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$478 Cheap Flights from New York (JFK) to Chennai (MAA)

View $478 flight on Thu, Sep 10, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from John F. Kennedy Intl. Airport (JFK) to Chennai International Airport (MAA)

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Cheap Flights from New York to Chennai (JFK-MAA)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $478 for one-way flights and $818 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Air India
Thu, Sep 17 - Sun, Nov 1
JFK
New York
MAA
Chennai
$818 Roundtrip, found 22 hours ago
$818
Roundtrip
found 22 hours ago
Select Air India flight, departing Thu, Sep 17 from New York to Chennai, returning Sun, Nov 1, priced at $818 found 22 hours ago
Etihad Airways
Thu, Sep 10 - Fri, Oct 2
JFK
New York
MAA
Chennai
$841 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$841
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Etihad Airways flight, departing Thu, Sep 10 from New York to Chennai, returning Fri, Oct 2, priced at $841 found 1 hour ago
Qatar Airways
Wed, Oct 14 - Thu, Oct 29
JFK
New York
MAA
Chennai
$892 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$892
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Qatar Airways flight, departing Wed, Oct 14 from New York to Chennai, returning Thu, Oct 29, priced at $892 found 1 hour ago
Gulf Air
Wed, Oct 7 - Thu, Oct 22
JFK
New York
MAA
Chennai
$892 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$892
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Gulf Air flight, departing Wed, Oct 7 from New York to Chennai, returning Thu, Oct 22, priced at $892 found 3 hours ago
British Airways
Wed, Feb 10 - Wed, Feb 24
JFK
New York
MAA
Chennai
$927 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$927
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select British Airways flight, departing Wed, Feb 10 from New York to Chennai, returning Wed, Feb 24, priced at $927 found 3 hours ago
Emirates
Wed, Oct 14 - Thu, Oct 29
JFK
New York
MAA
Chennai
$1,003 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$1,003
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Emirates flight, departing Wed, Oct 14 from New York to Chennai, returning Thu, Oct 29, priced at $1,003 found 1 hour ago
Turkish Airlines
Wed, Feb 3 - Wed, Feb 17
JFK
New York
MAA
Chennai
$1,040 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$1,040
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Turkish Airlines flight, departing Wed, Feb 3 from New York to Chennai, returning Wed, Feb 17, priced at $1,040 found 3 hours ago
Kuwait Airways
Tue, Jun 1 - Wed, Jun 30
JFK
New York
MAA
Chennai
$1,121 Roundtrip, found 7 hours ago
$1,121
Roundtrip
found 7 hours ago
Select Kuwait Airways flight, departing Tue, Jun 1 from New York to Chennai, returning Wed, Jun 30, priced at $1,121 found 7 hours ago
Singapore Airlines
Tue, Feb 2 - Tue, Feb 23
JFK
New York
MAA
Chennai
$1,159 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$1,159
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Singapore Airlines flight, departing Tue, Feb 2 from New York to Chennai, returning Tue, Feb 23, priced at $1,159 found 3 hours ago
KLM
Sat, Oct 10 - Sat, Oct 24
JFK
New York
MAA
Chennai
$1,186 Roundtrip, found 6 hours ago
$1,186
Roundtrip
found 6 hours ago
Select KLM flight, departing Sat, Oct 10 from New York to Chennai, returning Sat, Oct 24, priced at $1,186 found 6 hours ago

Alternative airports near Chennai

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

Select flight to Chennai Intl. MAA. Cheapest and Closest option available. Average driving time to city center is 9 minutes. Flights from $1,000
MAA
Chennai Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center9 min
Flights from $1,000

What you need to know for your flight from John F. Kennedy Intl. to Chennai Intl.

New York (JFK) to Chennai (MAA) at a glance

Travel from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Chennai International Airport (MAA) with a variety of airline options. Whether you're looking for full-service or budget-friendly carriers, you can compare flight rates to find the best fit for your travel plans and budget. Discover essential information about flight times and details for your journey to explore Chennai's renowned attractions and vibrant neighborhoods.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 16h 45m in-flight, plus roughly 2h 30m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 8,400 miles (13,520 km)
  • Flights per week: around 14 flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $360–$1145, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Chennai International Airport (MAA)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from New York to Chennai, especially for one-stop and multi-stop journeys. Popular layover options include Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) with a layover of about 1 hour and 45 minutes, Dubai International Airport (DXB) at approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes, and Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) with a 5-hour layover. These choices allow you to combine factors like price, total travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal itinerary.

  • Etihad Airways: This full-service airline provides a one-stop travel option, with one-way ticket prices generally between $365 and $2740. It represents about 31% of all departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 16 hours and 45 minutes, with a total travel time of approximately 19 hours and 30 minutes, including layover.
  • Air India: Offering a full-service experience with one-stop flights, Air India’s one-way fares typically fall within the range of $360 to $2465. It accounts for around 21% of departures on this route, with an in-air time of 16 hours and 45 minutes, resulting in a total journey time of about 19 hours and 30 minutes, including layover.
  • Emirates: A premium full-service carrier, Emirates provides both one-stop and multi-stop options, with one-way fares generally ranging from $485 to $1740. It makes up about 14% of departures for this route, featuring a typical one-stop flight time of 16 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total travel duration of roughly 19 hours and 30 minutes.
  • American Airlines: As a full-service airline, American Airlines offers one-stop flights with one-way fares typically priced between $370 and $1070. It holds approximately 9% of all departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 16 hours and 45 minutes, culminating in a total journey time of around 19 hours and 30 minutes when accounting for layover.
  • Qatar Airways: This full-service carrier provides one-stop service with one-way fares usually ranging from $400 to $1340. It represents about 8% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 16 hours and 45 minutes, which results in a total travel time of approximately 19 hours and 30 minutes, including layover.

Travelers flying from New York to Chennai have the option to upgrade their flight experience. Top airlines include Etihad Airways with its business class, while Air India provides both business class and premium economy. British Airways also offers business class and premium economy for those seeking enhanced travel.

Best time to fly from New York (JFK) to Chennai (MAA)

The most popular months for travelers flying from New York to Chennai are January, March, and December, when peak temperatures in Chennai reach up to 82.6°F in March. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 84.7°F. For better deals, March usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $627. Flight availability peaks in December, with approximately 18 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. February has the fewest flights, with approximately 11 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: March usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $627, roughly 26% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: August typically offers an average one-way fare of around $654.
  • Most flight options: December has the highest number of flights from New York to Chennai, with approximately 18 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)Moderately High14$889
February78.8°F (26.0°C)Average11$937
March82.6°F (28.1°C)Moderately High14$627
April86.5°F (30.3°C)Average12$829
May89.6°F (32.0°C)Moderately Low12$779
June88.9°F (31.6°C)Average13$809
July86.9°F (30.5°C)Average16$992
August85.6°F (29.8°C)Average14$654
September84.7°F (29.3°C)Moderately Low12$716
October83.1°F (28.4°C)Moderately Low13$911
November79.7°F (26.5°C)Average16$913
December77.7°F (25.4°C)Moderately High18$1216

*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 New York (JFK) to Chennai (MAA)

  • New York to Chennai (LGA-MAA): LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is approximately 10 miles from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), making transfers convenient for travelers.
  • New York to Tirupati (JFK-TIR): Located around 61 miles from Chennai International Airport (MAA), Tirupati Airport (TIR) serves as a vital connection point for flights heading to this sacred city.
  • Newark Liberty Intl. Airport to Tirupati (EWR-TIR): Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) lies about 21 miles from JFK, while Tirupati Airport (TIR) is approximately 61 miles from Chennai International Airport (MAA), facilitating diverse travel options.

How to find the best prices for flights from New York (JFK) to Chennai (MAA)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from New York 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 usually found when booking within two weeks, although most travelers tend to book their flights two to eight weeks in advance. Morning departures between 5 a.m. and 12 p.m. typically offer lower prices, while evening flights from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Wednesday generally provides cheaper options, even though 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 John F. Kennedy International Airport

Chennai welcomes travelers from New York with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, John F. Kennedy International Airport is roughly a 25-minute drive (covering about 14 miles) from central New York. 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, the Chennai International Airport Metro Station (a metro station) is located about 0.1 miles away on foot, while the Chennai Tirusulam Station (a train station) is approximately 0.2 miles away on foot as well. For those traveling by car, Chennai Seaport (a seaport) is situated about 5.8 miles from the airport.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $478 and cheap return flights from $818 New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $483 and $5721, and roundtrip flights usually range from $855 to $8132. 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 New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) 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 New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
September is the cheapest month to fly from New York to Chennai, with average return fares around $870. This price is about 26% lower than the average throughout the year, as travel demand tends to decrease after the summer peak. Other budget-friendly months to consider are March and October.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
Enter JFK to MAA and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
United is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.), with round-trip tickets starting from around $733. 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 New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) 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 New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
When flying from New York (JFK) to Chennai (MAA), September and October are your best bets. Return flights during these months average around $870, providing a great combination of price and availability. September is particularly favorable as it offers pleasant weather in Chennai, enhancing your travel experience.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
The earliest flight from New York (JFK) to Chennai (MAA) typically departs at around 12:05 AM, operated by EVA Airways and Air India. This seasonal service runs from January to March and November to December, allowing you to maximize your time in Chennai upon arrival. 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 New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Chennai (MAA) are in the late evening, from 9pm to midnight. About 38% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, and Emirates, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to enjoy a full day in New York before your flight and arrive in Chennai the next morning ready to explore.
How long does it take to fly from New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
Flying from JFK to MAA with a connection usually takes about 22 hours 30 minutes, traveling roughly 8,374 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 New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
Business class seats are offered on the JFK to MAA route. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

  • British Airways
  • Singapore Airlines
  • Emirates
  • Etihad Airways
  • Air India
  • Swiss International Air Lines
  • Air France
  • American Airlines
  • Lufthansa
  • Virgin Atlantic

First class cabins are available on:

  • Emirates
  • Swiss International Air Lines
  • Lufthansa
  • Etihad Airways

How do I earn miles on a New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) 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 John F. Kennedy Intl. (JFK)?
From John F. Kennedy Intl. (JFK), you can fly into Chennai Intl. (MAA) to reach Chennai. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Heathrow (LHR), Frankfurt Intl. (FRA), ZRH (ZRH) 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 New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) 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 New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) 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 New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
If you booked your New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) 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
John F. Kennedy Intl.
Destination airport
Chennai Intl.
Airlines serving
Air France, Air India, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, IndiGo, KLM, LOT-Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic
Roundtrip price
$818
Distance
8373 mi

Book with confidence

New York to Chennai Flights

The cheapest times to fly from New York to Chennai

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from New York to Chennai are during the month of September. You can find some of the cheapest flights from New York to Chennai with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from New York to Chennai

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from New York to Chennai: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

 

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from New York to Chennai

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from New York to Chennai in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $478 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

 

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap New York to Chennai flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

 

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your New York to Chennai airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

 

*Terms apply.

 

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.

 

New York to Chennai Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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