Bareilly

Welcome to the air gateway that serves as the portal to the historic Rohilkhand region and the picturesque foothills of the Himalayas. Bareilly Airport, located within an active military airbase, surprisingly combines strict discipline with warm Indian hospitality. It is not just a transport hub, but a cosy starting point for those seeking to see the famous "City of Temples" or venture further to the cool hill stations of Uttarakhand. Here, you will not find the hustle and bustle of giant hubs, but rather the calm and efficiency characteristic of small modern terminals.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Bareilly Airport stands out among many regional air harbours due to its status as a Civil Enclave. This means the infrastructure meets high safety standards maintained by the Indian Air Force. Passengers often note the exceptional cleanliness and order both in the terminal and in the surrounding area.

The main advantage for tourists is its strategic location. The airport has become a true lifesaver for travellers heading to popular hill towns such as Nainital and Ranikhet, significantly reducing travel time compared to driving from Delhi. Furthermore, thanks to the compactness of the terminal, all pre-flight formalities take minimal time, allowing you to avoid long waits in queues.

To ensure your trip goes smoothly, save the contact information for Bareilly Airport (BEK). Below are the main contacts for communication.

• Official Website: You can find the latest and most reliable information on flights and services on the official Airports Authority of India (AAI) website on the page dedicated to Bareilly Airport: www.aai.aero/en/airports/bareilly.
• Helpdesk Phone: For general questions related to terminal operations, you can contact the Terminal Manager's number: +91-8171408844.
• Airport Address: Airports Authority of India, Civil Enclave, Bareilly Airport, Pilibhit Road, Near Izzatnagar, Bareilly - 243122, Uttar Pradesh, India.
• Email: For written enquiries, you can use the Terminal Manager's e-mail: tm.bek@aai.aero.
• Social Media: Official updates and news can be tracked on the airport's page on the social network X (formerly Twitter): @aai_bareilly_apt.
• Lost Luggage Information: If you encounter a problem with lost or damaged luggage, first contact your airline's counter at the airport. Airline staff will provide you with all necessary assistance and instructions.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For advice and assistance regarding your stay at the airport, use the phone number and email address listed above.

We advise always checking the relevance of data on the official airport website directly before your trip, as contact information may change.

Bareilly Airport (BEK) is located close to the city centre, making the journey there quick and convenient. Travellers can choose from several transport options to reach the terminal, depending on their budget, amount of luggage, and comfort preferences. The trip from the centre of Bareilly to the airport usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, but it is always worth allowing extra time in case of traffic jams, which are characteristic of cities in India.

Public Transport is the most economical way to get to the airport. Although there is no direct metro route to the airport, you can use city buses. This is a good option for those travelling light and wishing to save money. However, the most popular and authentic mode of transport are auto-rickshaws (tuk-tuks). They offer an ideal balance between cost and speed. A ride in an auto-rickshaw will cost significantly less than a taxi, but it is recommended to agree on the price in advance or use apps where the cost is fixed.

Taxis and Transfers are the most comfortable option, especially if you have a lot of luggage. Both traditional taxi services and aggregators popular in India, such as Ola and Uber, operate in the city. Using apps allows you to know the cost of the trip in advance and avoid lengthy negotiations. You can also book a private transfer that will meet you at your hotel and take you directly to the terminal entrance — this is the most convenient, albeit more expensive, method.

For those who prefer complete freedom of movement, car rental is available. In Bareilly, you can rent a car either for self-driving or with a driver, which is a common practice in the country. If you arrive at the airport in your own or a rented vehicle, parking is at your service. It is located next to the terminal and offers spaces for short-term and long-term parking.

If you are planning your route and cannot find direct flights to Bareilly, it is worth considering flying to one of the nearby airports. From there, you can reach the city by ground transport. Among the nearest options are: Pantnagar Airport (PGH) approximately 68 km away, Dhangadhi (DHI) in neighbouring Nepal (about 117 km), as well as major airports such as Kheria (AGR) in Agra and airports near Delhi, for example Hindon Airport (QAH).

Bareilly Airport (BEK) is distinguished by a simple and passenger-friendly structure, as a single passenger terminal operates here. This modern building serves all domestic flights — both departures and arrivals. Thanks to this organisation, travellers do not need to worry about transferring between different buildings, making pre-flight procedures faster and more comfortable.

The terminal layout is intuitively clear. Upon entering, you immediately find yourself in the departure zone, where check-in counters and baggage drop-off points are located. After receiving a boarding pass, passengers proceed to the security screening area, beyond which lies the waiting lounge with boarding gates. The arrival zone, including baggage claim belts and the exit to the city, is located in the same part of the building but is logistically separated from the flow of departing passengers.

Due to the compact size of the airport and relatively low passenger traffic, passing through check-in and security procedures usually takes less time than in major aviation hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport typically 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time will be sufficient to check in luggage without haste, pass security control, and wait for boarding.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the clear signs, which are duplicated in English; getting lost here is practically impossible. All necessary infrastructure — from check-in counters to boarding gates — is within walking distance of each other. This simplicity is a key advantage of Bareilly Airport, ensuring passengers a calm and predictable start and end to their journey.

Bareilly Airport (BEK), also known as the Bareilly Civil Enclave, has a fairly recent but significant history as a civil facility. Initially, it was exclusively a military airbase known as Trishul Air Force Station, one of the largest and most strategically important bases of the Indian Air Force. It was established for defence needs and played a key role in ensuring national security for decades.

The idea of creating a civil airport in Bareilly arose as part of the government's Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN), aimed at improving transport accessibility for smaller cities. This marked the beginning of the transformation of part of the military base into a modern passenger terminal. Major construction works were completed, and the new terminal was inaugurated in 2019, although the commencement of commercial flights required additional time to obtain all necessary clearances.

A momentous day in the airport's history was 8 March 2021, when the first commercial flight took place. This flight, operated by Alliance Air, connected Bareilly with the country's capital, Delhi. This event became a real breakthrough for the entire Rohilkhand region, significantly simplifying business and leisure travel.

Following the successful launch of the first route, the airport began to develop rapidly. In the subsequent months and years, new flights were opened, linking Bareilly with other major cities in India, such as Mumbai and Bangalore. This indicates high demand for air travel and the economic growth of the region. Today, the airport continues to fulfil its dual function, serving as a bright example of the successful coexistence of military and civil aviation.

Bareilly Airport (BEK) is a modern and compact aviation hub in northern India, offering passengers all essential amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminal building, you will find several cafés and snack bars where you can have a bite to eat or drink a cup of tea or coffee. There are also small shops selling daily necessities, press, and souvenirs.

For the convenience of travellers, charging stations for mobile devices are provided in the waiting lounge. Passengers can make use of free Wi-Fi, which is usually provided for a limited time. Although there may not be separate VIP lounges at the airport, the general waiting areas are equipped with comfortable seating for relaxation before departure.

The airport cares for passengers with special needs. Mother and child rooms are equipped for travellers with small children. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with assistance in moving around the terminal, including special wheelchairs, and adapted restrooms are available. There is also a first aid station on the premises.

Financial services are represented by ATMs of several Indian banks. Considering the airport serves primarily domestic flights, currency exchange points may be absent. There are no specialised conference halls or business centres within the airport itself. For accommodation and business meetings, travellers can choose from numerous hotels in the city, located just a few kilometres from the air harbour.

Bareilly Airport (BEK) is a compact and modern regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here corresponds to its size. Although you will not find a food court with global chains here as in major international hubs, passengers have the opportunity to grab a snack and have a coffee while waiting for their flight.

Where can you eat?

Since the airport has one terminal, all food outlets are located within walking distance. The main options are found both in the public zone (landside) and in the departure zone after passing security control (airside).

• Landside (Before Security): Usually, a small café or kiosk is located here, where both passengers and those seeing them off can have a snack. This is a convenient place to drink a cup of tea or coffee before checking in for a flight.
• Airside (Departure Zone): After passing screening in the departure lounge, there is also at least one point with snacks and drinks. The assortment here may be slightly more modest but is sufficient for comfortably waiting for boarding.

What is on the menu?

The menu is focused on quick and convenient food formats. Opportunities for a full meal are limited, so it is better to eat in the city beforehand. However, for a light snack, you will find:

• Fresh pastries, sandwiches, and rolls.
• Popular Indian snacks, such as samosas and pakoras.
• Packaged snacks: crisps, biscuits, nuts.
• Hot and cold drinks: Masala chai, coffee, bottled water, juices.

Special Dietary Preferences

As throughout India, it is easy to find vegetarian dishes at the airport — most sandwiches and snacks have vegetable fillings. Finding certified Halal meat, vegan, or gluten-free dishes might be difficult. Passengers with strict dietary restrictions are advised to carry their own snacks or carefully study the ingredients of packaged products.

Prices and Opening Hours

Prices at the airport are higher than the city average, which is standard practice for such facilities. The opening hours of catering establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule: they open a few hours before the first departure and close after the departure of the last aircraft to serve all passengers.

To ensure your journey through the airport of Bareilly city goes smoothly and stress-free, make use of our helpful tips. These recommendations will help you save time, money, and nerves.

Arrival Time at the Airport. Bareilly Airport is relatively small, so huge queues are rare here. Nevertheless, we recommend arriving at least 2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. This time will be enough to calmly check in, drop off luggage, and pass security control.

Check-in and Security. The best way to save time is to complete online check-in for your flight if your airline provides such an option. Prepare your passport and boarding pass in advance. At the security checkpoint, be ready to remove laptops, tablets, and other large electronic devices from your hand luggage.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage. When choosing a seat on the plane, think about your preferences: by the window for beautiful views, by the aisle for freedom of movement. Regarding hand luggage, remember the standard restrictions: liquids in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Check all sharp objects into luggage, but be sure to take portable chargers (power banks) into the cabin.

Transfer Passengers and Customs. If you have a connecting flight, clarify with the air carrier in advance whether your luggage will be automatically transferred to the next flight or if you need to collect and check it in again. Since the airport mainly serves domestic flights within India, most passengers do not encounter customs control. Standard goods declaration rules apply for international flights.

Saving Time and Money. Book a taxi or transfer from the airport online and in advance — this is often more profitable than negotiating with drivers on the spot. To avoid overpaying for drinks, take an empty reusable bottle with you and fill it with water after passing security control.

In Case of Flight Delay. If your flight is delayed, first find a representative of your airline to get up-to-date information. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be offered vouchers for food or drinks. It is always useful to have a portable charger with you to stay connected.