Gondia Airport

Gondia Airport, also known as Birsi Airport, is not just a regional transport hub but a true "training ground" for Indian aviation. Located amidst the picturesque landscapes of Maharashtra, it serves as a convenient starting point for travellers aiming to visit the famous Nagzira and Navegaon nature reserves. Despite its compact size, this airport plays a vital role in the region, combining the functions of a passenger terminal and a prestigious pilot training centre.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

• Pilot Training Centre: The airport is home to the National Flying Training Institute (NFTI) — one of India's leading aviation educational institutions, where future professionals of the skies are trained.
• Upgraded Infrastructure: The runway, approximately 2,290 metres long, allows for the accommodation of modern regional aircraft, ensuring stable air connectivity.
• Gateway to Wildlife: The airport is strategically located for eco-tourists: just an hour or two away by car are national parks renowned for their tigers and unique flora.
• Cozy and Compact: The small terminal ensures a quick and comfortable passage through all formalities without the queues typical of large metropolitan airports.

Below is the current contact information for Gondia Airport (also known as Birsi Airport). Please note that the airport is managed by the government body Airports Authority of India (AAI), so most official resources are common to the country's entire airport network.

• Official Airport Website: www.aai.aero (Gondia Airport section on the AAI portal)
• Inquiry Service Phone: +91 7182 283 187 (Airport Director's Office)
• Airport Address: Birsi Airport, PO Paraswada, Gondia, Maharashtra 441601, India
• Email: apcgondia@aai.aero (for official enquiries)
• Airport Social Media: Follow news via the official Airports Authority of India accounts on Twitter (X) and Facebook, as the airport may not have a separate account.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of lost items, please contact the Airport Manager Office or the terminal duty officer.
• Passenger Support Contacts: +91 9123 628 056 (Terminal Manager)

Reaching Gondia Airport (Birsi), located approximately 17 kilometres from the city centre, can be done in several ways. Since the airport is a small regional hub, the transport network here is not as developed as in metropolises, so it is worth planning your trip in advance. The journey time by car from the city centre is usually 30–45 minutes depending on traffic.

Taxi and Transfer

This is the most reliable and comfortable option for travellers with luggage.

• Private Taxis: These can be booked through your hotel reception or found at stands in the city centre (for example, near the railway station). Local taxi services may operate in the city, but popular aggregators (such as Ola or Uber) may be unavailable or operate intermittently in this region.
• Auto-rickshaws (Tuk-tuks): A popular and budget-friendly way to travel around India. However, for a trip to the airport, which is outside the city limits, this is not the most convenient option, especially if you have a lot of luggage. The fare must be negotiated with the driver in advance.
• Cost: A taxi ride from the centre of Gondia to the airport may cost approximately 400–700 Indian Rupees; an auto-rickshaw will be cheaper, but the price often depends on your bargaining skills.

Public Transport

Public transport options to the terminal itself are limited.

• Buses: State-run MSRTC buses run between cities in the state, but there are usually no direct routes entering the airport premises. The nearest stop may be on the highway near the village of Paraswada, from where you would have to walk or catch a passing vehicle to the terminal.
• Trains: Gondia Junction Railway Station is a major nodal point receiving trains from all over the country. Upon arrival at the station, tourists will still need to transfer to a taxi or auto-rickshaw to cover the remaining 15–17 km to the airport.
• Metro: There is no metro system in the city of Gondia.

Car Rental and Parking

Renting a self-drive car in Gondia itself can be problematic, as there are few offices of international rental companies. Most often, "rental" implies booking a car with a driver for the whole day through local travel agencies.

Parking at the Airport: A parking zone is equipped in front of the small Birsi terminal. Since passenger traffic is low, spaces are usually available. Parking is generally free or has a nominal cost for short-term stays, but there are no covered guarded garages here.

Alternative Airports

Given the limited number of flights to Gondia, many travellers prefer to fly into larger neighbouring airports and then reach the city by ground transport (train or taxi). The nearest major hub is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur, located approximately 3–4 hours away by road.

Other airports in the region that may be useful when planning a complex itinerary:

• Swami Vivekananda Airport (Raipur) — about 155 km.
• Jabalpur Airport — about 185 km.
• Raja Bhoj Airport (Bhopal) — significantly further, about 360 km.
• Khajuraho Airport — a tourist centre located approximately 366 km away.

Gondia Airport (GDB) is distinguished by its extreme compactness and simple layout, making it one of the most passenger-friendly regional hubs. Unlike huge international hubs, it is impossible to get lost here, and all processes are organised so that the traveller spends minimal time on formalities.

Terminal Structure

The airport has one passenger terminal, which serves exclusively domestic flights. The terminal building is a modern single-level structure equipped with everything necessary for a short stay for passengers.

• Purpose: The terminal is oriented towards receiving and dispatching regional flights connecting Gondia with major cities (for example, Hyderabad or Indore), as well as serving staff and students of the flight institute.
• Capacity: The building is designed to handle a small number of passengers simultaneously (usually up to 100–150 people during peak hours), which guarantees no overcrowding.

Departure and Arrival Zones

Navigation inside the building is intuitive, as all functional zones are within direct line of sight of each other.

• Departure Zone: Upon entering the terminal, passengers immediately find themselves in the check-in hall. There are several counters here for baggage drop and obtaining boarding passes. After check-in follows the security screening zone, leading to a small waiting hall before the boarding gate.
• Arrival Zone: Located in the same building. The path from the aircraft steps to the terminal exit takes mere minutes. The baggage belt (or baggage claim area) is located compactly, immediately after entering the arrival hall.

Transfers and Connections

Since there is only one terminal at the airport, there are no transfers between buildings. Passengers do not need to use shuttles or travelators. Transferring to other flights within this airport is practically not practiced due to the specific nature of the route network (point-to-point), so transit zones are not provided here.

Time and Procedures

The main advantage of Birsi Airport is the speed of passing through all stages.

• Check-in and Security: Thanks to low passenger traffic, queues here are a rare phenomenon. Passing through check-in and pre-flight security usually takes no more than 15–20 minutes.
• Recommended Arrival Time: Despite the efficiency of services, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5 hours before departure to calmly check in luggage and pass security checks, which are traditionally strict and thorough in India. Check-in usually closes 45 minutes before departure.

Navigation Recommendations

The terminal is equipped with a basic signage system in English and Hindi. Airport staff are few in number but always ready to help passengers orient themselves. Aerobridges are usually not used for boarding: passengers walk out onto the apron and proceed to the aircraft on foot or via an apron bus, which allows for a close-up view of the aircraft and interesting photos (if photography is not prohibited by security).

The history of Gondia Airport, often called Birsi Airport (after the nearby village), is a fascinating journey from a strategic military facility of the colonial era to a modern centre of civil aviation. Its fate is closely intertwined with the history of the development of aviation infrastructure in central India.

Military Heritage (1940s)

The roots of the airport go back to the times of the Second World War. In the 1940s, British authorities built an airstrip here for the needs of the Royal Air Force. At that time, the facility had exclusively strategic importance and was used as a base for refuelling and maintenance of military aircraft. After India gained independence and the war ended, the need for military use of the airfield disappeared, and for many decades it was transferred to the Public Works Department (PWD), remaining practically unused for regular flights.

Era of Revival and Modernisation

A new chapter in the airport's history began in the mid-2000s, when India's growing economy demanded the development of regional connectivity and the training of qualified aviation personnel. Management of the facility was transferred to the state-owned company Airports Authority of India (AAI), which initiated a large-scale reconstruction.

• Infrastructure Breakthrough: During modernisation, the old runway was significantly lengthened and strengthened. Today, the runway length is 2,290 metres, allowing it to accept aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, although the main traffic consists of turboprop regional liners.
• Terminal Construction: A new passenger terminal made of glass and steel was erected, equipped with modern security systems, as well as a new control tower.

Becoming a Training Centre

One of the most significant events in the airport's history was the opening of the National Flying Training Institute (NFTI). This joint venture between AAI and the Canadian company CAE Inc. turned a quiet provincial airfield into a prestigious international flight school. This decision breathed life into the airport even before the start of regular passenger transport.

Launch of Commercial Flights

For a long time, the airport was used primarily for training flights and private aviation. The long-awaited breakthrough in civil transport happened quite recently. A landmark date was 13 March 2022, when the airline FlyBig operated the first flight on the Indore — Gondia — Hyderabad route. This event marked the city's inclusion in the national regional connectivity scheme UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik), the aim of which is to make air travel accessible to residents of small towns.

Interesting Facts from History:

• Gondia Airport became one of the first in India where the main focus was not on passenger traffic, but on world-class pilot training.
• Despite having infrastructure for night flights, for a long time the airport operated only during daylight hours, serving flight school cadets.
• The reconstruction of the airport played a key role in the development of tourism in the Vidarbha region, facilitating access to the famous tiger reserves of Maharashtra.

Passengers flying from Gondia Airport (GDB) should bear in mind that this is a very compact regional air terminal, oriented towards rapid transit. You will not find luxury boutiques or entertainment zones here typical of large international hubs. The terminal infrastructure is minimalist and provides only basic needs for travellers before a short flight.

Dining and Shopping

The choice of dining places in the terminal is extremely limited. Typically, a small snack bar or kiosk is available to passengers, where you can purchase hot tea, coffee, soft drinks, bottled water, and light snacks (biscuits, crisps, sandwiches). There are no full-service restaurants with hot meals in the "sterile" zone, so if you are planning a trip with children or a long wait, it is recommended to have a substantial meal in the city before arriving at the airport.

Duty-Free shops and souvenir stalls are absent at the airport. Retail outlets are limited to the sale of press and travel essentials.

Connectivity, Finance, and Comfort

The following amenities are provided for a comfortable wait for your flight at the airport:

• Wi-Fi and Gadget Charging: In the waiting hall, you can find several stands for charging mobile devices. The availability of free Wi-Fi is not guaranteed; often, connecting to public networks in Indian airports requires an active local mobile number to receive an SMS. We recommend downloading necessary maps or entertainment content in advance.
• Lounges: VIP lounges (business lounges) of international networks or airlines are not represented at Gondia Airport. All passengers wait for departure in the general hall, which is equipped with standard seating.
• ATMs: An ATM is usually located in the public area near the terminal entrance or in the parking lot. There are no currency exchange points inside the building, so international tourists are strongly advised to carry the necessary amount of cash Indian Rupees (small notes are useful for taxis and snacks).

Medical and Special Categories of Passengers

Despite its modest size, the airport adheres to mandatory civil aviation service standards:

• Passengers with Reduced Mobility: The terminal is equipped with ramps for wheelchairs. If necessary, airport staff provide assistance with boarding and disembarking. It is recommended to notify the airline of the need for special service no later than 48 hours before departure.
• Medical Assistance: There is a first aid point in the building for emergency situations.
• Passengers with Children: There are no specialised mother and child rooms or play areas in the terminal, however, cleanliness is maintained in the restrooms, and staff generally treat parents' requests for help with understanding.

Hotels and Business Services

There are no hotels in the airport itself or within walking distance. Since the airport is located away from the urban area, the nearest accommodation options are in Gondia city centre (about 17 km or 30–40 minutes drive).

• Accommodation: Tourists can stay in city hotels such as The Grand Sita or Hotel Gateway, which offer a decent level of comfort for an overnight stay before a flight.
• Business Services: Conference rooms and business centres are absent in the terminal. For business meetings, it is better to use the infrastructure of hotels in the city.

Gastronomic opportunities at Gondia Airport (GDB) are directly dictated by its status as a small regional hub. It is important for passengers to adjust their expectations in advance: there are no restaurant courtyards, food courts with international chains, or exquisite lounges here. The dining infrastructure is minimalist and designed exclusively to satisfy light hunger during a short wait for a flight.

Restaurants and Cafes: Real Situation

In the airport's single terminal, there are no full-fledged restaurants with kitchens and a la carte service. Instead, basic sales points are available to passengers:

• Snack Bar / Kiosk (Landside and Airside): Usually, small counters function in the public area (before security check) and in the departure waiting hall (after screening). The assortment here is limited to packaged long-life products: biscuits, crisps, chocolate bars, nuts, and soft drinks.
• Hot Drinks: In the kiosks, you can typically buy freshly brewed Indian tea (Masala Chai) or instant coffee. This is the most popular "order" among local travellers.
• Opening Hours: Food outlets do not have a fixed 24-hour schedule. They open a couple of hours before the first departure and close shortly after the dispatch of the last flight of the day.

Local Cuisine and Specialities

Since there is no equipment for preparing complex dishes in the terminal, you will not be able to try the authentic cuisine of the Vidarbha region right at the airport. However, the assortment of snack bars sometimes includes:

• Samosa and Kachori: If you are lucky, fresh pastries delivered from city bakeries may appear on the counter in the morning hours. These are spicy pastries filled with potatoes or pulses.
• Namkeen: Traditional Indian savoury snacks (mixtures of fried lentils, chickpeas, and spices). This is a great way to get acquainted with local tastes in a "dry ration" format.

Dietary Food

Given the limited choice, passengers with strict dietary preferences should be attentive:

• Vegetarians: India is a vegetarian-friendly country. Almost all snacks (biscuits, crisps) sold at the airport have a green dot marking, indicating 100% vegetarian ingredients.
• Vegans: Selection is limited to nuts, salted crackers, or fruit juices. Read the ingredients on the packaging carefully, as many Indian snacks may contain ghee (clarified butter).
• Halal and Gluten-Free: There are no specialised dishes. Passengers with Coeliac disease are recommended to carry their own snacks, as it is difficult to guarantee the absence of gluten in local snacks. Regarding Halal, while vegetarian options are generally suitable, specific meat certification is not displayed.

Prices and Payment

The price range at Gondia Airport remains very democratic and practically does not differ from city prices.

• Average Bill: A cup of tea and a pack of biscuits will cost approximately 50–100 Indian Rupees.
• Payment: It is strongly recommended to carry cash (small notes). Card terminals or payment via QR codes (UPI) may work intermittently due to unstable connectivity.

Recommendations for Passengers

To ensure your journey is comfortable, follow a simple strategy:

• For a Full Meal: Eat in the city before leaving for the airport. In the centre of Gondia, there are restaurants serving excellent local cuisine (for example, fiery spicy Saoji chicken or vegetarian Poha), which you will not find in the terminal.
• For a Quick Snack: Buy water and light snacks at the airport kiosk to pass the time before boarding.
• Bring Your Own: Airport security is usually lenient regarding carrying dry food (sandwiches, fruits) in hand luggage if they are packed, so taking food with you is the most reliable solution.

Gondia Airport is a small regional hub, and the experience of travelling through it differs significantly from flying out of major Indian metropolises. To ensure your trip goes smoothly, we have prepared a list of practical recommendations considering the specifics of this local airport.

Optimal Arrival Time

Although the terminal is compact and queues are rare here, do not arrive at the last moment. Security standards in India are uniform for all airports.

• Recommended Time: Arrive 1.5 hours before departure. This is sufficient to leisurely pass luggage screening at the entrance, check-in, and personal security checks.
• Critical Cut-off: Check-in counters usually close 45 minutes before departure. Being late even by 5 minutes can lead to being denied boarding, as staff may be busy preparing the aircraft for dispatch.

Check-in and Documents

Procedures in small airports in India can be quite bureaucratic.

• Documents: Be sure to have a printed ticket or its electronic version on your smartphone, as well as the original identity document (Passport). These will be checked at the entrance to the terminal building by armed security personnel. You will not be allowed inside without a ticket.
• Online Check-in: We strongly recommend completing web check-in in advance. This not only saves time but is often a requirement of airlines to minimise contact.

Baggage and Hand Luggage Rules

Indian aviation security rules have strict specifics often overlooked by international tourists.

• Batteries and Power Banks: It is categorically forbidden to check in any external batteries, power banks, or lithium-ion batteries and electronic cigarettes in registered luggage. They must be in your hand luggage only. Violation of this rule will result in you being called to open your suitcase, and you will lose a lot of time.
• Lighters and Matches: Usually prohibited in both hand luggage and checked baggage.
• Liquids: Containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag, are allowed in hand luggage.

Seat Selection on the Plane

Flights from Gondia are generally operated on small turboprop aircraft (like the ATR 72 or Q400), which fly at a lower altitude than large liners.

• Best View: Choose a Window seat. Since the region is famous for its forests and national parks, in clear weather, a stunning view of the green landscapes of Maharashtra opens up.
• Noise: Note that in turboprop aircraft, seats located near the propellers (usually in the front part of the cabin) can be noisier. If you are sensitive to sound, choose rows in the rear.

Tips for Transit Passengers

Gondia Airport operates on a "point-to-point" principle and is not designed for complex transit.

• Connections: If you are flying with a connection in a major hub (e.g., Hyderabad) on a single booking, your luggage will likely be checked through to the final destination. However, if you have two separate tickets, allow at least 3–4 hours for the transfer at the hub airport, as flights from small towns can sometimes be delayed due to weather conditions.
• Inside Gondia: There is no direct transit inside the terminal. Upon arrival, you leave the sterile zone in any case.

Customs Formalities

Since the airport serves only domestic flights, there is no customs control here. However, security may check your luggage for prohibited items (for example, copra/dry coconut, which is often prohibited for transport due to fire hazard).

How to Save Time and Money

• Transport: Arrange a taxi in advance or ask your hotel to organise a transfer. "Catching" a car at the exit can be expensive and time-consuming, as the flow of taxi drivers here is small.
• Food: Prices for snacks at the airport are higher than in the city, and the choice is meagre. Buy water and a snack in a regular city shop before leaving for the airport. An empty bottle can be taken through security and filled with water at drinking fountains inside the waiting hall.

Actions in Case of Flight Delay

Delays in regional airports happen, especially during the monsoon season or winter fogs.

• Entertainment: Wi-Fi may work unstably, and there are few power outlets. Be sure to bring a book or download movies to your tablet in advance.
• Information: In a small terminal, announcements over the PA system may not always be intelligible. It is better to periodically approach the airline representative or monitor the flight status via the carrier's mobile app.
• Long Delays: If the flight is postponed for a long time, do not stay in the terminal where there are almost no amenities. It is better to return to the city, as there are no hotels near the airport.