There are over 25 international airports in India, connecting East and South Asian destinations with destinations in the Middle East and the West. Some of them are the busiest and largest airports in the world, with world-class facilities. Others are growing at a fast rate.
This list takes a look at the facilities you can expect at these airports, including retiring rooms, Food courts, eVisa facilities, VIP rooms, and more. This list will tell you what to expect at India’s major international airports.
1. Visakhapatnam International Airport
City Served: Visakhapatnam (also called Vizag)
State: Andhra Pradesh
IATA Code: VTZ
Vizag Airport is fast-growing and serves international airlines AirAsia (to KL), Air India (to Dubai) and Scoot (to Singapore) on the east coast. It lies near Gajuwaka, around 7 km from the Visakhapatnam city centre served by most 38-series APSRTC buses.
The airport has the largest terminal among Tier-II cities, with duty-free shops and restaurants on the second floor. Most commercial services run from 8 am to 8 pm. Travelers from 162 countries can enjoy eVisa on Arrival. The exclusive CIP Lounge on the 1st floor of International Departures offers WiFi, food and (non-alcoholic) beverages. Local SIM cards are available at kiosks near the Exits.
2. Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBI)
City Served: Guwahati
State: Assam
IATA Code: GAU
Located in Borjhar, around 26 km from the capital of Assam, Dispur, LGBI Airport currently hosts direct international flights to Bangkok-DMK and Ho Chi Minh City and is a stopover for flights from Paro, Bhutan to Singapore. It is connected to the city centre by ASTC Volvo AC buses, prepaid and post-paid taxis, and UBER cabs. There is a currency exchange and Tourist Information Area in the Arrivals Area as well as transit rooms for a small fee.
Free WiFi is available at the airport for up to 30 minutes. ATM machines are located inside and outside the terminals. The Departures Area has a newsstand and a few souvenir shops.
3. Indira Gandhi International Airport
City Served: Delhi NCR
State: Delhi
IATA Code: DEL
Indira Gandhi International Airport’s Terminal 3 is one of the largest in the world and lies 16 km from the city. It is well-connected via the New Delhi Metro, car rentals, UBER cars, prepaid taxis, and buses. It is serviced by airlines including British Airways, JAL, Singapore Airlines, Saudia, Korean Air, etc.
Services available include restaurants and bars, ATMs, currency exchange, Duty-Free shopping, beauty services, tour and hotel booking kiosks, Pet N’Fly and SIM card kiosks near the exit gates. The airport features Premium lounges, as well as an airport hotel at Holiday Inn Express at Terminal 3. eVisa counters, are available for tourists.
If you are coming for Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh or Dharamsala, you will need to buy the International ticket to Delhi and will be coming to this airport.
4. Dabolim Airport
City Served: Dabolim
State: Goa
IATA Code: GOI
Dabolim Airport lies 29 km (or 40 mins by taxi) from the capital of Goa, Panaji, and handles a tenth of India’s passenger traffic. Terminal 2 usually handles only charter international flights from Kuwait, UK, Russia, and Sharjah. Transport options include shuttle, prepaid taxi, local buses connected to Vasco da Gama and other cities, car rental and train stations (at Margao and Vasco da Gama.) Calangute beach is 38 km away and best reached by cab.
Passengers at Terminal 2 enjoy some basic services including international money exchange, some duty-free shops, tourist and taxi information counters, hotel reservation counters and snack bars. Growing traffic has necessitated a new airport being built at Mopa. eVisa is offered here.
For Goa Yoga Teacher Training, you will need to come to this airport. You can take a direct flight or you can also take a domestic flight from Mumbai, Bengaluru or Chennai.
5. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport
City Served: Ahmedabad
State: Gujarat
IATA Code: AMD
Ahmedabad International Airport sits 9 km north of the city centre, connected by car rentals, pre-paid and post-paid taxis, free shuttles operated by some hotels. Local bus services run by AMTS are only recommended if you’re comfortable with local travel.
Passengers enjoy currency exchange services, limited duty-free shops with perfumes, fashion and gift items, childcare rooms and spa services at the airport. The new Plaza Premium lounge at the International Departure area of Terminal 2 services business class and first-class passengers. The airport caters to flights to Sharjah (Air Arabia), Dubai (Emirates), Doha (Qatar Airways), Paro (Druk Air), Singapore (Singapore Airlines), etc.
6. Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport
City Served: Srinagar
State: Jammu & Kashmir
IATA Code: SXR
Srinagar Airport lies 12 km to the south of Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, and is connected via taxi and bus services. Passengers have the use of a paid government-operated bus service from the airport to the Tourist Resource Centre at Lal Chowk. The airport is designated as International, although it hasn’t seen international flights since September 2018 barring Hajj flights operated by SpiceJet and Air India. The airport is small with an integrated terminal.
Passengers can enjoy food joints like Pizza Hut and KFC. Night operations are not currently supported.
7. Kempegowda International Airport
City Served: Bengaluru
State: Karnataka
IATA Code: BLR
Serving the city of Bengaluru nearly 40 km away, the Kempegowda International Airport is one of India’s busiest. Airlines hosted include Air Arabia, Air France, Air India, Air Mauritius, British Airways, Cathay Dragon, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad, Gulf Air, JAL, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines and others. The airport offers e-Tourist Visa facilities for up to 30 days.
Terminal 1 serves international and domestic flights across two floors, including Airbus A380. Passengers enjoy the service of an International Departure Lounge with live food counters and business centre, a VIP lounge, Duty-Free services, and food and beverages. The airport offers free WiFi, buggy service for seniors and kids, wheelchair access at Arrival and Departure.
8. Mangalore International Airport
City Served: Mangalore
State: Karnataka
IATA Code: IXE
Mangalore International Airport operates Air India Express flights to Abu Dhabi, Doha, Bahrain, Dubai, Muscat, and Kuwait. The older terminal operates Hajj flights. It also serves international charter flights. Located 13 km from the Mangalore city center, the airport is connected via a bus service operated by KSRTC to the Central Railway Station. Prepaid taxis are available 24/7 to the city.
The airport is small, with limited services. Passengers have access to free WiFi for 30 minutes, foreign exchange services, limited Duty-Free shops, and souvenir stands, baby care facilities, ATM cash machines, as well as food and drink kiosks with varying operational hours. The airport also offers postal services at the Departures area and a prayer room.
9. Trivandrum International Airport
City Served: Thiruvananthapuram
State: Kerala
IATA Code: TRV
Trivandrum Airport has a small international Terminal 2, located 3.7 km from the city centre and connected by local buses, car rentals, auto-rickshaws, and taxis. The airport serves airlines like Air Arabia, Emirates, Gulf Air, Kuwait Airlines, Scoot, and Oman Air, largely to the Middle East. Passengers enjoy the services of some eaters and shops. Free WiFi is available for 45 minutes, but passengers may need a local SIM to log in.
The Bird Lounge at Terminal 2 is available through a membership program. Passengers will also find ATMs, child care room, currency exchange, luggage wrapping facilities, medical services, and a smoking lounge. eVisa services are available.
10. Cochin International Airport
City Served: Kochi
State: Kerala
IATA Code: COK
Kochi Airport is Kerala’s largest and one of India’s most busy international airports, 25 km from Kochi at Nedumbassery. Terminal 3 serves international airlines including Air Arabia, AirAsia, Air India, Arkia, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Kuwait Airways, SilkAir, Saudia, and Qatar Airways. The new Terminal 3 has expanded to 10 customs counters, a shopping complex with Duty-Free shops, 3 bank counters, and a VIP lounge on the ground level. WiFi is free for 30 minutes.
On the second level, there are 10 e-Tourist Visa counters, moving walkways, and 5 health check counters. Departures at level 3 have 40 emigration counters, a large area of Duty-Free shops, 3 VIP lounges, two prayers rooms. The fourth level has a restaurant, smoking lounge, food court, bar, airline executive lounges, and rest area. Several hotels are nearby, including Hotel Royal Wings and Flora Airport Hotel with a free shuttle service. Kochi Airport has eVisa facilities for tourists.
11. Calicut International Airport
City Served: Kozhikode
State: Kerala
IATA Code: CCJ
Calicut International Airport lies 28 km from Kozhikode in Karipur and is reachable by the FlyBus, pre-paid taxis, Ola cabs, train, and car rental via NH-966 and NH-66. International airlines served to include Air Arabia, Etihad Airways, FlyDubai, Gulf Air, Saudia and Oman Air.
The airport is small and facilities are limited to a few food stalls and shops, none of them open 24 hours. Free WiFi is available in some areas, such as the SHA and International Check-In areas. Economy passengers can use the airport lounge on pay-per-use. Several hotels are located nearby.
Also available are ATMs, baby care facilities in the International Arrivals and the Check-In area, currency exchange at Departures and Arrivals, Duty-Free shops, luggage wrapping, medical services, and prayer rooms.
12. Kannur International Airport
City Served: Kannur
State: Kerala
IATA Code: CNN
Kerala’s fourth and newest airport, Kannur International Airport is 30 km from Kannur and 3 km from Mattanur. It is connected by KSRTC buses, trains, E-Auto, and pre-paid taxis. The airport caters to international flights to the Gulf area, largely serving the Non-resident Keralites who live there.
Passengers at the airport will enjoy facilities like self baggage drop counters, self-check-in machines, ATMs outside International Arrival exit gates, food courts, baggage wrap services, money exchange, baby care, medical care, and Pre-paid taxi services. Some retail shops and an expanding Duty-Free shopping area and lounges are upcoming.
13. Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport
City Served: Indore
State: Madhya Pradesh
IATA Code: IDR
Indore Airport lies 8 km from Indore city centre and is the busiest airport in central India. It is connected to the city via taxis, car rental, Ola cabs, city buses, and auto-rickshaws. The integrated terminal features two ATMs, food court and retail stalls that are expanding to support the growth plans for the airport. Passengers flying International will find very rudimentary services, but some flights to the Gulf may be operational soon.
14. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
City Served: Mumbai
State: Maharashtra
IATA Code: BOM
Mumbai Airport is India’s second-busiest and located across the Santa Cruz suburbs about 22 km from the city centre. It is connected to the city by prepaid taxis, Ola and Uber cabs, and local train services around 10 minutes away at Andheri station. The airport connects to the west, serving Air Canada, Air France, British Airways, EgyptAir, El Al, Air Tanzania, Gulf Air, Iran Air, Lufthansa, and others.
Passengers will enjoy modern services at Terminal 2, with plenty of 24/7 eateries and retail shops. Economy passengers can pay to enter several lounges, which feature shower services. Many chairs have reclining designs for a nap on a layover, although the airside is more comfortable than the landside. Transit hotel and sleeping pods are available at the airport. Free WiFi is available but needs an Indian number for an access code, or you can get a WiFi voucher from the Information Desk.
Other facilities include post office services at Arrivals exit landside, baby care facilities, children’s play area, luggage storage, and wrapping, medical services and pharmacy, ATMs, currency exchange, prayer rooms, and Duty-Free shopping. Spa & salon services and showers at the Aviserv Lounge are available. E-Tourist Visa is also available here.
15. Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport
City Served: Nagpur
State: Maharashtra
IATA Code: NAG
Serving the city of Nagpur around 8 km from the centre, the Nagpur International Airport caters to Air Arabia and Qatar Airways, with flights to Sharjah and Doha. The airport is small, with a single terminal and it’s connected to the city by taxis and buses. Passengers will enjoy free WiFi, some eateries, pay-per-use lounges in the Departures area.
Passengers also have access to baby care facilities, ATMs, currency exchange, some small Duty-Free shops, vending machines, medical services, and a pharmacy. There are no luggage storage lockers available. Car rentals can be booked at the Arrivals hall and the city bus service caters to the bus stop at the south end.
16. Biju Patnaik International Airport
City Served: Bhubaneswar
State: Orissa
IATA Code: BBI
Bhubaneswar International Airport is 4 km from Bhubaneswar railway station, easy to reach via auto-rickshaws and taxis. The airport is connected to Kuala Lumpur via AirAsia, and also serves British Airways, Srilankan Airlines, and Singapore Airlines currently. Passengers will find a small airport with an older Terminal 2 serving international passengers. Facilities include free WiFi for 30 minutes, shops and eateries. Economy passengers can pay for the airport lounge access. Transit passengers can pay for day rooms.
Other facilities include ATMs, daycare rooms, currency exchange, restaurants, medical services retail shops across the airport, smoking room and spa.
17. Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport
City Served: Amritsar
State: Punjab
IATA Code: ATQ
Amritsar International Airport has located 11 km from the city, connected by taxis, Uber and Ola cabs, local buses, autos, and will soon connect via the Amritsar Metrobus. Airlines serving the airport include AirAsia X, Air India to Birmingham and London-Stansted, Air India Express, Malindo Air to KL, Scoot to Singapore, Uzbekistan Airways to Tashkent and Turkmenistan Airlines to Ashgabat.
Passengers will find a small, modern airport with limited shops and eaters. Free WiFi is available for 30 minutes, and an internet card can be purchased at the Help Desk. Seating is limited as well. Some hotels nearby offer free shuttle services such as Park Inn by Radisson, and VIP lounges with business services are also available. Other facilities include ATMs, children’s play area, currency exchange, Duty-Free shops, information desk, and medical services.
18. Jaipur International Airport
City Served: Jaipur
State: Rajasthan
IATA Code: JAI
Jaipur International Airport lies 13 km from Jaipur in Sanganer, connected to international destinations like Sharjah, Dubai, KL, Bangkok and Muscat. Pre-paid taxis and metro connectivity make the airport accessible.
The airport is small but modern and clean, with some food concessions and shops. The Departures area pre-immigration area on the first floor offer 24-hour dining, several retail shops, power outlets, and a first-class lounge that economy passengers can pay to enter.
Several airport hotels (some with free or paid shuttle) are located within a kilometer of the airport. Free WiFi is available but needs a local SIM card. Other services include ATMs, child care rooms, currency exchange, Duty-Free shopping, luggage storage, medical services near Arrivals, postal services and smoking room on the 2nd floor.
19. Chennai International Airport
City Served: Chennai
State: Tamil Nadu
IATA Code: MAA
Chennai International Airport’s International Terminal can seem outdated, and passengers are not allowed in the departure areas more than three hours before their flights. But there are hotels nearby within quick shuttle rides. The airport lies 21 km from the city centre, and is connected by prepaid taxis, airport metro station, and a shuttle service between the metro station and terminals.
The airport has food stalls, rest areas, lounges under membership programs, free WiFi for 45 minutes requiring an Indian mobile phone for login, ATMs, baby changing facilities, currency exchange, Duty-Free shops, luggage storage, food & beverage, luggage wrapping, medical services, pharmacy, post office and a prayer room Airside in the International Terminal. eVisa for Tourists is also offered here.
20. Coimbatore International Airport
City Served: Coimbatore
State: Tamil Nadu
IATA Code: CJB
Coimbatore international airport is connected to the cities of Sharjah, Singapore, and Colombo via international airlines. The airport is located about 10 km from the city and can be reached by frequent buses. It is 11 km from the Coimbatore railway station. Auto rickshaws, call taxis and cabs are also available 24/7.
Passengers will find a small airport with limited shops and eateries, and WiFi that is only free for 15 minutes. Restrooms for transit passengers are available for a fee. There are several hotels located five to six minutes from the airport, some may have an airport shuttle. Other services include ATMs, baby care rooms, foreign exchange, duty-free shopping, information desk, luggage wrapping, medical services, and a smoking room.
21. Tiruchirappalli International Airport
City Served: Tiruchirappali
State: Tamil Nadu
IATA Code: TRZ
Trichy Airport is one of India’s busiest and the second-largest in Tamil Nadu in terms of volume. It is connected to international destinations by AirAsia, Air India Express, Malindo Air, Scoot, and Sri Lankan Airlines. The airport is accessible by city buses and exclusive airport buses.
Passengers enjoy VIP lounges and a CIP lounge but there is no fee-based lounge. Some food and beverage stalls are available, free WiFi for 30 minutes, a food court and restaurants, some retail shops, ATMs, and Forex. The airport also has a transit restroom that you can book in advance for a fee.
22. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
City Served: Hyderabad
State: Telengana
IATA Code: HYD
The small, modern terminal at Hyderabad Airport has some eateries, a lounge you can pay a small fee to rest in, Premium lounges, Air India Maharaja Lounge for first-class and business class passengers, comfortable recliner chairs near the Departure gates, two hotels in the complex, and free WiFi for 2 hours. E-tourist visa on arrival is available to certain countries.
Passengers also enjoy access to a business center, postal services, baby care facilities, an area with food and beverage counters, information desk, travel agency kiosks, and local SIM card kiosks near the exit. The airport also features luggage storage, luggage wrapping, pharmacy, ATMs, forex counters and prayer rooms. There is a good choice of Duty-Free shops and O2 Spa. The car park features a Go-Kart course.
23. Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport
City Served: Lucknow
State: Uttar Pradesh
IATA Code: LKO
Lucknow International Airport is located in the Amausi area, conveniently connected to the city by the Red Line of the Lucknow Metro. The airport serves international airlines like Thai Smile, Saudia, Oman Air, Flynas, and Flydubai. Passengers will find a small airport that is the country’s second-best in its category.
Passengers can enjoy food and beverage options near Terminal 1, which handles international flights. On layovers, passengers can rest in the restroom for up to 24 hours for a small fee. WiFi is available but you need to provide a mobile number to sign in. Also available are ATMs, free child care facilities, Centium currency exchange, some duty-free shops, food and drinks, florist, medical services, spa and pharmacy.
24. Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport
City Served: Varanasi
State: Uttar Pradesh
IATA Code: VNS
Varanasi Airport lies 26 km from the city of Varanasi and is connected by car or taxi (30 minutes), and buses from the airport to the city. It serves several Thai airlines, Sri Lankan Airlines, Buddha Air to Kathmandu, and Air India Express to Sharjah. Passengers may find the integrated terminal small but equipped with basic facilities.
The waiting area features snack stalls, a bookstore, convenience store, retail stores, and a VIP waiting lounge. There are some hotels a short walk from the terminal, including Hotel Runway Inn and KJ International Hotel.
Free WiFi is available but requires an Indian phone to login. The airport features a child care room, vending machines, medical services, a smoking hub on the 1st floor, airside.
25. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport
City Served: Kolkata
State: West Bengal
IATA Code: CCU
Located 18 km from the Kolkata city centre, Kolkata Airport is well-connected via regular AC buses, pre-paid and post-paid taxis, and Uber cabs. The airport is a major hub for international flights to Southeast Asia, catering to Singapore Airlines, Cathay Dragon, China Eastern Airlines and Druk Air as well as Qatar Airways, Biman Bangladesh, Sri Lankan Airlines, etc. eVisa on arrival is offered for a limited number of countries.
Passengers enjoy access to fee-based first-class lounges, and over two dozen eaters and retail shops airside. Free WiFi is available for 45 minutes. The airport also features retiring rooms and dorms for guests who want to rest overnight. Other facilities include a post office at Arrivals, baby care facilities, luggage storage, and wrapping services, 24/7 medical services at Arrivals and Departures, a pharmacy, ATMs, and currency exchange. A spa and smoking lounge are also available.
The number of international airports in India is growing to accommodate the growing bulk of international travel for business and tourism. Not every airport is as well-equipped as the best. Being prepared with an idea of what to expect at Arrivals can make your journey hassle-free, and allow you to make arrangements in advance for smooth travel.
Do let us know which one is your favorite airport in India.
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