The Madras High Court on Tuesday ordered the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to consult the Ministry of Civil Aviation on whether cinema halls can be allowed inside airport zones secured by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) or in other parts of airport complexes. Justice M. Dhandapani said the Ministry must make a clear policy decision. Meanwhile, the five-screen PVR INOX multiplex at the Aerohub in Chennai airport's unsecured zone can continue operating until then. If the Ministry permits cinemas in unsecured airport areas, AAI should sign a lease directly with PVR INOX, since AAI ended the contract with the multiplex's original lessor, Meenambakkam Realty Private Limited. If the Ministry disallows it, PVR INOX can take legal action against its original lessor. The court also sent a copy of this order to the Ministry for information. The case dates back to 2017 when AAI invited bids to develop Aerohub at Chennai airport. Olympia Techpark won and created Meenambakkam Realty, which signed a 15-year deal to build and operate the facility. After all clearances, the Aerohub was built, including the five-screen multiplex. PVR INOX took a sub-license in November 2022 and started shows in February 2023 for 13.5 years. However, on July 21, 2023, AAI told Meenambakkam Realty to close the multiplex, citing the AAI Act of 1994 which forbids cinemas in airport complexes. Two years later, on May 15, 2025, Meenambakkam Realty informed PVR INOX that AAI terminated their agreement and planned to run Aerohub itself. PVR INOX approached the Madras High Court, which gave an interim order to keep the multiplex open. After detailed hearings, the court gave its ruling on Tuesday.