Domestic Airports In India: A Complete List
Hey guys! Planning a trip within India? Knowing your airports is the first step! India boasts a vast network of domestic airports connecting every corner of the country. Whether you're jetting off to the mountains, beaches, or bustling cities, this comprehensive list of domestic airports in India will be your ultimate guide.
Understanding India's Aviation Landscape
Before diving into the list, let's understand the Indian aviation sector a bit. It's one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally, with increasing passenger traffic and expanding infrastructure. This growth has led to the development of numerous domestic airports, making air travel more accessible and convenient for everyone. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) plays a crucial role in managing and developing most of these airports. They ensure smooth operations, maintain safety standards, and continuously upgrade facilities to meet the growing demands.
Moreover, several private players are also involved in managing and operating airports, contributing to the sector's overall efficiency and modernization. Understanding this landscape helps appreciate the sheer scale and complexity of India's domestic aviation network. Also, you should note that while some airports primarily handle domestic flights, many also serve international routes. In this article, we'll focus on those that have significant domestic operations.
Connectivity is key. India's diverse geography and vast distances make air travel a necessity for many. From the remote northeastern states to the southern tip of Kerala, domestic airports bridge the gaps and bring people closer. This connectivity is not just about convenience; it's also about economic development, tourism promotion, and regional integration. The government's focus on regional connectivity schemes, such as UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik), further emphasizes the importance of domestic airports in making air travel affordable and accessible to the masses. So, whether you're a frequent flyer or planning your first domestic trip, understanding the role and importance of these airports is essential.
State-wise List of Domestic Airports
Alright, let's get to the heart of the matter – the list of domestic airports! I've organized them state-wise for easy navigation. Get ready to bookmark this page!
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh, a state known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful coastline, has several domestic airports facilitating travel within the region and beyond. Here's a quick rundown:
- Visakhapatnam Airport (VTZ): This is a major airport in Andhra Pradesh, connecting Visakhapatnam to various cities across India. It also handles international flights, making it a crucial gateway for both domestic and international travelers. The airport is continuously upgraded to enhance passenger experience and handle increasing traffic.
- Vijayawada Airport (VGA): Located near the capital city, Vijayawada Airport plays a vital role in connecting the region to major hubs. It has seen significant expansion in recent years to accommodate more flights and passengers. The airport's strategic location makes it a convenient option for travelers in the central Andhra Pradesh region.
- Tirupati Airport (TIR): Serving the famous temple town of Tirupati, this airport is crucial for religious tourism. It connects pilgrims from all over India to this sacred destination. The airport's proximity to the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple makes it exceptionally busy, especially during festivals and auspicious occasions.
- Rajamahendravaram Airport (RJA): This airport provides connectivity to the Rajamahendravaram region, facilitating both business and leisure travel. While smaller compared to Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada, it plays a significant role in regional connectivity.
- Kurnool Airport (KJB): Also known as Orvakal Airport, this relatively new airport aims to improve connectivity to the Kurnool district, boosting economic activity and tourism in the region. It is part of the government's initiative to enhance regional air connectivity.
Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh, the land of dawn-lit mountains, has limited but crucial air connectivity. Given its challenging terrain, airports are lifelines for the state.
- Donyi Polo Airport, Itanagar (HGI): The only operational airport in the state, connecting Itanagar to other parts of the country.
Assam
Assam, the gateway to the Northeast, boasts several airports connecting the region to the rest of India. These airports are vital for trade, tourism, and overall connectivity.
- Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati (GAU): This is the primary airport in the Northeast, serving as a major hub for domestic and international flights. It connects Guwahati to various cities across India and Southeast Asia.
- Dibrugarh Airport (DIB): Located in the tea-rich region of Dibrugarh, this airport facilitates travel for business and tourism. It is crucial for connecting Upper Assam to the rest of the country.
- Silchar Airport (IXS): Serving the Barak Valley region, Silchar Airport is essential for connectivity and regional development. It connects Silchar to major cities like Kolkata and Guwahati.
- Lilabari Airport (IXI): Also known as North Lakhimpur Airport, Lilabari Airport provides connectivity to the North Lakhimpur region, supporting trade and tourism.
- Rupsi Airport (RUP): A recently revived airport aimed at improving regional connectivity in western Assam.
Bihar
Bihar, with its historical significance and growing economy, relies on its airports to connect it to the rest of the country.
- Jay Prakash Narayan Airport, Patna (PAT): This is the main airport in Bihar, connecting Patna to major Indian cities. It is named after the famous Indian independence activist Jayaprakash Narayan.
- Gaya Airport (GAY): Primarily known for international flights catering to Buddhist pilgrims, Gaya Airport also handles domestic flights, connecting the region to other parts of India.
- Darbhanga Airport (DBR): A relatively new airport aimed at improving regional connectivity in North Bihar.
- Purnea Airport (PUI): The airport will improve the connectivity of the Seemanchal region.
Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh, a state rich in minerals and natural resources, has airports that support its industrial and economic growth.
- Swami Vivekananda Airport, Raipur (RPR): This is the main airport in Chhattisgarh, connecting Raipur to major Indian cities. It is named after the renowned Indian philosopher Swami Vivekananda.
- Bilaspur Airport (PAB): This airport aims to improve regional connectivity in Chhattisgarh.
- Jagdalpur Airport (JGB): This airport aims to improve regional connectivity in the Bastar region.
Goa
Goa, the popular tourist destination, relies heavily on its airport to handle the influx of tourists from all over India and the world.
- Dabolim Airport (GOI): While primarily an international airport, Dabolim also handles numerous domestic flights, connecting Goa to various Indian cities.
- Mopa Airport (GOX): Also known as Manohar International Airport, this airport is designed to handle the increasing passenger traffic to Goa.
Gujarat
Gujarat, a state known for its industrial prowess and vibrant culture, has a well-developed network of domestic airports.
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad (AMD): While primarily an international airport, Ahmedabad also handles a significant number of domestic flights, connecting Gujarat to major Indian cities.
- Vadodara Airport (BDQ): This airport connects Vadodara to various cities across India, facilitating business and tourism.
- Surat Airport (STV): Surat Airport is crucial for the diamond and textile industries, connecting Surat to other major commercial centers.
- Rajkot Airport (RAJ): A new airport being constructed to replace the old one. The current airport connects Rajkot to various cities across India.
- Bhavnagar Airport (BHU): This airport provides connectivity to the Bhavnagar region, supporting trade and tourism.
- Bhuj Airport (BHJ): Bhuj Airport is essential for connectivity in the Kutch region, supporting both civilian and military operations.
- Jamnagar Airport (JGA): This airport primarily serves military purposes but also handles civilian flights, connecting Jamnagar to other parts of India.
- Kandla Airport (IXY): Also known as Gandhidham Airport, Kandla Airport is vital for the industrial region of Kandla and Gandhidham.
- Porbandar Airport (PBD): This airport connects Porbandar to other cities in Gujarat and beyond, supporting tourism and trade.
Haryana
Haryana, located near the capital, benefits from its proximity to Delhi's airport but also has its own domestic airport.
- Hisar Airport (HSS): This airport is being developed to improve regional connectivity in Haryana.
Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh, the land of scenic beauty, relies on its airports to bring tourists to its picturesque destinations.
- Kullu-Manali Airport, Bhuntar (KUU): This airport connects Kullu and Manali to major Indian cities, making it easier for tourists to visit these popular hill stations. However, it experiences weather-related disruptions.
- Kangra Airport, Gaggal (DHM): Also known as Dharamshala Airport, Kangra Airport connects the region to other parts of India, facilitating tourism and pilgrimage.
- Shimla Airport, Jubbarhatti (SLV): This airport connects Shimla to other cities, but it often faces weather-related challenges due to its location in the hills.
Jharkhand
Jharkhand, rich in mineral resources, uses its airports to support industrial activities and regional connectivity.
- Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi (IXR): This is the main airport in Jharkhand, connecting Ranchi to major Indian cities. It is named after the tribal leader Birsa Munda.
- Deoghar Airport (DGH): This airport aims to improve regional connectivity and facilitate pilgrimage to the Baidyanath Temple.
- Jamshedpur Airport (IXW): This airport caters to the steel city of Jamshedpur and its surrounding industrial areas.
Karnataka
Karnataka, a hub of technology and innovation, has a well-developed aviation infrastructure to support its growing economy.
- Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore (BLR): While primarily an international airport, Bangalore also handles a large number of domestic flights, connecting the city to various parts of India.
- Mangalore International Airport (IXE): Mangalore Airport connects the coastal region of Karnataka to other major cities in India and abroad.
- Hubli Airport (HBX): Hubli Airport is crucial for connectivity in North Karnataka, supporting business and tourism.
- Belgaum Airport (IXG): Also known as Belagavi Airport, Belgaum Airport connects the region to other parts of India.
- Mysore Airport (MYQ): Mysore Airport connects the heritage city of Mysore to other cities, boosting tourism.
- Kalaburagi Airport (GBI): This airport aims to improve regional connectivity in North Karnataka.
- Shivamogga Airport (RQX): This airport aims to improve regional connectivity to the malnad region of Karnataka.
Kerala
Kerala, known for its lush greenery and backwaters, relies on its airports to bring tourists and support its economy.
- Cochin International Airport (COK): While primarily an international airport, Cochin also handles a significant number of domestic flights, connecting Kerala to various Indian cities.
- Trivandrum International Airport (TRV): Trivandrum Airport connects the capital city of Kerala to other major cities in India and abroad.
- Calicut International Airport (CCJ): Calicut Airport is crucial for the Malabar region, connecting it to other parts of India and the Middle East.
- Kannur International Airport (CNN): Kannur Airport is the newest international airport in Kerala, aimed at improving connectivity in the North Malabar region.
Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh, the heart of India, has airports that connect its various regions and support its growing economy.
- Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport, Indore (IDR): This is the main airport in Madhya Pradesh, connecting Indore to major Indian cities. It is named after the Holkar queen Devi Ahilya Bai.
- Raja Bhoj Airport, Bhopal (BHO): Bhopal Airport connects the capital city of Madhya Pradesh to other major cities in India.
- Jabalpur Airport (JLR): Jabalpur Airport is crucial for connectivity in the Mahakoshal region, supporting tourism and business.
- Gwalior Airport (GWL): Gwalior Airport connects the historical city of Gwalior to other parts of India.
- Khajuraho Airport (HJR): This airport primarily caters to tourists visiting the famous Khajuraho temples, connecting the region to other major cities.
Maharashtra
Maharashtra, the economic powerhouse of India, has a well-developed aviation infrastructure to support its industries and tourism.
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai (BOM): While primarily an international airport, Mumbai also handles a massive number of domestic flights, connecting the city to every corner of India.
- Pune Airport (PNQ): Pune Airport connects the cultural and industrial hub of Pune to other major cities in India.
- Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur (NAG): Nagpur Airport connects the city to various parts of India and serves as a crucial cargo hub.
- Shirdi Airport (SAG): This airport primarily caters to pilgrims visiting the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, connecting the region to other major cities.
- Aurangabad Airport (IXU): Aurangabad Airport connects the historical city of Aurangabad to other parts of India, supporting tourism and business.
Manipur
Manipur, located in Northeast India, relies on its airport for connectivity and regional development.
- Imphal Airport (IMF): This is the main airport in Manipur, connecting Imphal to other cities in India.
Meghalaya
Meghalaya, known for its stunning landscapes and heavy rainfall, has limited but essential air connectivity.
- Shillong Airport (SHL): Also known as Umroi Airport, Shillong Airport connects the capital city of Meghalaya to other parts of India.
Mizoram
Mizoram, another northeastern state, depends on its airport for connectivity and regional development.
- Lengpui Airport (AJL): This is the main airport in Mizoram, connecting Aizawl to other cities in India.
Nagaland
Nagaland, with its unique culture and traditions, relies on its airport for connectivity and regional development.
- Dimapur Airport (DMU): This is the main airport in Nagaland, connecting Dimapur to other cities in India.
Odisha
Odisha, known for its ancient temples and coastline, uses its airports to support tourism and economic activities.
- Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (BBI): This is the main airport in Odisha, connecting Bhubaneswar to major Indian cities.
- Jharsuguda Airport (JRG): Also known as Veer Surendra Sai Airport, Jharsuguda Airport connects the industrial region of Jharsuguda to other parts of India.
- Jeypore Airport (PYB): The airport will improve the connectivity of the southern Odisha region.
- Rourkela Airport (RRK): The airport facilitates connectivity to the steel city of Rourkela.
Punjab
Punjab, the land of five rivers, has airports that support its agricultural economy and connect it to the rest of the world.
- Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar (ATQ): While primarily an international airport, Amritsar also handles a significant number of domestic flights, connecting the city to various parts of India.
- Chandigarh International Airport (IXC): Chandigarh Airport connects the city to other major cities in India and abroad.
- Ludhiana Airport (LUH): Ludhiana Airport is crucial for the industrial city of Ludhiana, connecting it to other commercial centers.
- Pathankot Airport (IXP): The airport improves the connectivity of the Pathankot region.
Rajasthan
Rajasthan, the land of kings, relies on its airports to bring tourists to its majestic forts and palaces.
- Jaipur International Airport (JAI): While primarily an international airport, Jaipur also handles a significant number of domestic flights, connecting the city to various parts of India.
- Udaipur Airport (UDR): Udaipur Airport connects the romantic city of Udaipur to other major cities, boosting tourism.
- Jodhpur Airport (JDH): Jodhpur Airport connects the historical city of Jodhpur to other parts of India.
- Jaisalmer Airport (JSA): This airport connects Jaisalmer to various cities across India.
- Bikaner Airport (BKB): The airport improves the connectivity of the Bikaner region.
- Kishangarh Airport (KQH): The airport improves the connectivity of the Ajmer region.
Sikkim
Sikkim, nestled in the Himalayas, has a unique airport that connects it to the rest of India.
- Pakyong Airport (PYG): This airport connects Sikkim to the rest of India.
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu, known for its ancient temples and vibrant culture, has a well-developed aviation infrastructure.
- Chennai International Airport (MAA): While primarily an international airport, Chennai also handles a large number of domestic flights, connecting the city to various parts of India.
- Coimbatore International Airport (CJB): Coimbatore Airport connects the industrial city of Coimbatore to other major cities in India and abroad.
- Madurai Airport (IXM): Madurai Airport connects the temple city of Madurai to other parts of India.
- Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ): Trichy Airport connects the city to various parts of India and Southeast Asia.
- Tuticorin Airport (TCR): Tuticorin Airport improves the connectivity of the Thoothukudi region.
- Salem Airport (SXV): The airport facilitates connectivity to the steel city of Salem.
Telangana
Telangana, the youngest state in India, has a well-developed aviation infrastructure centered around its capital city.
- Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (HYD): While primarily an international airport, Hyderabad also handles a massive number of domestic flights, connecting the city to every corner of India.
- Warangal Airport (WGC): The airport is being developed to improve regional connectivity in Telangana.
Tripura
Tripura, a northeastern state, relies on its airport for connectivity and regional development.
- Agartala Airport (IXA): Also known as Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport, Agartala Airport connects the capital city of Tripura to other parts of India.
Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state in India, has a growing aviation infrastructure to support its economy and tourism.
- Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi (VNS): Varanasi Airport connects the holy city of Varanasi to other major cities in India and abroad.
- Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow (LKO): Lucknow Airport connects the capital city of Uttar Pradesh to other parts of India and the Middle East.
- Kushinagar International Airport (KBK): This airport primarily caters to Buddhist pilgrims visiting Kushinagar, connecting the region to other major cities.
- Agra Airport (AGR): Agra Airport connects the city of the Taj Mahal to other parts of India, boosting tourism.
- Prayagraj Airport (IXD): Prayagraj Airport connects the city of Prayagraj to other cities, improving connectivity for religious and other travel.
- Kanpur Airport (KNU): The airport improves the connectivity of the Kanpur region.
- Bareilly Airport (BEK): The airport improves the connectivity of the Bareilly region.
- Ghaziabad (Hindon) Airport (HDX): The airport primarily serves the Delhi NCR region.
- Ayodhya Airport (AYJ): Also known as Maryada Purushottam Shriram International Airport, this airport will significantly improve connectivity to Ayodhya.
- Shravasti Airport (SAV): This airport will improve connectivity to the Shravasti region.
Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand, the land of gods, relies on its airports to bring pilgrims and tourists to its sacred shrines and scenic destinations.
- Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED): This airport connects Dehradun to major Indian cities, making it easier for tourists and pilgrims to visit the region.
- Pantnagar Airport (PGH): Pantnagar Airport connects the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand to other parts of India.
- Pithoragarh Airport (NNS): Also known as Naini Saini Airport, this airport connects the Pithoragarh region to other cities.
West Bengal
West Bengal, known for its rich culture and historical significance, has airports that connect it to the rest of India and the world.
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (CCU): While primarily an international airport, Kolkata also handles a large number of domestic flights, connecting the city to various parts of India.
- Bagdogra Airport (IXB): Bagdogra Airport connects the Darjeeling and Siliguri region to other major cities, boosting tourism.
- Andal Airport (RDP): Also known as Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport, Andal Airport connects the industrial region of Durgapur to other parts of India.
- Cooch Behar Airport (COH): The airport improves the connectivity of the Cooch Behar region.
Conclusion
So there you have it – a complete list of domestic airports in India! I hope this helps you plan your next trip. Remember to always check for the latest updates on flight schedules and airport facilities before you travel. Safe travels, folks! This comprehensive list should give you a solid understanding of India's domestic aviation network. With new airports constantly being developed and existing ones being upgraded, air travel within India is only set to become more accessible and convenient. Whether you're traveling for business, leisure, or pilgrimage, knowing your airports is the first step towards a smooth and enjoyable journey.