Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport

Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, named after the founder of the city of Amritsar, is the main aerial gateway to the state of Punjab and one of the key aviation hubs in northern India. Located just 11 km from the city centre, it serves as a vital point for both pilgrims and tourists heading to the Himalayas. The airport welcomes travellers with a modern terminal opened in 2009, which combines glass and steel, symbolising the region's progress and hospitality. Its runway is capable of handling all types of aircraft, ensuring excellent connectivity with cities around the world.

Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee Airport boasts not only growing passenger traffic but also high-quality service. Passengers have access to business lounges for a comfortable wait before their flight, duty-free shops, currency exchange counters, and various restaurants. For ease of movement, prepaid taxi counters are available at the terminal exit, along with popular services like Uber and Ola, making it easy to reach any part of the city. The airport is constantly developing, confirming its status as an important transport hub connecting Punjab with the rest of the world.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ).

• Official Website: www.aai.aero/en/airports/amritsar
• Helpline Number: +91 183 221 4166
• Address: Ajnala Road, Raja Sansi, Amritsar, Punjab 143101, India
• Email: apd-vias@aai.aero (Office of the Airport Director)
• Social Media: Official updates can be tracked on the airport's Twitter (X) page — @aaiasrairport.
• Lost Baggage: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, it is recommended to contact the airline's support service directly. Airline representative contacts are usually located in the arrival area.
• Passenger Support: For general inquiries and assistance at the airport, you can contact the main helpline number.

Getting to Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport from the centre of Amritsar is quite simple, as it is located just 11 kilometres from the city. The most popular and convenient method is a taxi or auto-rickshaw. You can use the prepaid taxi services, the counters for which are located right inside the terminal. This guarantees a fixed price and eliminates the need to bargain. Popular apps in India, such as Uber and Ola, also operate in the city. The trip usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, but it may take longer during peak hours due to traffic.

For budget-conscious travellers, there is public transport. Special buses run from the airport to key points in the city, including the Golden Temple area and the bus terminal. This is the most economical option, though it may not be the most comfortable, especially if you have a lot of luggage. Intervals between buses can be long, so it is worth allowing extra time for waiting.

If you plan to travel actively around the state of Punjab, you might consider car rental. Several rental company offices are present at the airport. It is highly recommended to book a car online in advance, especially during the high tourist season, to guarantee the availability of a vehicle of the desired class. For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented transport, paid parking is provided on the premises with zones for short-term and long-term parking.

In summary, the choice of transport depends on your budget and comfort level. A taxi or pre-booked transfer is the optimal combination of speed and convenience, especially for tourists with luggage. The bus is suitable for those who want to save as much as possible and are prepared for minor inconveniences. Regardless of your choice, always plan your trip with time to spare to avoid rushing.

Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ) is designed for the maximum convenience of travellers. It consists of one modern integrated terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. Thanks to this, passengers do not need to worry about moving between different buildings, making the pre-flight and arrival process much simpler.

The terminal building has a logical and clear two-level structure, typical of modern airports:

• Departure Level is located on the upper floor. Here you will find check-in counters, baggage drop-off points, and further on — security check zones and passport control for international passengers.
• Arrival Level is located on the lower floor. Passengers arriving in Amritsar pass through immigration control here, collect their luggage on conveyor belts, and undergo customs inspection before exiting to the general meeting area.

Even though there is only one building, the flows of domestic and international passengers are smartly separated after check-in. Navigation inside the terminal is straightforward: clear signs in English and Punjabi are installed everywhere. All transitions between zones take place inside the building, making movement quick and comfortable.

The time required to complete all formalities may vary depending on the season and flight load. As a rule, it is worth arriving at the airport 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3-4 hours before an international one. This time buffer is sufficient to check in, drop off luggage, and pass all necessary inspections without rushing. It is easy to orient yourself using electronic boards and signs, so getting lost here is practically impossible.

The history of Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport is inextricably linked with the growth and development of the city of Amritsar and the entire state of Punjab. Originally known as Raja Sansi Airport (named after the nearby village), it was founded as a modest domestic airfield in the mid-20th century. In its early decades, it served mainly domestic flights, playing an important but local role in the region's transport system.

A turning point in the airport's history came in 2005, when it received the long-awaited international status. This was a response to the needs of the huge Punjabi diaspora living abroad, primarily in the UK, Canada, and the USA. Soon after, the first direct international flights were launched, notably to Birmingham and London, which radically changed the airport's significance and opened Punjab to the world.

To match its new status, a large-scale reconstruction was carried out. In 2009, the grand opening of the new integrated terminal took place. This modern glass and steel building, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, significantly increased capacity and comfort levels for passengers. A year later, in 2010, the airport was officially renamed in honour of the fourth Sikh Guru and founder of the city of Amritsar — Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee, highlighting its spiritual and cultural significance for India and Sikhs worldwide.

In subsequent years, the airport continued to develop rapidly. The runway was extended, allowing it to accommodate wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The route network expanded with flights to Middle Eastern countries (Dubai, Doha, Sharjah), Southeast Asia, and Europe. The airport has repeatedly been recognised as one of the fastest-growing in the country in terms of international passenger traffic, which is a clear testament to its success and strategic importance for the entire northern region of India.

Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ) in Amritsar is a modern and well-equipped complex offering passengers everything needed for a comfortable wait for their flight. As a major transport hub in northern India, it ensures that your journey begins or ends with maximum convenience.

Hungry travellers have access to various cafes and restaurants where one can have a quick snack or a full meal, choosing from both local Punjabi and international cuisine. In the departure zone, there are shops, including Duty Free, where you can buy souvenirs, perfumes, local delicacies, and other goods.

For those who wish to stay connected or work, the terminal offers free Wi-Fi, as well as charging stations for electronic devices. For a more comfortable wait, you can use the premium Lounge services, where guests are offered snacks, beverages, and a cosy atmosphere away from the main hustle and bustle.

Financial matters are easily resolved at the airport: passengers have access to ATMs and 24-hour currency exchange counters. In case of need, there is a medical room in the terminal ready to provide first aid.

Special attention is paid to passengers with special needs. Designated mother and child rooms are available for families. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with assistance in moving around the terminal, special restrooms, and ramps, making the airport an accessible environment for everyone.

Although there are no hotels directly within the airport building, many accommodation options to suit every taste and budget are located just a few minutes' drive away. For business travellers, working conditions are created in the business lounges, allowing time before departure to be used effectively.

At Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ) in Amritsar, passengers will find several dining options, allowing for both a quick snack before departure and a full meal while waiting for a flight. The selection of establishments is concentrated mainly in the single integrated terminal serving domestic and international flights.

In the landside area, before passing passport control and security, the choice is usually limited to a few coffee shops and snack kiosks. This is a convenient place to have coffee or tea, eat a sandwich or pastry, if you arrived at the airport early or are seeing someone off. Prices here generally correspond to standard airport rates.

The main portion of restaurants and cafes is located in the airside area (sterile zone), after passing security control. Here you will find a food court featuring establishments offering both local Punjabi and international cuisine. The operating hours of most establishments in the departure zone are adapted to the flight schedule, and many of them are open around the clock or from early morning until late at night.

When travelling from Amritsar, be sure to take the opportunity to enjoy local cuisine one last time. At the food court, you can order a thali — a traditional set meal from northern India (with rice, flatbread, several types of curry, and snacks), tandoori chicken dishes, or various kebabs. Do not miss the chance to drink the famous Punjabi lassi — a refreshing yoghurt drink.

There are several options for travellers with special dietary needs. Vegetarian dishes are widely available and make up a significant part of the menu in any establishment serving Indian cuisine — look for items with paneer (cheese), dal (lentils), and vegetables. Vegans should check the ingredients, as Indian cuisine often uses ghee (clarified butter) and dairy products. For those looking for Halal or gluten-free food, it is recommended to ask the restaurant staff directly for precise information about the ingredients.

If you are short on time, the best choice would be one of the international coffee chains or a kiosk with ready-made sandwiches and snacks. For a more leisurely and filling lunch, head to the food court, where you can sit at a table and enjoy a hot meal in a comfortable setting before boarding the plane.

To ensure your journey through Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport goes as comfortably as possible, make use of our tips. A little preparation will help avoid stress and save time on the way.

Arrival time at the airport. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive 3-4 hours before departure, and for domestic ones — 2-2.5 hours prior. During religious festivals and the tourist season, passenger traffic increases significantly, so it is better to allow extra time for completing all formalities.

Check-in and Security. Security procedures at airports in India can be quite thorough. Ensure you have all necessary documents at hand: passport, visa (if required), and a printed or electronic ticket. In many airports across the country, access to the terminal building is permitted only upon presentation of a ticket. Be prepared for your hand luggage and electronics to be checked particularly carefully.

What is allowed and prohibited. Standard restrictions apply in hand luggage: liquids in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects and flammable substances are prohibited. Please note: power banks (external batteries) are allowed only in hand luggage; checking them into hold luggage is strictly prohibited.

For transfer passengers. If you are flying in transit, especially from an international flight to a domestic one, check with the airline whether you need to collect your luggage and check it in again. Most often, when changing airlines or terminals, this is necessary. Also, check if you require an Indian transit visa.

Customs Control. Upon arrival in India, you may need to fill out a declaration. If you are importing goods subject to declaration or an amount exceeding the set limit, use the "Red Channel". If you have nothing to declare, feel free to go through the "Green Channel". Honesty at customs will help avoid fines and unpleasant proceedings.

Saving time and money. To avoid standing in queues, complete online check-in for your flight. To travel to or from the city, use the prepaid taxi counter right in the terminal — this guarantees a fixed price and saves you from having to bargain with drivers. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are quite high, so you can have a snack beforehand or bring an empty water bottle and fill it after passing security control.

In case of flight delay. First of all, contact your airline representative for information on the flight status and possible options (rescheduling to another flight, provision of meals or a hotel). It is useful to have travel insurance that covers such cases. Pre-downloaded films, books, or music will help pass the waiting time.