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$578 Cheap Flights from Detroit (DTW) to Chennai (MAA)

Popular airlines from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) to Chennai International Airport (MAA)

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Cheap Flights from Detroit to Chennai (DTW-MAA)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $578 for one-way flights and $1,022 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

JetBlue Airways
Etihad Airways
JetBlue Airways
JetBlue Airways
American Airlines
Etihad Airways
Oman Air
Etihad Airways
Turkish Airlines
Qatar Airways

Alternative airports near Chennai

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Find the cheapest month to fly from Detroit (DTW) to Chennai (MAA)

September is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $959 - $1,395 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County to Chennai Intl.

Detroit (DTW) to Chennai (MAA) at a glance

Embark on an exciting journey from Detroit (DTW) to Chennai (MAA) with a range of airlines servicing this international long-haul route. Compare various options from full-service carriers to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel aspirations while you delve into Chennai's renowned landmarks and neighborhoods. Here, you'll find essential details for flights departing from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) to Chennai International Airport (MAA).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 17h 15m in-flight, plus roughly 4h 15m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 8,500 miles (13,680 km)
  • Flights per week: around 9 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $515–$1185, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) to Chennai International Airport (MAA)

According to the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Detroit to Chennai, featuring both one-stop and multi-stop options. Popular layover spots include Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) with a layover of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, Logan International Airport (BOS) at approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, and O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with a roughly 3-hour layover. This variety allows you to customize your travel experience by balancing cost, total journey time, and cabin class to secure the best itinerary.

  • Etihad Airways: This full-service airline provides multi-stop options, with one-way ticket prices generally between $515 and $1035. It represents about 34% of flights on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 18 hours and 45 minutes, and a total travel time of approximately 24 hours and 45 minutes, including layovers.
  • Lufthansa: As a comprehensive service airline, Lufthansa offers one-stop flights, with one-way fares typically ranging from $700 to $1280. It accounts for about 20% of departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 17 hours and 15 minutes and a total journey duration of roughly 21 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.
  • Qatar Airways: This full-service carrier provides multi-stop journeys at one-way prices usually between $525 and $950. It covers approximately 9% of flights on this route, with an in-flight duration of 18 hours and 45 minutes and a total travel time of about 24 hours and 45 minutes (including layovers).
  • Air India: Offering multi-stop service, Air India presents one-way fares that typically range from $585 to $1090. It makes up around 8% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 18 hours and 45 minutes and a cumulative travel time of approximately 24 hours and 45 minutes, including layovers.
  • United: This full-service airline offers one-stop routes, with one-way fares usually between $710 and $2290. It comprises about 7% of departures on this route, with a flight time of 17 hours and 15 minutes and an overall journey time of roughly 21 hours and 30 minutes, including a layover.

Best time to fly from Detroit (DTW) to Chennai (MAA)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Detroit to Chennai are February, March, and December, when peak temperatures in Chennai reach up to 82.6°F in March. If you prefer quieter travel, consider August, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 85.6°F. For better deals, September usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $616. Flight availability peaks in August and November, with approximately 11 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. February, May, and June have the fewest flights, with approximately 7 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: September usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $616, roughly 28% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: April typically offers an average one-way fare of around $682.
  • Most flight options: August and November have the highest number of flights from Detroit to Chennai, with approximately 11 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January77.4°F (25.2°C)Average8$729
February78.8°F (26.0°C)High7$817
March82.6°F (28.1°C)High8$806
April86.5°F (30.3°C)Average8$682
May89.6°F (32.0°C)Low7$789
June88.9°F (31.6°C)Average7$916
July86.9°F (30.5°C)Low8$1719
August85.6°F (29.8°C)Low11$742
September84.7°F (29.3°C)Average9$616
October83.1°F (28.4°C)Average8$762
November79.7°F (26.5°C)Average11$786
December77.7°F (25.4°C)High10$1028

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

Alternative routes from Detroit (DTW) to Chennai (MAA)

  • Flint to Chennai (FNT-MAA): Bishop International Airport (FNT) lies approximately 56 miles from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), providing a convenient departure point for travelers.
  • Detroit to Tirupati (DTW-TIR): Located about 61 miles from Chennai International Airport (MAA), Tirupati Airport (TIR) serves as an essential stop for those heading to this spiritual destination.
  • Ann Arbor to Tirupati (ARB-TIR): Ann Arbor Municipal Airport (ARB) is roughly 20 miles from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), while Tirupati Airport (TIR) is situated about 61 miles from Chennai International Airport (MAA), making it accessible for connecting flights.

How to find the best prices for flights from Detroit (DTW) to Chennai (MAA)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Detroit to Chennai is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

  1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are typically found when booking within two weeks, although most travelers book two to eight weeks in advance. Morning departures (5 a.m. to 12 p.m.) often offer lower prices, while afternoon flights (12 p.m. to 6 p.m.) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Sunday usually provides cheaper rates, while Friday is the busiest travel day.
  2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
  3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
  4. Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
  5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
  6. Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Chennai International Airport from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport

Chennai welcomes travelers from Detroit with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Chennai efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Chennai, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Chennai International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Chennai International Airport on Expedia.
  • Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
  • Public transportation: From Chennai International Airport, travelers can easily access several transport options. The Chennai International Airport Metro Station, a metro station, is located just 0.1 miles away on foot, while Chennai Tirusulam Station, a train station, is about 0.2 miles away on foot. For those needing to reach Chennai Seaport, it is approximately 5.8 miles from the airport by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $578 and cheap return flights from $1,022 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $836 and $5989, and roundtrip flights usually range from $1203 to $8795. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) ticket fares go up or down.*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
September is the cheapest month to fly from Detroit, MI (DTW) to Chennai (MAA), with average round-trip fares around $1,042. This price is about 24% lower than the average throughout the year, likely due to lower demand after the summer travel season. Other affordable months to consider are January and August.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
Enter DTW to MAA and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
Cathay Pacific is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Detroit (DTW) to Chennai (MAA), with round-trip tickets starting from around $1,498 with a layover in Dallas-Fort Worth Intl. (DFW). Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best time to fly from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
The best time to fly from Detroit (DTW) to Chennai (MAA) is in September or January. Return flights during these months average around $1,042, which is a reasonable price for this international route. January is particularly appealing as it allows you to experience Chennai's vibrant culture without the peak season crowds.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) to Chennai International Airport (MAA) usually departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines and Etihad Airways. This seasonal service is active in July, allowing you to make the most of your time in Chennai. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Detroit, MI (DTW) to Chennai (MAA) are in the late afternoon, from 3pm to 6pm. About 35% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Lufthansa and American Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is favored as it allows you to travel after the day's work, making it convenient for business travelers.
How long does it take to fly from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
A flight from DTW to MAA with a layover takes around 22 hours 50 minutes, with the route covering approximately 8,482 miles. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
Business class seats are offered on the DTW to MAA route. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

  • Lufthansa
  • Air Canada
  • United Airlines
  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • Air France
  • Turkish Airlines
  • Royal Jordanian

First class is available with United Airlines.
How do I earn miles on a Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Chennai from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW)?
If you're planning to travel to Chennai from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW), you can fly into Chennai Intl. (MAA) Some flights may connect through major hubs like O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Logan Intl. (BOS), John F. Kennedy Intl. (JFK) before reaching Chennai. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) Chennai Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
If you booked your Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
Destination airport
Chennai Intl.
Airlines serving
Air Canada, Air France, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Swiss International Air Lines, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic
Roundtrip price
$1,022
Distance
8480 mi

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