Bikaner Airport

Bikaner Airport, also known as Nal Airport, is the air gateway to the city of the same name, located in the very heart of the Thar Desert. Despite its modest size, it plays an important role in the transport system of the state of Rajasthan, providing connectivity to key cities in India. The airport is a civil enclave within a military airbase, which gives it a special status. For travellers, it is a convenient starting point for exploring the forts, palaces, and unique culture of the "camel country".

Features and Benefits

The main advantage of Bikaner Airport is its compactness and convenience. The small passenger flow allows for all pre-flight formalities to be completed quickly and without unnecessary fuss. The modern passenger terminal, opened in 2014, is designed to comfortably serve up to 100 passengers simultaneously and is capable of handling medium-haul aircraft such as the ATR 72. Regular flights to Delhi and Jaipur are operated under the government's UDAN regional connectivity scheme, making travel to this remote corner of Rajasthan accessible and fast.

• Official Website: Up-to-date information about the airport can be found on the official page of the Airports Authority of India (AAI): www.aai.aero/en/airports/bikaner.
• Helpline Number: For general information, it is recommended to use the contact numbers listed on the airport's official website. For questions related to bookings, schedules, and flight status, it is most reliable to contact your airline directly.
• Address: Nal Airport, Bikaner, Rajasthan 334022, India. The airport is located approximately 13 km from the city centre of Bikaner.
• Email: The official email address for contacting the airport administration is usually available on the AAI website.
• Social Media: Bikaner Airport does not have separate official accounts. News and updates are published on the general pages of the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
• Lost & Found Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, immediately contact your airline's Lost & Found service at the airport. For items left within the terminal, please contact the airport administration.
• Passenger Support Services: There is an information desk inside the terminal where you can receive necessary assistance and advice. You can also always approach any airport staff member.

Getting to Bikaner Airport (Nal Airport), located approximately 15-17 km from the city centre, is quite simple. The most convenient and popular method is by taxi or auto-rickshaw. A taxi ride from the centre of Bikaner will take about 30-40 minutes depending on traffic conditions. You can use prepaid taxi services, book a car through your hotel, or use mobile ride-hailing apps if they are available in the region. An auto-rickshaw ride will be cheaper but may take a little longer; do not forget to agree on the price with the driver before starting the journey.

As for public transport, there may not be direct bus service to the airport. City buses run on various routes, and theoretically, one could find a route that gets you closer to the airport, but this is not the most comfortable option, especially if you have a lot of luggage. This method is more suitable for experienced and budget-conscious travellers. It is recommended to check current routes locally.

Another option is car rental. You can rent a car with a driver, which is a common practice in India and ensures a high level of comfort. This service can be booked at most hotels or local travel agencies. If you are travelling in your own or a rented vehicle, parking is available at the airport.

When planning your trip, it is worth noting that Bikaner Airport serves a limited number of flights. As an alternative, you can consider flying to other airports in the region and then continuing to Bikaner by ground transport. Among the nearest options are Jodhpur Airport (JDH), located approximately 202 km away, and the airport in the city of Jaisalmer (JSA), located at a distance of about 266 km. Also within a radius of 200-300 km are Bahawalpur Airport (BHV), Kishangarh Airport (KQH), and Bathinda Airport (BUP).

Bikaner Airport (BKB), also known as Nal Air Force Station, is a small and modern civil enclave at an Air Force base. Its structure is extremely simple and convenient for passengers, making orientation intuitive even for first-time visitors.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which serves all domestic flights. It is a single building where departure and arrival zones are combined under one roof. Thanks to this, travellers do not need to worry about transfers between terminals — there simply aren't any. All infrastructure is compactly located and easily accessible.

The terminal layout is very logical. Upon entry, you find yourself in the general hall where airline check-in counters are located. After completing registration and checking in luggage, passengers proceed to the security screening area. Immediately beyond that is a cosy waiting lounge with a boarding gate. The arrival zone is just as simple: after disembarking the aircraft, passengers enter a small hall with a baggage claim belt and an exit to the city. All signs are in Hindi and English, which simplifies navigation.

The distinctive feature of the terminal is its compactness and efficiency. There is none of the hustle and bustle of large airports here, and all procedures generally take place quite quickly. The time for check-in and security usually takes no more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport generally 1.5–2 hours before departure to avoid any unforeseen delays.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the signs. Due to the small size of the building, it is practically impossible to get lost. If you have any questions, airport staff are always ready to help. The main advice is not to expect the scale of capital hubs from Bikaner Airport; it is a modest but functional air port, ideally suited for a comfortable start and end to a journey through this amazing region of India.

The history of Bikaner Airport (BKB) is unique as it is a civil enclave within the Nal Air Force Station, belonging to the Indian Air Force. Although the airbase itself has a longer history related to national defence, the era of civil aviation for the city began relatively recently. The new civil terminal was inaugurated on September 26, 2017, which was a key event in the development of the region's transport infrastructure.

The main stage of the airport's development was the construction of a modern passenger terminal. This project was initiated to stimulate tourism and economic growth in Bikaner, which is famous for its majestic forts, palaces, and unique desert culture. Before the airport opened for civil flights, travellers had to reach the city mainly by rail or car, which took significantly more time.

The construction of the terminal was the result of cooperation between the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Air Force. The main task was to create modern and comfortable infrastructure for passenger service without disrupting the operations of a strategically important military facility. Since its opening, the airport has connected Bikaner with direct flights to the country's capital, Delhi, significantly simplifying access to this historic city.

One of the most interesting facts about Bikaner Airport is its dual purpose. Passengers arriving at or departing from BKB get a rare opportunity to see an active military airbase. Although access to military facilities is strictly limited, the very location of the civil terminal within the airbase makes this airport special. The launch of civil flights became a real achievement, opening the "Camel City" to tourists from all over the world.

Bikaner Airport (BKB), being a regional air hub, offers passengers all necessary basic services for a comfortable wait for their flight. It is important to understand that this is a small airport, so the range of amenities corresponds to its size and passenger flow.

Dining and Shopping: In the terminal, you will find a few small cafes and snack bars where you can order light meals, sandwiches, as well as hot and cold drinks. The selection of shops is limited, but you can purchase essentials, newspapers, and local souvenirs to remember your trip by.

Waiting Lounges and Wi-Fi: A general waiting hall is available for all passengers. The airport building provides access to wireless internet (Wi-Fi), and charging stations for electronic devices are installed in the seating areas, allowing you to stay connected before departure.

Financial and Medical Services: ATMs are installed within the terminal for cash withdrawals. Currency exchange is generally not a primary service in small domestic airports. A medical room operates at the airport to provide first aid.

Passenger Services: Mother and child rooms are equipped for travellers with small children. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary assistance, including wheelchairs and support when moving through the terminal and boarding the aircraft. The airport is equipped with ramps and special restrooms.

Hotels and Business Services: There are no hotels or conference halls directly inside the airport building. The nearest hotels and business centres are located in the city of Bikaner itself, which can be easily reached by taxi.

Bikaner Airport (BKB) is a small regional terminal serving primarily domestic flights in India. It is important to realize that the infrastructure here is quite modest, so the choice of dining establishments is limited. Do not expect a wide variety of restaurants and cafes here as you would in major international hubs.

Typically, there are one or two small kiosks or snack bars located in the departure zone. Here, travellers can buy basic snacks such as chips, biscuits, packaged sandwiches, as well as soft drinks and hot tea or coffee. Sometimes the assortment includes simple local dishes, for example, samosas or kachoris — popular Indian pastries that are excellent for a quick bite before a flight.

Finding specialized dishes for vegans, gluten-free, or specific Halal-certified options at Bikaner Airport may be difficult. However, many of the snacks offered are vegetarian by default, which is characteristic of Indian cuisine and suitable for most dietary requirements. Prices for food and drinks here are higher than in the city but remain within reasonable limits. Main food outlets operate only during hours tied to the flight schedule and are usually located in the general waiting area after passing security control.

BKB Airport is suitable for having a cup of tea or a quick snack before boarding a flight. There are no conditions here for a full lunch or dinner. Therefore, the best recommendation is to eat beforehand at one of the numerous cafes or restaurants in the city of Bikaner itself before heading to the airport.

When planning to fly from Bikaner Airport (BKB), it is worth considering a few points so that your journey starts smoothly and without unnecessary stress. Since this is a small domestic airport, processes here usually go faster than in major international hubs of India, but foresight is never amiss.

Arrival at the Airport and Check-in. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5–2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. This time will be sufficient to complete check-in at the counter, drop off luggage, and pass security control without rushing. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides this option.

Security Control and Hand Luggage. Rules for carrying hand luggage are standard: liquids in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. All electronic devices, including laptops and power banks, must be removed from the bag for scanning. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Thoroughly check your hand luggage before leaving home to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Seat Selection and Transfers. If it is possible to select a seat during check-in, consider your preferences: a window seat will offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat allows you to stand up freely without disturbing neighbours. Since Bikaner Airport mainly serves domestic flights, when transferring to an international flight in another city (for example, in Delhi or Mumbai), ensure you have enough time between flights — allow at least 3-4 hours to complete all formalities.

Saving Money and Handling Delays. To save money, book a taxi from or to the airport in advance via online services. Inside the terminal, prices for food and drinks may be higher, so you can bring an empty water bottle and fill it after passing security control. In case of a flight delay or cancellation, immediately contact your airline representative for information on further actions, possible rebooking options, or compensation.