India’s aviation infrastructure is a vital component of its transportation network, connecting the country’s vast and diverse landscape both domestically and internationally. With over 100 domestic airports and 35 international airports , India ensures seamless travel for millions of passengers annually. These airports serve as gateways to major cities, remote regions, and global destinations, playing a pivotal role in tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. In this article, we will explore the domestic and international airports in India, their roles, facilities, significance, and detailed descriptions of each category.
Overview of Airports in India
Importance of Air Travel in India
Air travel is essential for India due to its size, population, and geographic diversity. The country’s airports cater to a wide range of needs, from business travelers and tourists to pilgrims and students. The Indian government has actively promoted aviation growth through initiatives like the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which enhances regional connectivity by developing underserved and unserved airports.
The aviation sector in India is growing rapidly, with new airports being developed and existing ones undergoing modernization to meet increasing passenger demand. This expansion ensures that even remote areas are connected to major cities and international hubs.
Categories of Airports in India
Airports in India can be categorized into two main types:
- Domestic Airports: These airports handle flights within India, connecting cities, towns, and regions. They range from large metropolitan hubs to smaller regional airstrips.
- International Airports: These airports facilitate global travel, connecting India to destinations worldwide. They are equipped with customs and immigration facilities to handle international passengers.
List of International Airports in India
India has 35 international airports , strategically located across various states and union territories. Below is a detailed list of these airports, along with their locations, significance, and unique features:
1. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
- City/State: Hyderabad, Telangana
- Significance: A major hub for South India, serving both domestic and international flights. Known for its modern infrastructure and efficiency.
- Facilities: Duty-free shopping, lounges, Wi-Fi, and dining options.
- Connectivity: Flights to the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America.
2. Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport
- City/State: Amritsar, Punjab
- Significance: A key airport for Sikh pilgrims traveling to the Golden Temple. Connects Punjab to destinations in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
- Facilities: Prayer rooms, lounges, and car rental services.
- Connectivity: Popular routes include Dubai, Singapore, and London.
3. Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport
- City/State: Guwahati, Assam
- Significance: The largest airport in Northeast India, acting as a gateway to the region’s cultural and natural attractions.
- Facilities: Baggage handling, ATMs, and currency exchange counters.
- Connectivity: Flights to Bangkok, Paro (Bhutan), and other international destinations.
4. Biju Patnaik International Airport
- City/State: Bhubaneswar, Odisha
- Significance: Serves as a vital link for tourism and business in Eastern India, connecting Odisha to international destinations.
- Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, lounges, and shopping outlets.
- Connectivity: Routes to the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
5. Gaya Airport
- City/State: Gaya, Bihar
- Significance: Primarily serves Buddhist pilgrims visiting Bodh Gaya, one of the holiest sites for Buddhism.
- Facilities: Basic amenities like parking, restrooms, and snack counters.
- Connectivity: Flights to Thailand, Myanmar, and other Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
6. Indira Gandhi International Airport
- City/State: New Delhi, Delhi
- Significance: The busiest airport in India and a major international hub, connecting Delhi to cities worldwide.
- Facilities: State-of-the-art terminals, lounges, duty-free shops, and multi-cuisine restaurants.
- Connectivity: Extensive global network covering North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
7. Veer Savarkar International Airport
- City/State: Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Significance: The only airport in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, facilitating international travel to this remote archipelago.
- Facilities: Basic amenities like baggage handling and parking.
- Connectivity: Limited international flights to neighboring countries.
8. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport
- City/State: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Significance: A key airport for Western India, serving both business and leisure travelers.
- Facilities: Lounges, free Wi-Fi, and shopping outlets.
- Connectivity: Flights to the Middle East, Europe, and North America.
9. Kempegowda International Airport
- City/State: Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Significance: One of the busiest airports in South India, serving as a hub for IT professionals and tourists.
- Facilities: Modern terminals, lounges, and extensive shopping options.
- Connectivity: Routes to the US, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
10. Cochin International Airport
- City/State: Kochi, Kerala
- Significance: The first airport in India developed under a public-private partnership model. A major hub for international tourists visiting Kerala.
- Facilities: Solar-powered terminal, lounges, and duty-free shops.
- Connectivity: Flights to the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
11. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
- City/State: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Significance: India’s second-busiest airport and a major global aviation hub.
- Facilities: World-class amenities, lounges, and dining options.
- Connectivity: Extensive global network covering North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
12. Kushinagar Airport
- City/State: Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh
- Significance: A new international airport catering to Buddhist pilgrims visiting the site of Lord Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana.
- Facilities: Basic amenities like parking and restrooms.
- Connectivity: Flights to Thailand, Myanmar, and other Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
List of Domestic Airports in India
India has over 100 domestic airports , ranging from bustling metropolitan hubs to smaller regional airstrips. Below is a comprehensive list of some key domestic airports, categorized by state/union territory:
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Veer Savarkar International Airport (Port Blair): Civil Enclave, IATA Code – IXZ
- Significance: Connects the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to mainland India.
- Facilities: Basic amenities like parking, restrooms, and snack counters.
Andhra Pradesh
- Kadapa Airport (Kadapa): Commercial, IATA Code – CDP
- Significance: Serves the southern districts of Andhra Pradesh.
- Facilities: Parking, restrooms, and basic dining options.
- Vijayawada Airport (Vijayawada): Commercial, IATA Code – VGA
- Significance: A major hub for Central Andhra Pradesh.
- Facilities: Lounges, free Wi-Fi, and shopping outlets.
Assam
- Dibrugarh Airport (Dibrugarh): Commercial, IATA Code – DIB
- Significance: Connects Upper Assam to major cities in India.
- Facilities: Basic amenities like parking and restrooms.
- Jorhat Airport (Jorhat): Civil Enclave, IATA Code – JRH
- Significance: Serves the tea-growing belt of Assam.
- Facilities: Snack counters and parking facilities.
Bihar
- Gaya Airport (Gaya): Customs, Commercial, IATA Code – GAY
- Significance: A key airport for Buddhist pilgrims visiting Bodh Gaya.
- Facilities: Basic amenities like parking and restrooms.
Delhi
- Indira Gandhi International Airport (New Delhi): Commercial, IATA Code – DEL
- Significance: The busiest airport in India, serving as a hub for domestic and international flights.
- Facilities: State-of-the-art terminals, lounges, and duty-free shops.
Gujarat
- Vadodara Airport (Vadodara): Commercial, IATA Code – BDQ
- Significance: Serves the cultural capital of Gujarat.
- Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, lounges, and dining options.
- Surat Airport (Surat): General Aviation
- Significance: Recently upgraded to handle domestic flights.
- Facilities: Basic amenities like parking and restrooms.
Karnataka
- Mysore Airport (Mysore): Commercial, IATA Code – MYQ
- Significance: Connects Mysore to major cities in South India.
- Facilities: Parking, restrooms, and snack counters.
- Hubli Airport (Hubli): Commercial, IATA Code – HBX
- Significance: Serves North Karnataka.
- Facilities: Basic amenities like parking and restrooms.
Kerala
- Thoothukudi Airport (Thoothukudi): Commercial, IATA Code – TCR
- Significance: Connects Southern Tamil Nadu to major cities.
- Facilities: Parking, restrooms, and snack counters.
- Salem Airport (Salem): Commercial, IATA Code – SXV
- Significance: Serves the industrial city of Salem.
- Facilities: Basic amenities like parking and restrooms.
Maharashtra
- Aurangabad Airport (Aurangabad): Commercial, IATA Code – IXU
- Significance: Connects Aurangabad to major cities in India.
- Facilities: Lounges, free Wi-Fi, and dining options.
- Nashik Airport (Nashik): Commercial, IATA Code – ISK
- Significance: Serves the wine capital of India.
- Facilities: Basic amenities like parking and restrooms.
Tamil Nadu
- Coimbatore International Airport (Coimbatore): Commercial, IATA Code – CJB
- Significance: A major hub for South India.
- Facilities: Lounges, free Wi-Fi, and shopping outlets.
- Madurai Airport (Madurai): Commercial, IATA Code – IXM
- Significance: Connects Madurai to major cities in India.
- Facilities: Basic amenities like parking and restrooms.
Conclusion
India’s domestic and international airports form the backbone of its aviation infrastructure, ensuring seamless connectivity across the country and the world. From bustling hubs like Delhi and Mumbai to emerging regional airports under the UDAN scheme, these airports cater to diverse needs—be it business travel, tourism, or pilgrimage.
Plan your journey today and experience the convenience and efficiency of India’s air travel network!
FAQs About Airports in India
- How many airports are there in India?
There are over 100 domestic airports and 35 international airports in India. - Which is the busiest airport in India?
Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi) is the busiest in terms of passenger traffic. - What is the UDAN scheme?
UDAN aims to improve regional air connectivity by subsidizing flights to underserved areas. - Are meals provided on domestic flights?
Meals depend on the airline and ticket type; budget carriers may charge extra for food. - Do airports have free Wi-Fi?
Most major airports provide free Wi-Fi for passengers. - What documents do I need for domestic/international travel?
For domestic travel, valid ID proof and e-ticket/boarding pass are required. For international travel, a passport and visa are mandatory. - How early should I arrive at the airport?
Arrive at least 2 hours before departure for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights. - Are pets allowed on flights?
Yes, but prior approval and proper documentation are required. - What happens if my flight gets delayed?
Airlines typically inform passengers via SMS or email; check updates on their app or website. - Can I carry liquids in hand baggage?
Liquids must be in containers of 100 ml or less and placed in a transparent resealable bag.