Hubli Airport

Hubli Airport (Hubballi Airport) is not merely a transit point, but a strategically important aerial gateway opening the path to the cultural and natural treasures of North Karnataka. Recognized as one of the most eco-friendly airports in India, this modern aviation hub harmoniously combines advanced technology with respect for the environment, operating predominantly on solar energy. A journey through this airport becomes the first step in exploring the dynamic twin cities of Hubli-Dharwad and the legendary ruins of Hampi. The cosy, bright, and high-tech terminal creates a sense of comfort from the very first minutes, setting the mood for a pleasant trip without unnecessary bustle.

Features and Advantages

"Green" Status and Sustainability

Hubli Airport is renowned as the first "green" airport in the state of Karnataka. A massive solar power plant with a capacity of 8 megawatts is installed on its premises, which not only meets the airport's own needs but also transmits surplus energy to the general grid. This makes it a shining example of sustainable infrastructure development, where care for nature comes first.

Modern Terminal

The new passenger terminal, opened as part of a large-scale reconstruction, is distinguished by its thoughtful architecture and functionality. The building, covering an area of 3,600 square metres, is equipped with a central air conditioning system, modern check-in systems (CUTE), and baggage screening. High ceilings and panoramic glazing fill the space with natural light, creating a spacious and pleasant atmosphere for waiting for flights.

Strategic Location

The airport serves a unique agglomeration of twin cities: Hubli, a commercial centre, and Dharwad, an educational and cultural hub. Thanks to its convenient location on Gokul Road, key points in both cities can be reached in 20–30 minutes. Furthermore, the airport serves as a convenient starting point for tourists heading to the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Hampi and other historical places in the region.

Developed Route Network

Thanks to its participation in the government's regional aviation development programme (UDAN), Hubli Airport has significantly expanded its flight geography. Passengers have access to direct and convenient connecting flights to the country's largest metropolises, such as Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Chennai. This makes it an indispensable link for business travellers and tourists wishing to save travel time.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Hubli Airport (HBX). If you have any questions, we recommend contacting the channels listed below.

• Official Website: You can find detailed information about flights, services, and regulations on the official airport page on the Airports Authority of India (AAI) website: www.aai.aero/en/airports/details/hubballi
• Information Desk Phone: For general enquiries, you can call: +91 836 230 4200.
• Airport Address: Gokul Road, Gandhi Nagar, Hubli, Karnataka 580030, India.
• Email: For written enquiries, please use e-mail: apdhubli@aai.aero.
• Social Media: The airport does not have its own official social media pages. Current news can be tracked on the general resources of the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
• Lost Baggage Information: In case of loss or damage to baggage, please contact the representative of the airline you flew with directly. Airline counters are located in the arrival hall.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For passenger support, the main telephone number and email address of the airport can be used.

Getting to Hubli Airport (HBX) from the city of Hubli-Dharwad can be done in several ways, each having its own advantages depending on your budget, time, and preferences. The airport is located approximately 8 km from the centre of Hubli and 20 km from Dharwad, making it easily accessible for travellers.

Public Transport

The most economical way to get to the airport is to use local buses. The city operates a Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) as well as regular city routes. Although a direct express route to the terminal may be unavailable, you can always travel to the stop nearest to the airport and take an auto-rickshaw from there. This option is suitable for tourists on a limited budget with a small amount of luggage. Please verify routes and schedules on-site, as they are subject to change.

Taxi and Transfer

The most convenient and fastest method is a taxi. In India, mobile taxi-hailing apps such as Ola and Uber are widely used, offering rides at fixed or pre-estimated rates. This eliminates the need to haggle. The journey from the centre of Hubli to the airport usually takes 20-30 minutes depending on traffic conditions. You can also use pre-paid taxi services directly in the city or book a private transfer in advance through your hotel or travel agency, guaranteeing comfort and timely arrival.

Car Rental

For those who prefer maximum freedom of movement, car rental is available. Several rental companies offer their services in the city. This option allows you to travel at your own pace and perhaps explore the surroundings before your flight. However, it is worth remembering that traffic can be intense and chaotic, requiring some experience driving in local conditions. The airport provides parking where you can leave both rented and private vehicles for short or long periods.

Recommendations:

For most tourists, the optimal choice in terms of price and comfort is a taxi booked via a mobile app. It is fast, relatively inexpensive, and predictable. If you are travelling light and wish to save money, a bus combined with a rickshaw makes for a good alternative. Always allow extra travel time, especially during peak hours, to avoid missing your flight.

Hubli Airport (HBX) is a modern and compact aviation hub, making navigation within it intuitive and convenient for passengers. The airport operates one integrated terminal that serves all domestic flights — both arrivals and departures. Thanks to this, you will not have to worry about transferring between different buildings.

The terminal layout is simple and logical. Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated, eliminating confusion. Upon entering the building, you immediately find yourself in the common area where airline check-in counters are located. After checking in and dropping off baggage, passengers proceed to pre-flight security screening, after which they enter the secure area — the departure lounge with boarding gates. The arrival zone is located on the ground floor and includes baggage reclaim belts and the exit to the city.

Due to the airport's small size, completing all formalities generally takes little time. The check-in and security process usually proceeds quickly and without long queues. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport generally 1.5–2 hours before departure to go through all procedures without haste, especially if your flight is during morning or evening peak hours.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the numerous signs in English and Kannada. Airport staff are always ready to help and suggest the right direction. The compactness of the terminal is its main advantage, so getting lost here is practically impossible, even if you are flying through Hubli for the first time.

The history of Hubli Airport (HBX), located in the twin cities of Hubli-Dharwad, is a vivid example of transformation and growth. Its roots go back to the British Raj era in India, when it was founded as a small airstrip for the military needs of the Royal Air Force during World War II. After the country gained independence, the airfield was transferred to civil administration, but for many decades it remained a modest facility serving only a limited number of flights.

A real breakthrough in the airport's history occurred in the 21st century. Understanding the growing economic importance of the region, the government initiated a massive modernisation project. A key stage was the opening of a new, modern terminal and a significantly extended runway in December 2017. The runway length was increased from 1,674 to 2,600 metres, allowing the airport to accommodate larger aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. This event opened doors for leading Indian airlines.

A significant role in the development of air connectivity was played by the government's regional aviation programme, UDAN. Thanks to it, Hubli Airport was able to establish direct flights with many major cities in the country, leading to a sharp increase in passenger traffic. From a little-known regional airfield, it has turned into one of the busiest airports in the state of Karnataka, second only to the international airports of Bangalore and Mangalore. This transformation clearly demonstrates how investment in infrastructure can become a catalyst for the economic and social development of an entire region.

Hubli Airport (HBX) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its compact size, the terminal is equipped with amenities that meet modern standards. Passengers can easily orient themselves in the building and find everything they need before departure or upon arrival.

The airport features several cafes and snack bars where you can have a bite to eat or drink coffee. They serve both local dishes and familiar sandwiches and pastries. There are also small shops selling souvenirs, newspapers, and essential goods. For those who value enhanced comfort, lounges are available where one can relax in a quieter setting.

Throughout the terminal, free Wi-Fi is available for passengers, allowing you to stay connected or attend to work matters. Special stands and power sockets located in the waiting halls are provided for charging electronic devices. Travellers can use ATMs and currency exchange points to handle financial matters directly at the airport.

The airport cares for all categories of passengers. A mother and child room is equipped for travellers with children. If necessary, you can contact the medical centre for first aid. A barrier-free environment has been created for passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps and special restrooms, and airport staff are always ready to provide necessary assistance and escort.

Although there are no hotels within the airport premises, many accommodation options can be found in the immediate vicinity, in the city of Hubli-Dharwad. Regarding business services, there may not be specialised conference rooms at the airport, but basic amenities for business travellers, such as Wi-Fi and work zones, are available in the waiting lounges.

Hubli Airport (HBX), serving domestic flights, offers passengers several convenient options for a snack or a full meal before departure. Although the selection here is not as vast as in international hubs, you certainly won't go hungry.

The main dining establishments are located in the main terminal building. You will find cafes and snack bars both in the public area (landside), before security control, and in the secure departure zone (airside). This allows those seeing passengers off, as well as the passengers themselves already waiting for their flight, to have a bite to eat.

The menu mainly includes popular dishes of Indian and Continental cuisine. For a quick snack, sandwiches, pastries, crisps, and soft drinks are perfect. If you have time, we recommend trying local dishes from the state of Karnataka. Pay attention to classic South Indian snacks such as idli (steamed rice cakes), vada (spicy lentil doughnuts), and, of course, aromatic filter coffee.

Vegetarian dishes are widely available and make up a significant part of the menu, which is characteristic of this region of India. Finding vegan or gluten-free options may be more difficult, so it is better to check the ingredients with the staff. Prices at the airport are moderate but, as a rule, slightly higher than in the city itself. Opening hours of cafes and restaurants are usually synchronised with the flight schedule; they open early in the morning and serve passengers until the last departure.

To ensure your journey through Hubli Airport goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of these useful tips. A thoughtful approach will help save time, stress, and money, leaving only pleasant impressions of your trip around India.

Arrival time at the airport. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure. If you have an international flight (which is rare for this airport), allow at least 3 hours. This time will be sufficient to complete all formalities without haste, even during periods of high traffic.

Check-in and security control. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides this option. Keep your passport and boarding pass ready at the airport. When passing through security control, be prepared to remove laptops, tablets, and other large gadgets from your hand luggage, as well as liquids in a separate container.

Seat selection on the plane. A window seat (A, F) is suitable for those who love to admire views, especially during take-off and landing. An aisle seat (C, D) will give more legroom and allow you to stand up without disturbing neighbours. Seats in the front of the cabin usually guarantee a quicker exit upon arrival, while seats at emergency exits offer extra legroom but may have restrictions.

Hand luggage. Remember the general rules: liquids can be carried in containers of no more than 100 ml each, packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited in hand luggage. Be sure to take all valuables into the cabin with you: documents, money, electronics, as well as a portable charger (power bank).

Passengers with connections. Hubli Airport mainly serves domestic flights, so connections here are usually straightforward. When purchasing a ticket, check if you will need to collect your luggage and check it in again. Always leave a sufficient time margin between flights — at least 1.5-2 hours.

Customs control. For flights within the country, there is no need to go through customs control. If you are arriving from abroad or flying to another country via one of the major hubs, remember the need to declare large amounts of currency and expensive goods in accordance with the customs regulations of India.

Saving time and money. Book flight tickets and transfers to/from the airport in advance. Travel light to avoid surcharges for excess baggage. Take an empty reusable water bottle with you to fill it after passing security control and avoid spending money on drinks.

Flight delays. In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative for information on further actions. Clarify your rights regarding the provision of meals, drinks, or hotel accommodation. Use this time to rest, have a snack in the airport cafe, or read a book.