Agartala Airport

Agartala Airport, officially named Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport, is not just a transport hub but a truly modern gateway to the colourful state of Tripura. The recently opened new terminal impresses travellers with a bold combination of advanced technology and unique architectural solutions inspired by local cultural heritage. As the second busiest airport in Northeast India, it offers guests a high level of comfort and immerses them in the hospitable atmosphere of this amazing region from the very first minutes.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

The new terminal of Agartala Airport is considered one of the most beautiful and technologically advanced in the region. The building is designed taking into account the features of the local landscape, and its roof resembles the hilly terrain of Tripura. Inside, passengers are greeted by installations using the famous local bamboo and replicas of stone bas-reliefs from Unakoti, turning the wait for a flight into a small excursion.

For the convenience of travellers, aerobridges, modern baggage handling systems, and spacious waiting lounges are provided. The airport is capable of handling up to 1,200 passengers during peak hours. Furthermore, the implementation of a modern Instrument Landing System (ILS) allows aircraft to land even in low visibility conditions, which significantly increases the regularity of flights in this region.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding services, flight schedules, and regulations at Agartala Airport (IXA), it is recommended to contact official channels. Below are the main contact details.

• Official Website: On the official airport page on the Airports Authority of India (AAI) website, you will find detailed information about flights, services, and terminals. www.aai.aero/en/airports/agartala
• Help Desk Phone: For immediate information, you can call: +91-381-234-2224.
• Airport Address: Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport, Usha Bazar, Agartala, Tripura 799009, India.
• Email: For written enquiries, you can use the e-mail: apdagartala@aai.aero.
• Social Media: Although Agartala Airport does not have its own official pages, news can be followed through the Airports Authority of India (AAI) accounts on social media.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged during the flight, you should immediately contact the Lost & Found counter of your airline at the airport. It is the air carrier that bears responsibility for checked baggage.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions related to your stay at the airport, you can contact the help desk by phone or via email.

Agartala Airport (IXA), also known as Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport, is located approximately 12 kilometres northwest of the city centre of Agartala. The journey usually takes from 30 to 45 minutes, but the time may vary depending on traffic conditions. The airport can be reached in several ways, allowing travellers to choose the option most convenient and suitable for their budget.

The most economical way to get to the airport is by public transport. Although there is no direct metro or rail connection to the terminal, you can use city buses that ply on routes passing near the airport. Another popular mode of transport in India is auto-rickshaws. This is a convenient and relatively inexpensive way to reach the terminal, especially if you are travelling light. It is advisable to agree on the price with the driver in advance.

The most comfortable and fastest option is taxi or booking a car via online services (such as Uber or Ola), which are widely available in the city. You can easily book a car through a mobile app or use the services of local taxi companies. A taxi ride provides "door-to-door" convenience, which is especially valuable if you have large luggage. The cost will be higher than public transport, but it is predictable and guarantees comfort.

For those who value independence and plan to explore the surroundings, car rental would be a good solution. Several rental agencies operate in the city. If you are driving to the airport in your own or a rented car, convenient parking is available within the airport premises, where vehicles can be left for both short and long durations.

The choice of transport to Agartala Airport depends on your priorities: budget, time, and level of comfort. Buses and auto-rickshaws are best suited for saving money, while taxis are best for maximum convenience. In any case, we recommend leaving in advance, allowing extra time for possible traffic jams, so that your journey begins without unnecessary haste and stress.

Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport in Agartala (IXA) has undergone significant modernisation, and today all passenger flights are handled at the new modern integrated terminal. The old terminal building is no longer used for passenger operations. This centralisation makes navigation through the airport simple and intuitive.

The structure of the terminal is logical and designed for the convenience of travellers. Since it is a single building, there is no need for transfers between terminals. All zones — from check-in to boarding — are under one roof.

• Layout and Navigation: Upon entering the terminal, you find yourself in a spacious check-in hall. Airline counters are located here. After receiving a boarding pass and checking in luggage, passengers proceed to the security check area. This is followed by the departure zone with gates, shops, and cafes. Signs in English and local languages help to orient yourself easily.
• Departure and Arrival Zones: The departure zone is located on the upper level and includes comfortable waiting lounges. The arrival zone is situated on the lower level, where baggage claim belts and customs control counters for international flights are located (although regular international flights are currently limited).
• Time for Procedures: Thanks to modern equipment and a thoughtful layout, passing through check-in and security usually does not take much time. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure. This time is generally sufficient to complete all formalities calmly.

The main feature of the new terminal is its architecture, inspired by local bamboo weaving traditions, and its spacious, bright interiors. For navigation, it is sufficient to follow the signs, and airport staff are always ready to assist if questions arise. The compactness and modernity of the terminal make the stay at Agartala Airport comfortable and predictable.

The history of Agartala Airport, officially known as Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport, is closely linked to the history of the state of Tripura itself. Its establishment became an important milestone in the development of the region. The airport was built in 1942 on the initiative and funds of the Maharaja of Tripura, Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur, who foresaw the importance of air connectivity for his principality.

During the Second World War, the airfield, then known as Singerbhil, played a strategic role. It was used by the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a base to support Allied forces in the Burma Campaign. After the war, the airport was transferred to civil authorities and began serving commercial flights, becoming the main air gateway to Tripura.

A key moment in the modern history of the airport was a massive reconstruction. In January 2022, a new modern integrated terminal was inaugurated. This event marked not only a significant increase in capacity and comfort levels for passengers but also the official renaming of the airport in honour of its founder — Maharaja Bir Bikram. The new terminal, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, allowed the airport to obtain international status.

Today, Agartala Airport (IXA) is the second busiest in Northeast India after Guwahati. Its history is a journey from a private airfield built by a visionary ruler, through a military past, to a modern transport hub that continues to play a vital role in the economic and social development of the entire state.

Agartala Airport (IXA), despite its relatively small size, offers passengers all key services for a comfortable journey. Within the terminal building, you can find several eateries and cafes where you can grab a quick bite or have a cup of tea before departure. For those looking for souvenirs or who have forgotten something important, shops selling travel goods, press, and local products are available.

For a more comfortable wait for a flight, passengers can use the services of the premium lounge. Here, in a quiet atmosphere, snacks, drinks, and fresh press are offered. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous power outlets and charging stations will allow you to stay connected at all times. The airport also has ATMs and currency exchange counters to handle financial matters.

The airport has taken care of passengers with special needs. For travellers with small children, mother and child rooms are equipped where you can feed and change a baby in privacy. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with staff assistance, and the terminal infrastructure includes ramps and specially equipped restrooms. In case of unforeseen health situations, a medical room is operational at the airport, ready to provide first aid.

Although there are no hotels or conference halls directly within the airport building, many accommodation options and venues for business meetings can be found in the city of Agartala, located just a few minutes' drive away. Most hotels offer convenient transfers to and from the airport.

Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport in Agartala (IXA) offers passengers several convenient dining options where one can not only have a quick snack but also try dishes with local flair. Although the selection is not comparable to large international hubs, you can find interesting and filling options here before departure or after arrival.

In the public zone (landside), before passing security control, the main establishment is a restaurant managed by the Tripura Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC). This is a great place for a full lunch or dinner, especially if you are seeing off loved ones or have time before check-in. Here you can order both standard Indian dishes and some specialities of the state of Tripura. Additionally, there are small kiosks in this zone with packaged snacks, pastries, and drinks.

After passing control in the departure zone (airside), the choice is more oriented towards quick snacks. Eateries such as the Flavours of India kiosk and coffee stands operate here. The menu usually features snacks popular in India: samosas, sandwiches, crisps, as well as tea, coffee, and soft drinks. This is an ideal option to refresh yourself right before boarding the flight.

Regarding local cuisine, it is worth paying attention to dishes reflecting the culinary traditions of Tripura at the airport. Look for items on the menu with bamboo shoots (muya) or fish prepared in the local style. Although you are unlikely to find complex authentic dishes here, such as Mui Borok, even a simplified version of curry with local ingredients will allow you to get an idea of the region's cuisine.

Vegetarian dishes are widely available, which is the norm for the entire country. Finding a hearty meat-free meal will not be difficult. However, for travellers with strict dietary restrictions (e.g., gluten-free or vegan dishes), the choice will be extremely limited, so it is recommended to carry your own snacks. Prices in airport establishments are higher than in the city but remain acceptable. Most food outlets operate according to the flight schedule — from early morning until the departure of the last aircraft.

To ensure your journey through the airport of Agartala city goes as smoothly as possible, make use of our tips. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before departure for a domestic flight and 3 hours for an international one. This will give you enough time in case of unforeseen queues at check-in or security.

To save time, complete online check-in for your flight if your airline provides this option. This will allow you to proceed immediately to the baggage drop counter or, if you are travelling light, to the security check zone. Be prepared for the fact that security checks at airports in India can be quite thorough. You may be asked to remove all electronic devices, including chargers and power banks, from your hand luggage.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences. Window seats (A, F) will offer you beautiful views during takeoff and landing, especially if you are flying over picturesque regions. Aisle seats (C, D) are convenient if you plan to get up often during the flight or want to be among the first to exit the aircraft.

Pay close attention to the rules for carrying hand luggage. Standard restrictions apply to liquids (no more than 100 ml in one container, packed in a transparent bag), as well as sharp objects. Please note that power banks and spare lithium batteries are permitted only in hand luggage; checking them into luggage is prohibited.

If you have a connecting flight, clarify in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage at the intermediate airport. Agartala Airport has one main terminal, which simplifies navigation, but always leave a sufficient time margin between flights — at least 1.5-2 hours.

Upon arrival on an international flight, you will have to pass customs control. If you have no goods to declare, feel free to go through the "Green Channel". If you are carrying something that requires declaration (for example, goods exceeding the established allowance), you need to pass through the "Red Channel".

To save money, if possible, eat before leaving for the airport, as prices in local cafes and restaurants can be inflated. It is also unprofitable to exchange currency at the airport — the rate is usually less attractive than in city exchange bureaux. Book a taxi in advance or use car-hailing apps to avoid overpaying.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, contact your airline representative first for information on further actions. Depending on the length of the delay, the airline may be obliged to provide you with drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts for unforeseen expenses to request compensation later.