlets to come up within the mall.Much of the space within this mall is set to remain vacant as only now a consultant is set to get appointed.According to officials of Airports Authority of India (AAI), they have floated bids to hire a consultant who will provide expertise on how to draw more traffic, bring in more outlets, and improve passenger experience. The bids will be opened within a few days, and the contract will be awarded within a couple of weeks. “The consultant will give Request for Proposal (RFP) within 45 days to two months. Then, after the headquarters in New Delhi approves the RFP, we will issue it. We will complete these processes at the earliest and a new set of outlets may be open in six months,” an official said.The ₹250-crore Aerohub facility, whose total area sprawls across 17,230 sq. meters, was opened three years ago with two wings — East and West. But for the last couple of months, the mall in the East wing which housed many retail outlets wears a deserted look. Only a handful of retail outlets, food court, and the multiplex are functioning now.Contract terminatedQuite a lot of shops have now shut as the AAI had terminated their contract with the earlier concessionaire. Vidya, a passenger from Mumbai, who headed to the mall to grab a quick bite before exiting the airport, said, “When such a big facility has been created, it is natural for passengers to expect all shops to be open. I noticed that many are shut. It would have been nice to check out a few stores since I was anyway here to eat.” Published - August 19, 2026 05:00 am IST