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R5 886 Find Cheap Flights to Chennai – Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest return flight
R10 874
Typical prices: R12 464-R15 945
Ethiopian Air
Sat 3/3Wed 28/3
DUR - MAA • 1 stop
Cheapest one-way flight
R5 886
Typical prices: R6 839-R9 828
Qatar Airways
Mon 29/10
JNB - MAA • 1 stop
Top airlines
Best reviews • 8,1 score
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
Top routes
Cheapest • 14% average savings
Most popular
Insights
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When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travellers who book at least 20 weeks in advance save around 13% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 10% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
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Booking Insights
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights to Chennai

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent return flight deals to Chennai

Wed, Mar 3 - Sun, Mar 28
Multiple Airlines Logo
14:15 - 8:10Durban  Durban King Shaka Intl-Chennai Chennai
14h 25m1 stop Addis Ababa Bole
Multiple Airlines Logo
2:10 - 16:20Chennai  Chennai-Durban Durban King Shaka Intl
17h 40m2 stops Addis Ababa Bole Johannesburg OR Tambo
R10 874Multiple Airlines
3+ days ago
Wed, Oct 21 - Wed, Oct 28
Multiple Airlines Logo
9:45 - 1:05Johannesburg  Johannesburg OR Tambo-Chennai Chennai
35h 50m2 stops Abu Dhabi Zayed Intl Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Intl
Multiple Airlines Logo
17:15 - 8:25Chennai  Chennai-Johannesburg Johannesburg OR Tambo
18h 40m2 stops Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Intl Abu Dhabi Zayed Intl
R11 506Multiple Airlines
3+ days ago
Mon, Nov 23 - Fri, Nov 27
Qatar Airways Logo
13:45 - 2:15Johannesburg  Johannesburg OR Tambo-Chennai Chennai
33h 00m1 stop Doha Hamad Intl
Qatar Airways Logo
3:15 - 15:35Chennai  Chennai-Johannesburg Johannesburg OR Tambo
15h 50m1 stop Doha Hamad Intl
R11 639Qatar Airways
1 day ago
Wed, Oct 21 - Wed, Oct 28
Multiple Airlines Logo
9:45 - 1:05Johannesburg  Johannesburg OR Tambo-Chennai Chennai
35h 50m2 stops Abu Dhabi Zayed Intl Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Intl
Multiple Airlines Logo
13:45 - 8:25Chennai  Chennai-Johannesburg Johannesburg OR Tambo
22h 10m2 stops Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Intl Abu Dhabi Zayed Intl
R11 805Multiple Airlines
2 days ago
Mon, Nov 30 - Sun, Dec 6
Ethiopian Air Logo
14:30 - 8:10Johannesburg  Johannesburg OR Tambo-Chennai Chennai
14h 10m1 stop Addis Ababa Bole
Ethiopian Air Logo
2:10 - 13:30Chennai  Chennai-Johannesburg Johannesburg OR Tambo
14h 50m1 stop Addis Ababa Bole
R11 839Ethiopian Air
3+ days ago
Sat, Apr 3 - Fri, Apr 23
Qatar Airways Logo
12:40 - 2:40Johannesburg  Johannesburg OR Tambo-Chennai Chennai
34h 30m1 stop Doha Hamad Intl
Qatar Airways Logo
3:55 - 15:20Chennai  Chennai-Johannesburg Johannesburg OR Tambo
14h 55m1 stop Doha Hamad Intl
R12 437Qatar Airways
18 hours ago
Thu, Dec 3 - Sat, Jan 16
Etihad Airways Logo
9:50 - 8:05Johannesburg  Johannesburg OR Tambo-Chennai Chennai
18h 45m1 stop Abu Dhabi Zayed Intl
Etihad Airways Logo
16:05 - 8:25Chennai  Chennai-Johannesburg Johannesburg OR Tambo
19h 50m1 stop Abu Dhabi Zayed Intl
R13 900Etihad Airways
21 hours ago
Wed, Mar 3 - Sun, Mar 28
Ethiopian Air Logo
14:15 - 8:10Durban  Durban King Shaka Intl-Chennai Chennai
14h 25m1 stop Addis Ababa Bole
Ethiopian Air Logo
2:10 - 13:25Chennai  Chennai-Durban Durban King Shaka Intl
14h 45m1 stop Addis Ababa Bole
R14 582Ethiopian Air
3+ days ago
Thu, Nov 19 - Wed, Nov 25
Emirates Logo
19:05 - 20:10Durban  Durban King Shaka Intl-Chennai Chennai
21h 35m1 stop Dubai Intl
Emirates Logo
3:55 - 17:10Chennai  Chennai-Durban Durban King Shaka Intl
16h 45m1 stop Dubai Intl
R14 699Emirates
3+ days ago
Fri, Nov 6 - Fri, Nov 27
Emirates Logo
19:05 - 20:10Durban  Durban King Shaka Intl-Chennai Chennai
21h 35m1 stop Dubai Intl
Emirates Logo
21:45 - 17:10Chennai  Chennai-Durban Durban King Shaka Intl
22h 55m1 stop Dubai Intl
R14 699Emirates
3+ days ago
Booking Insights

Price, demand, and travel trends for flights to Chennai

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines, and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights with more confidence.

What is the cheapest flight to Chennai?

Durban to Chennai is the cheapest route at R10 874 return, found in the past 5 days on KAYAK. Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport to Chennai is the most popular connection with return deals from R11 506.

How much is a flight to Chennai?

On average, a return flight from South Africa to Chennai costs R14 002, based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months. Return fares from Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport average R13 500, while Cape Town runs a bit higher at R14 497.

What is the cheapest day to fly to Chennai?

Wednesday is the cheapest day to fly to Chennai at R13 584 return on average over the past 12 months on KAYAK. Sunday is the most expensive at R15 480.

What is the cheapest month to fly to Chennai?

•April is the cheapest month to fly to Chennai with an average price of R12 620 return.
•December (R15 729) and August (R14 665) are the most expensive.
•Based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly to Chennai?

Afternoon flights to Chennai are the cheapest at R13 551 return on average. Night flights are the most expensive at R14 715.

What is a good deal for flights to Chennai?

Flights under R12 464 are considered a good deal. 25% of KAYAK users found return flights to Chennai at or below these prices, with the lowest fares from:
•Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport R12 293.

When are flights to Chennai the cheapest?

Flights to Chennai are cheapest 20 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 13% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Key details for flights to Chennai

Low season

September

Cheapest flight

R5 886
Beat the crowds with an average 62% drop in traveller numbers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 221% increase in traveller numbers.
One-way flight from Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport to Chennai

When to book flights to Chennai

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel to Chennai based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated return price

Your questions about flights to Chennai, answered

Find helpful route details based on KAYAK data, including flight times, airports, airlines, and booking questions.

  • How do I know if a flight to Chennai is a good deal?

    A good deal on a flight to Chennai is around R12 464 return. This fare is in the lowest 25% of return flight prices searched on KAYAK, averaged across the cities most often searched as origins by KAYAK users.

  • Which city has the cheapest flights to Chennai?

    Based on fares booked in the past 5 days, the cheapest flights to Chennai are from Johannesburg, starting at R11 506 return.

  • How expensive are last-minute flights to Chennai?

    Last-minute fares to Chennai (booked within two weeks of departure) are typically 3% lower than the average return fare of R14 002. Booking late can sometimes save money, but availability is limited.

  • What is the difference between the most popular and the most frequent airline at Chennai?

    Air Mauritius operates the most flights from South Africa to Chennai at 0 per week, while Emirates is the airline most often selected by KAYAK users searching for flights from South Africa to Chennai. The two are often different because flight volume reflects an airline's schedule, while popularity reflects traveller choice.

Your guide to booking Chennai flights

From booking to airport arrival, find tips to help you plan your flight with more confidence.
  • For the best chance at a low fare to Chennai, book around 20 weeks before departure. Based on KAYAK data from the last 12 months, fares are historically about 13% lower during this window than last-minute fares.
  • For flights to Chennai, a good return fare is around R12 464. If you find a fare below that, you're getting a strong deal.
  • If your travel dates are flexible, consider flying to Chennai in April. Return fares historically average R12 620, making April the cheapest month to travel based on KAYAK data from the last 12 months.
  • Before you book:

    • Check the route's typical price range so you can spot a deal.
    • Confirm baggage fees and seat selection costs on budget carriers.
    • Verify whether you need any travel documents beyond an ID.
    • Pick a departure airport, since your nearest may not be the cheapest origin.
  • Shift your departure to midday to save up to R1 164 on a return flight. Midday flights to Chennai average R13 551 compared to R14 715 for evening flights.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines flying to Chennai

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with to Chennai? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
8,1
EmiratesOverall score based on 3671 reviews
8,4Crew
8,2Boarding
8,2Entertainment
7,9Food
8,1Comfort
Airline reviews

Everything was great except the boarding experience. After the check in, they "packed us" in a small area, very hot there. It would be nice to be aware of this, I'd wait on the outside area

10,0 ExcellentDiego, Feb 2026
Read more Emirates reviews

Everything was great except the boarding experience. After the check in, they "packed us" in a small area, very hot there. It would be nice to be aware of this, I'd wait on the outside area

Chaos at the gate while boarding - no clear signs or announcements

I liked everything: the service, the food, the cleanness. I flew last year with Qatar Airways, so I can compare. Emirates did much better! Especially their meals and service.

Ove the A380 planes. Comfortable seats. Served great Indian food and Masala Chai!

Boarding, seats, entertainment and service were all great. The food was great except for the fact that there were too many sweet items.

Flight was pathetic, felt like a old plane was modified and brought in service. Didnt like the aircraft at all. Crew and services were good.but aircraft totally dissappointment.

Enough vegetarian food was not available on the flight for all vegetarian guests on the plane. Crew did not adequately handle this experience

Worst ever. No assistance and communication from Emirates crew. No visibility of when the flight is flying. Couldn’t understand if we can go to lounge to take rest. Emirates system at a certain point said flight is not operating and suggested to take the next flight and in few minutes it suddenly opened the gate for boarding. unsupportive and rude crew. Worst experience ever. Flight was delayed by 5 hours so need the compensation for that.

Emirates flights always nice. Service rendered by the staff is superb.I am always comfortable in Emirates flights.

Emirates is great for someone like me traveling and on an expired H1B

Qatar Airways has consistently established a standard in my mind that very few airlines manage to sustain, and once again, this Economy Class journey reaffirmed precisely why. As an avid globetrotter who travels extensively for work, I experience many airlines, service cultures, and interpretations of hospitality. What continues to distinguish Qatar Airways is not any single element, but the complete proposition: professionalism, courtesy, warmth, attentiveness, consistency, and a genuinely polished hospitality culture. There is a reassuring confidence that comes with boarding Qatar because, over many journeys, the airline has simply never underdelivered against the expectations it has established for me. This particular journey was especially memorable. I had recently been promoted to Gold tier with Qatar Airways Privilege Club, was travelling on my birthday, and was flying into India on Indian Independence Day. Collectively, that made this considerably more than another flight. The crew made the personal element truly exceptional. Cabin Supervisor Hershel and Cabin Crew Ali deserve particular recognition. Their hospitality went well beyond procedural service; they took the initiative to acknowledge my birthday and, using the resources available onboard, thoughtfully assembled a small presentation with KitKat chocolates and dessert to wish me. It was simple, spontaneous, genuine, and immensely memorable. For someone who spends a considerable part of life travelling, these are precisely the moments that transcend service delivery and become lasting memories. That is where Qatar continues to excel: exceptionally well trained, composed, aligned, and polished crew who can deliver consistency without appearing mechanical. The human warmth remains evident, and individual colleagues repeatedly find ways to distinguish themselves. One small opportunity would have made the occasion even more complete. As we were travelling from Doha to India on 15 August, still within Indian Independence Day, a subtle acknowledgement of India celebrating its 80th Independence Day, perhaps simply wishing the Indian guests onboard on this proud occasion, would have been a thoughtful and culturally resonant gesture. It certainly does not detract from an excellent journey, but would have added another meaningful dimension to an already memorable flight. The only substantive disappointment was that my checked luggage did not complete the journey with me from Seattle (SEA), via Doha (DOH), to Kolkata (CCU), having been delayed in Doha. A baggage exception report is already on file with the local airport team in Kolkata. Given the confidence Qatar Airways has earned from me over the years, I remain optimistic that they will once again live up to that standard, work their magic, and reunite me with my luggage within the next 24 hours. Overall, another exceptional experience and one I will genuinely cherish. Hershel and Ali, thank you for making my birthday in the skies so memorable. Way to go, Qatar Airways. Please continue investing in and developing your cabin professionals to this calibre. When service excellence is combined with authentic human connection, an ordinary journey becomes an experience a passenger remembers long after landing.

Looks like a local flight. Food was horrible. No entertainment system.

Economy travel is really hard with no room to move especially when the person sitting beside you is an XL or XXL size person who if moving could hit your face

I purchased Qatar airways after seeing ads about its service. To my surprise Qatar is marketing gimmick and horrible airlines which I don’t recommend to anyone Flight was dirty including flight from Miami to Doha And Doha airport restrooms are dirty On top of this they use this pathetic cheap indigo From Doha to Hyderabad which I will never fly Also they lost one of my baggage in Indigo and still waiting to receive it. I will never travel Qatar and will never recommend

Aircraft was spacious compared to American Airlines, food was great, entertainment was much better with a wide variety of options, and the crew was very polite.

The overall flight experience between Doha and Kolkata was satisfactory. The staff onboard were notably engaged, responsive, and enthusiastic, providing a level of service that stood out, especially when compared to the less attentive crew on the earlier leg from Heathrow to Doha. Their eagerness to assist made the journey more pleasant. Additionally, the time spent at the Silver Lounge in Doha contributed positively to the experience. The lounge offered a comfortable and relaxing environment, with adequate amenities and attentive staff. Overall, both the flight and the lounge experience in Doha met expectations, making for a smooth and satisfactory travel experience.

Being a platinum member, no attention given. No towel or tissue provided.

No towels or tissue and chocolate and mint provided before arrival

They made us deliberate waste time by holding our passports and boarding passes making us miss the flight

Luggage handling was very very bad. Damaged my new Calvin Klein bag and delayed another. Still did not get it since 2 days. Worst airlines and service.

The first segment from Atlanta to Abu Dhabi was fantastic, but we got downgraded to a different aircraft from Abu Dhabi to Delhi. We were supposed to be on a flatbed business class when we booked it but just about one week before travel, we were changed to A321 Neo, which just has old-fashioned business class seats that recline but don’t go flat. No TV either. While I fully understand that sometimes these changes have to be made for operational reasons, but I asked for some credit or compensation for that and I did not get any anywhere with that

I bought a full price ticket for business class on kayak and my seat selection was not Included, I had to pay more and WiFi for example was not Included in my seat. My travel companion who bought his ticket for the same business class price had these features included in his ticket therefore I am not happy with my purchase via kayak.

They lost the baggage and said it was deleted from the system. I had baggage tag so was able to file the complaint but there was no PIR number and update so far

Good service. But on flight to Kochi no entertainment except in app. And no working outlets to charge phone.

Was so disappointing. Business class with no TV, uncomfortable seats. Had much higher expectations.

This flight was a dreamliner so I think the space was ok for the legs, but the option for food was again limited and the crew was same.

Boarding was efficient, had to check in cabin luggage. Seats were narrow, food was more in quantity, received cabin luggage on the luggage belt which was fine.

Needs better seat for business class. My seat was falling apart. Also no WiFi on that flight

Only 1 time food and drinks together was offered, for total 5 hours duration drinks and snacks was never offered. For some people food choice was not available, only veg was available. No entertainment option was there. Crew members were mostly back of the flight asking each other for KitKat and chips to share between them.

Etihad flight sector is a local . .give the same quality upto destination

The following is a review for a flight from Johannesburg to Washington, DC with a connection at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and refueling landing at Rome, Italy. The flight was provided by Ethiopian Airlines. There were two of us: me and my wife on this flight. Everything was on time. Enough legroom between the seats, I was able to stretch my legs and sleep for at least some time during the 14 hour second flight (19 hours in total for both flights). Very decent meals that included two lunches and one breakfast on the flight from Addis Ababa to Washington and one lunch on the flight from Johannesburg to Addis Ababa. The lunch choices were beef, chicken and fish, I think the vegetarian option was available as well, accompanied with beans. The breakfast was a choice between egg and pancake, accompanied with a fruit salad. The egg breakfast was awesome, it came with a scrambled egg and a sausage. However, my wife mentioned unusual taste of the pancake breakfast meal, by all means those were not pancakes. What wasn't good: Externally initiated commercials on the infosystem screens, you couldn't turn the screen off. These commercials were accompanied by loud and annoying music, transmitted through the entire cabin. Obviously, there was no escape from this music as well. Additional moment: on the flight from Addis Ababa to Washington, DC, we landed at Rome for refueling. This was totally fine and it was in the flight itinerary. But, the flight attendant asked me to straighten the seat while we were at the steady position during the refueling. I can't rationalize this order except that some people just like to be a boss of some kind. Keeping the light lit in the economy cabin while keeping it dimmed in the first class also didn't improve my and my wife's feelings. Overall, the services were very good and the flight, despite its longevity, went on very smoothly.

Need to do a lot of improvement on service and cleaness

Food was really not appealing. There was a blocked sink in the toilet. Toilet is cramped and the wall between the 2 toilets are not secured properly.

Plane was late with no information or announcement … had to walk up n downstairs.., had not communicated this … and ppl had suitcase to carry .

Again, entertainment system didn't work. 50% of aircraft don't seem to have a functional entertainment system and the crew is absolutely uninterested in fixing. They just say Addis needs to fix it. Well, Addis had better get off it's butt and fix their aircraft.

My entertainment screen wasn't working and they couldn't fix it.

Choice of Vegetarian Food in Economy class needs overhaul improvement

It is just ok, the sits are very uncomfortable, the temperature too low and there weren’t blankets. The food is mediocre and there are no screens to watch movies.

The check in staff was amazing. Best customer service! The plane was old! My entertainment on the first flight didn't work at all, in my seat or in the seat next to me. The bathroom doors were old and troublesome. One of the bathrooms, the whole sink panel was broken. Everything felt old and falling apart. The airline stewardesses were amazing and quite hospitable. When there were delays, they kept us well informed. Transit was GREAT! I wasn't sure how I would make it to my next flight in 1 1/2 hours but the security lines were short and efficient. The C gates in Addis Ababa were CROWDED! That whole space downstairs was too crowded and challenging to manuever. I usually fly Ethiopian within Africa and was interested to see how the experience would be intercontinental. Overall, I would choose it again if it was cheaper than Delta/Air France or Lufthansa/KLM. I wouldn't make it a first choice if the prices were the same because the planes are so old! The food and entertainment also weren't as good. Good selection of movies but as I mentioned, on the first flight they didn't work at all (I slept so it was okay) and the 2nd flight it was glitchy. All in all, I didn't hate it but it would be a first choice only if it's cheaper.

I've never been served three bread courses in a single meal before. Was really impressed by the novelty of that.

I was in business class and the lie flat seats were super comfortable. Friendly crew, nice meal. Very good experience!

All was very good however the breakfast was a bit tasteless on both flights. Many people seemed to say the same thing. Otherwise really good .

Is a terrible airline. The seats are tiny, staff are lazy and rude. Everything is a mission for them and they always take forever. Check in and passport control is enough to turn you off Mauritius all together. Let alone the airline. Mauritius is gorgeous and a must visit if you could avoid the airport and Air Mauritius.

Check in and passport and security time’s appalling Not enough staff for the volume of flights departing.

The crew were great as usual. The flight was rescheduled two hours later but delayed by more than an hours to load cargo. The was upsetting because I missed scheduled meetings in Johannesburg.

Though the food was very good ,I think the portions were too big. It was hard to manage everything on that small table. And you really don't feel like eating too much on a long flight. Just a suggestion and it would save you some money too.

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