Chikkalthana Airport

Chikkalthana Airport (IXU), located in the city of Aurangabad, is your gateway to the world of ancient wonders in India. It is from here that the journey to the legendary Ajanta and Ellora caves, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, begins. Despite its modest size, the airport plays a key role in the region's tourism infrastructure, welcoming hundreds of thousands of travellers annually. It is a modern and convenient transport hub that ensures a comfortable start and end to your journey through the historic lands of Maharashtra state.

Features and Advantages

Although Chikkalthana Airport is not a major international hub, it offers passengers everything necessary for a comfortable wait for their flight. It is equipped with a modern passenger terminal that primarily serves domestic flights to cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. Its convenient location — just a few kilometres from the city centre — allows for quick access to hotels or attractions. The airport is constantly developing to meet the growing flow of tourists, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the region's rich cultural heritage.

Below you will find contact information for Chikkalthana Airport (IXU), which serves the city of Aurangabad. We recommend checking the validity of the data on official resources before travelling.

• Official Website: The airport is managed by the state-owned Airports Authority of India (AAI). All official information can be found on their website: www.aai.aero/en/airports/aurangabad.
• Help Desk Phone: +91-240-2476147
• Airport Address: Jalna Road, Chilkalthana, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431007, India.
• Email: For official enquiries, you can use the Airport Director's email: apd_vaau@aai.aero.
• Social Media: The airport may not have its own separate social media pages. For up-to-date information, it is recommended to follow the official accounts of the Airports Authority of India.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you should first contact the representative of the airline you flew with. For items left in the terminal, please contact the airport help desk.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions and passenger support, use the main help desk phone number.

Getting to Chikkalthana Airport (IXU) from the centre of Aurangabad is quite easy, as it is located just 10-11 kilometres to the east. Depending on the transport chosen and traffic conditions, the journey usually takes between 20 and 40 minutes. There are several convenient ways to reach the terminal.

Taxis and Mobile Apps. The most comfortable and predictable option is to book a taxi via mobile apps popular in India, such as Ola or Uber. This allows you to know the cost of the trip in advance and avoid bargaining. A trip from the city centre will cost approximately 250-400 Indian rupees. You can also use the pre-paid taxi service available at counters in the airport.

Auto-rickshaws. A more budget-friendly and colourful way to travel is by auto-rickshaw. They are easy to find in any part of the city. The cost will be lower than a taxi (about 150-250 rupees), however, it is extremely important to agree on the price with the driver before starting the trip or insist on using the meter to avoid misunderstandings upon arrival.

Public Transport. The most economical way is to use city buses. This option is suitable for travellers with light luggage, as buses can be overcrowded. Routes and schedules may change, so it is better to check information on the spot. This is the cheapest, but also the least comfortable method.

Car Rental and Parking. If you plan to actively travel around the region, for example, to visit the Ellora and Ajanta caves, you can rent a car, typically with a driver. This service is offered by local travel companies and hotels. For those arriving at the airport in their own vehicle, paid parking is available on the premises.

Chikkalthana Airport (IXU) in Aurangabad is distinguished by a simple and passenger-friendly structure. It consists of one modern integrated terminal that serves all domestic flights. This means you do not have to worry about transferring between different buildings — all processes, from check-in to boarding, take place in one location, which significantly simplifies travel within India.

The terminal layout is intuitive. The departure and arrival zones are located in the same building but are clearly demarcated. Immediately upon entry, you will see the airline check-in counters. After checking in and dropping off your luggage, you proceed to the security screening area, after which you enter the waiting lounge with boarding gates. The arrival zone is in another part of the building and includes baggage reclaim belts and the exit to the city.

Thanks to the compact size of the airport, completing all pre-flight formalities usually does not take much time. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight departure. This time is generally more than sufficient for a calm check-in, passing through security control, and waiting for boarding without haste.

Navigating the terminal will not cause difficulties even for those visiting for the first time. Clear signs in English and Hindi are installed everywhere. All key zones — from check-in counters to boarding gates — are within a few minutes' walk of each other, making Chikkalthana Airport very comfortable for travellers who value simplicity and efficiency.

Chikkalthana Airport, serving the city of Aurangabad, has a rich history closely linked to the development of tourism in the region. Initially, the airfield was built during the reign of the Nizam of Hyderabad and was used during World War II. After India gained independence, it was transferred to civilian administration, but its modern history as an important transport hub began significantly later.

A key stage in the airport's development was the end of the 20th century, when interest in UNESCO World Heritage sites — the Ajanta and Ellora caves — increased. To satisfy the growing tourist flow, the airport's infrastructure began to be actively modernised. However, the real breakthrough occurred in the 2000s. In 2008-2009, a new modern integrated terminal was opened. This event radically changed the appearance and capabilities of the airport.

The new terminal, the design of which was inspired by the motifs of the Ajanta caves, was designed to serve up to 700 passengers simultaneously. Parallel to this, the runway was significantly extended — to 2,835 metres, which allowed for the reception of larger aircraft, including the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. Thanks to this modernisation, the airport was able to obtain international status, primarily for operating seasonal charter flights for pilgrims performing Hajj.

Interesting fact: the name "Chikkalthana" comes from the name of the village on whose territory the airport was built. Today, it is not just an air gateway to ancient treasures, but also an important economic stimulus for the entire Marathwada region, promoting business and tourism development. The airport continues to play a central role in connecting Aurangabad with major cities in the country and the world.

Chikkalthana Airport (IXU), serving the historic city of Aurangabad, provides passengers with a set of essential services and amenities to make their journey as comfortable as possible. Despite its compact size, the airport is well-organised and meets the basic needs of travellers.

Located within the terminal building are cafes and small restaurants where you can order light snacks, sandwiches, as well as hot and cold beverages. For those looking for souvenirs or travel essentials, there are shops offering local handicrafts, books, and necessities. This is a great opportunity to buy memorable gifts before flying out of India.

For a comfortable wait for your flight, the airport has general waiting lounges. Passengers can use free Wi-Fi for work or communicating with loved ones, as well as find power outlets and charging stations for mobile devices. For those who value enhanced comfort, VIP or business lounges offering a quieter environment may be available.

ATMs and currency exchange counters function on the airport premises, which is particularly convenient for international tourists. In case of illness, you can contact the medical unit for first aid. For passengers travelling with small children, special baby care rooms are equipped.

Chikkalthana Airport is adapted to serve passengers with reduced mobility. Wheelchairs and escort services for boarding are provided. Although there are no hotels directly within the terminal building, many hotels to suit any taste and budget are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport. While specialised conference halls or business centres are generally absent at the airport, basic conditions for online work are established.

At Chikkalthana Airport (IXU) in Aurangabad, travellers will find several options for a snack or a full meal before departure. Although the choice of establishments here is not as large as in major international airports, everything necessary for a comfortable wait for the flight is available. The main food outlets are located both in the public area before check-in and in the security hold area.

Among the establishments, you can find the popular Indian coffee chain Cafe Coffee Day, ideal for having a cup of freshly brewed coffee with a sandwich or dessert. In addition, a small food court operates in the terminal, offering dishes of Indian and Continental cuisine. Here you can order both quick snacks, such as samosas or pastries, and more substantial hot meals. Do not miss the opportunity to try traditional Masala tea.

Prices at the airport are expectedly higher than in the city. A light snack consisting of a drink and a sandwich or pastry will cost approximately 300–500 Indian rupees. A full lunch will cost about 500–800 rupees. Most establishments operate in accordance with the flight schedule: they open two to three hours before the first departure (around 6:00 AM) and close after the departure of the last aircraft (approximately at 10:00 PM).

Regarding dietary preferences, finding vegetarian dishes will not be difficult, as they are the foundation of the local culinary culture. However, options for vegans or people with gluten intolerance may be quite limited. In such cases, it is recommended to check the ingredients of dishes with the staff in advance or, to be sure, carry suitable snacks with you.

To ensure your journey through the airport of Aurangabad city goes smoothly, make use of these helpful tips. They will help save time, stress, and money, making the start and end of your trip as comfortable as possible.

Arrival time at the airport: When planning a departure from Chikkalthana Airport, we strongly recommend arriving well in advance. For domestic flights within India, allow at least 2 hours before departure, and for rare international flights — about 3-4 hours. This gives you a sufficient buffer of time for calmly passing all formalities, especially during morning and evening peak hours.

Check-in and Security Control: To save time, use online check-in for your flight if your airline provides such a service. At the airport itself, be ready to present a printout of your ticket or its electronic version at the terminal entrance. Security screening procedures at Indian airports can be quite thorough, so empty your pockets of all metal items in advance, and remove laptops and other large electronics from your hand luggage.

Choosing a seat on the plane: When choosing a seat, consider your preferences. A window seat will offer you beautiful views during takeoff and landing. An aisle seat will be more convenient if you plan to get up often during the flight or want to be among the first to exit the aircraft. For more legroom, consider seats at emergency exits, but note that airlines often charge an additional fee for them.

Hand luggage rules: In hand luggage, liquids are permitted in containers of no more than 100 ml each, packed in a single transparent bag. Sharp objects and flammable substances are prohibited. Important point: portable chargers (power banks) must be carried only in hand luggage; checking them into hold baggage is strictly prohibited.

Passengers with transfers: If you have a connecting flight, clarify when checking in your luggage whether it will be transferred automatically to the final destination. In some cases, you may need to collect it and check it in again. Leave enough time between flights, as you will likely have to go through security control again.

Customs Control: When passing through customs (mainly relevant for international flights), be prepared to declare expensive electronics, jewellery, or large sums of cash. To simplify the procedure, use the "Green Channel" if you have no goods to declare, and the "Red Channel" if you do.

Saving time and money: A few simple tips: check in for your flight online to avoid queues; travel light to avoid paying for excess baggage; take an empty reusable water bottle with you — it can be filled at drinking fountains after passing security.

In case of flight delay: If your flight is delayed or cancelled, first contact your airline representative for up-to-date information and instructions. Keep all receipts for food, drinks, or accommodation if you had to incur unforeseen expenses — the airline may compensate them. Use the waiting time to charge your devices and rest in the waiting lounge.