AAI has issued an advisory warning cab drivers at Chennai International Airport not to cancel confirmed bookings and ask passengers for extra fares. Travellers had complained that the drivers were not accepting fares shown on booking applications and asking for more before taking a ride.
On 5 November 2026 Chennai airport authorities advised passengers to report such incidents through the cab operators or airport officials. Drivers found violating the rules may be blacklisted and lose permission to operate at the airport.
The airport has also shared complaint contact numbers for major cab operators such as Uber, Ola, Rapido, Fast Track and prepaid taxi services.
Why Has Chennai Airport Warned Cab Drivers?
Passengers have told the AAI that drivers have cancelled confirmed app bookings and demanded higher fares than what is displayed on booking platforms.
Such practices have reportedly caused delays in passenger pick-ups and inconvenience (especially for travellers arriving at the airport and relying on prebooked transport).
One passenger was reportedly delayed for 45 minutes after drivers wouldn’t accept fares listed on booking applications.
Another passenger Martin Louis said a driver asked for ₹750 to go to Mugalivakkam (app said fare was ₹450). He left airport and hired an autorickshaw.
Passengers have also complained that drivers demand cash payments or direct transfers to personal UPI accounts instead of payment through booking application.
The AAI has asked cab aggregators to look into these complaints and ensure that their drivers follow the applicable booking and fare conditions.
How to Complain Against Cab Drivers at Chennai Airport
Passengers who are overcharged, confirmed rides cancelled or asked for more money can do the following:
Passengers should not be overcharged, confirmed rides cancelled or asked for extra payment. If they find themselves in this situation they should take these steps:
- Approach the counter of the concerned cab operator at Cab Pick-up Plaza or West Multi-Level Car Parking (MLCP).
- You can file a complaint through the cab company’s official channels (customer support websites/social media accounts).
- If that doesn’t work, contact Chennai airport authorities via their social media handles or telephone helplines.
- Passengers can also send an email to the airport’s public grievance or airport director office.
Travellers should screenshot the confirmed booking, fare shown, payment requests and other information; recording vehicle registration number and driver’s details can also help authorities examine complaint.
Chennai Airport Cab Complaint Numbers: Uber, Ola, Rapido and Others
The AAI advisory has the following numbers for passengers who want to complain about cab operators.
Cab service complaint helplines:
- Uber: 9940746993
- Ola: 7904548305
- Rapido: 9629553431
- Fast Track: 8098735852
- Prepaid Taxi: 9941828222
WTI Cabs:
- Terminal 1: 9266159355
- Terminal 2: 9266159356
- Terminal 4: 9159899925
Airport and parking complaint contacts:
- Chennai Airport Helpline: 044-22560551
- Additional Airport Helpline: 044-22560512
- Parking Licensee Duty Number: 6379428539
Email contacts:
- Public Grievance Officer: [email protected]
- Airport Director: [email protected]
Passengers can use these contacts to escalate complaints if the cab operator concerned does not address it.
What Action Can Chennai Airport Take Against Drivers?
The AAI has warned that complaints will be taken up with the respective cab aggregators for appropriate action.
Drivers who repeatedly cancel confirmed bookings, charge extra fares or violate operating conditions may be subject to:
- Blacklisting by the concerned cab aggregator.
- Permission withdrawn to operate at Chennai airport.
- Other appropriate action by the cab service provider.
The warning is intended to increase transparency in airport transportation and prevent passengers from being delayed unnecessarily or having fare demands made unexpectedly.
What Should Passengers Keep in Mind Before Booking a Cab?
Passengers travelling through Chennai International Airport should check the fare displayed on their booking application before confirming a ride.
They should also keep booking confirmations and not make additional payments outside the app without checking the charges.
Passengers can report the driver canceling a confirmed booking and then asking for more money to the airport contact numbers.
The AAI has asked travellers to work with airport authorities and cab operators so that pick-up is a smoother, more transparent process.
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