Madras High Court directs policy decision on cinema halls at airports

The Hindu
The Hindu
2d ago • 15 views
Madras High Court has asked the Ministry of Civil Aviation to decide on permitting cinema halls in Indian airport zones, allowing the PVR INOX multiplex at Chennai airport to operate meanwhile.
Madras High Court directs policy decision on cinema halls at airports
A What happened
The Madras High Court's December 2025 order addresses the legality of cinema halls in airport premises, focusing on PVR INOX's five-screen multiplex at Chennai's Aerohub. Aerohub, developed under a 2018 agreement between the Airports Authority of India and Meenambakkam Realty, includes commercial spaces in unsecured airport zones. PVR INOX operated the multiplex via sub-licensing starting February 2023. In July 2023, AAI declared cinemas impermissible within airport complexes under the AAI Act of 1994 and sought closure. After terminating its agreement with Meenambakkam Realty in 2025, AAI took direct control of Aerohub. The court paused enforcement against PVR INOX, pending the Ministry of Civil Aviation's policy decision, ordering AAI to formalize agreements if permitted. The case raises regulatory questions for commercial activities within airport zones and clarifies legal positions on multiplex operations inside airports.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Judicial injunction for policy clarity: Madras High Court has ordered the Ministry of Civil Aviation to clarify its policy on permitting cinema halls inside both secured and unsecured zones of Indian airport complexes.

  • 2

    Interim operational permission to PVR INOX: Pending the Ministry's decision, the court allowed PVR INOX to continue operating its five-screen multiplex at Chennai airport's Aerohub, despite AAI's prior closure attempt.

  • 3

    Background on Aerohub and lease dispute: Aerohub, a commercial space developed under a 2018 AAI agreement, housed the multiplex through a sub-licensing deed with PVR INOX until AAI terminated the original lease in 2025, prompting legal action.

Takeaways

The Madras High Court's directive marks a significant step towards formalizing policy on commercial entertainment within airport complexes in India, balancing regulatory concerns with operational interests pending government guidance.

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