Veer Surendra Sai Airport

Welcome to the aerial gateway of Western Odisha! Veer Surendra Sai Airport is not just a transport hub, but a symbol of the region's rapid development and a key link in India's regional aviation network. Named after a legendary freedom fighter, this modern airport offers travellers convenient access to the industrial heart and natural beauty of the state, ensuring a comfortable start to any adventure. The unique design of the terminal immerses guests in local culture from the very first minute, introducing them to the rich heritage of this land.

Features and Highlights of the Airport:

Cultural Immersion through Architecture. One of the most striking features of the airport is its interior design. The terminal walls are adorned with images reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Odisha, including motifs of famous Sambalpuri sarees, scenes of traditional dances, and landscapes of iconic tourist sites. This turns waiting for a flight into a small excursion through the history and art of the region.

Key Hub for Regional Accessibility. Veer Surendra Sai Airport plays a crucial role in the government's UDAN ("Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik") programme, aimed at developing regional aviation. As the second most important commercial airport in the state after Bhubaneswar, it provides a vital link between Western Odisha and the country's major metropolises, fostering the growth of business and tourism.

Convenience and Compactness. Thanks to the thoughtful layout and small size of the single terminal, passengers can enjoy fast and intuitive navigation. The journey from the entrance to the boarding gate takes minimal time, while modern facilities ensure a high level of comfort and safety, complying with all civil aviation standards.

Below you will find essential contact information for Veer Surendra Sai Airport (JRG), which will help you orient yourself upon arrival or when planning your departure from Jharsuguda.

• Official Website: You can find flight schedules, news, and general information on the airport's official page provided by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Visit the site via this link: www.aai.aero/en/airports/details/jharsuguda
• Helpline Phone: For immediate information, you can call the number: +91 6645 283 281.
• Airport Address: Veer Surendra Sai Airport, SH 10, Durlaga, Jharsuguda, Odisha 768204, India.
• Email: For administrative queries, you can contact: apdjsg@aai.aero.
• Social Media: You can follow airport news on its official page on X (formerly Twitter): @aaijsgairport.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of luggage issues, it is strongly recommended to contact your airline's representative at the airport first. Airline staff will provide the necessary assistance in searching for baggage and processing documents.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions and passenger support, you may use the main airport helpline number.

Veer Surendra Sai Airport (IATA: JRG) is located in close proximity to the city of Jharsuguda, making the trip to the terminal quick and simple. On average, the journey from the city centre to the airport takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Travellers can choose the transport option that best suits their budget, amount of luggage, and personal preferences.

Public Transport is the most economical way to reach the airport. In India, besides city buses, auto-rickshaws (three-wheeled taxis) are very popular and serve as an affordable and authentic means of transport. A ride in an auto-rickshaw from the city centre to the airport will cost approximately 200–350 Indian Rupees. This option is ideal for solo travellers with light luggage. It is recommended to agree on the fare before the journey begins, as fixed meters are not always used.

For those who value comfort and predictability, the best choice would be a taxi or private transfer. In the city, you can use the services of local taxi companies or book a car through popular mobile apps (such as Ola or Uber). The cost of a taxi ride will be higher, approximately 400–600 Indian Rupees. This is the most convenient method, especially if you are travelling with children or several suitcases, guaranteeing quick delivery right to the terminal entrance.

If you plan to move around the region actively, consider renting a car. Many rental companies offer their services both in the city and with the option of delivering the car to the airport. For travellers arriving in their own or rented vehicles, parking is available at Veer Surendra Sai Airport. Both short-term and long-term parking spaces are usually available.

Veer Surendra Sai Airport (JRG) in Jharsuguda is a modern and compact aviation hub serving domestic flights across India. Its key feature is the presence of only one passenger terminal, which makes navigating it extremely simple and convenient for all categories of travellers. Thanks to this, you won't have to worry about transferring between different buildings.

All airport infrastructure is concentrated in one building. The terminal layout is very logical: departure and arrival zones are under one roof but smartly separated. Upon entering, you find yourself in the general hall with check-in counters, then proceed to the security check area and enter the secure zone with boarding gates. For arriving passengers, the path is equally simple: from the gate to the baggage claim belt and then out to the city. This compactness is a great advantage for those who value their time.

The check-in and security screening process at JRG airport usually proceeds significantly faster than in large international hubs. Despite this, the standard recommendation is to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time is sufficient to check in luggage without rushing, complete all formalities, and calmly wait for your flight.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the clear signs in English and Hindi. Due to the small size of the building, getting lost here is practically impossible. If you have questions, you can always approach airport staff at information desks or representatives of your airline. The main tip: just follow the flow of passengers and the signs, and you will easily find the zone you need.

The history of Veer Surendra Sai Airport (JRG) in Jharsuguda is a vivid example of transformation and development. Its roots go back to the Second World War era, when an airfield was built on this site for the military needs of the British RAF. After the war, the airfield was not used for regular commercial transport for a long time and remained in the shadows, serving only rare private and government flights.

A new era for the airport began in the 21st century when the Government of India included it in the ambitious regional aviation programme UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik). The goal of the programme was to make air travel accessible to the general public and connect the country's smaller cities. The airport in Jharsuguda was selected as a key hub for the development of the western part of the state of Odisha.

Large-scale reconstruction turned the old airfield into a modern aviation complex. A new passenger terminal and control tower were built, and the runway was expanded and modernised to accommodate larger aircraft. The grand opening of the renovated airport took place on 22 September 2018. On the same day, it was named after Veer Surendra Sai, a renowned freedom fighter and hero of the region.

Since its opening, JRG Airport has significantly influenced the region's economy and tourism. It became the second commercial airport in the state of Odisha and quickly gained popularity, serving flights to India's major cities. This airport is not just a transport hub, but a symbol of revival and progress for all of Western Odisha, opening the region to businesses and travellers.

Veer Surendra Sai Airport in Jharsuguda, despite its relatively small size, provides passengers with all necessary services for a comfortable wait. The terminal is designed to ensure convenience and accessibility of key services for all categories of travellers.

For those wishing to have a snack before departure, the airport has several small cafes and eateries where you can order light meals, sandwiches, pastries, as well as hot and cold beverages. There are also kiosks where you can purchase travel essentials, newspapers, and souvenirs. For a more comfortable wait, you can use the Lounge, which offers a cosy atmosphere, snacks, and drinks.

Staying connected is easy: free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Special charging stations and power outlets are equipped in the waiting halls for charging electronic devices. If you need cash, ATMs from several major banks are installed within the airport building.

The airport cares for passengers with special needs. For travellers with children, there are baby care rooms where you can look after your little one in a quiet environment. For passengers with reduced mobility, staff assistance and wheelchairs are provided upon prior request through the airline, and the terminal building is equipped with ramps and accessible restrooms. In case of need, you can visit the medical room for first aid.

There are no specialised business centres or conference halls at the airport. Hotels are also not provided on the airport premises; however, various accommodation options, ranging from budget to more comfortable ones, can be easily found in the city of Jharsuguda itself, which is easily accessible by taxi.

Veer Surendra Sai Airport (JRG) in Jharsuguda offers passengers a basic but convenient selection of establishments for snacks and full meals. Since this is a relatively small regional airport in India, there isn't a huge variety of fine dining restaurants here, but you won't go hungry. The main food outlets are concentrated in the single terminal building and are designed so you can quickly and comfortably refresh yourself before departure or after arrival.

Dining options are available both in the public area (landside) and in the departure area after passing security control (airside). In the arrivals and check-in area, there are usually small cafes and kiosks where you can have coffee with a sandwich while seeing off or meeting travellers. The departure lounge also has several establishments offering snacks and drinks to pass the time before boarding the flight.

The menu mainly consists of popular items for a quick bite. You will easily find sandwiches, pastries, crisps, samosas, and other Indian snacks here. Beverages offered include tea, coffee, juices, and bottled water. Sometimes the menu features local cuisine from the state of Odisha. If you are lucky, look out for traditional sweets, such as Chhena Poda (a baked cheese dessert) — this is a great way to experience local gastronomy.

In India, vegetarian dishes are widely common, and Jharsuguda Airport is no exception — here you will easily find many meat-free options, which are generally suitable for Halal dietary requirements. Options for vegan or gluten-free diets may be more limited, so it is recommended to check ingredients with the staff. Prices at the airport are generally higher than in the city but remain within reasonable limits. Opening hours of establishments are usually tied to flight schedules, ensuring passenger service throughout the operational day.

For a quick snack, kiosks with pastries and drinks are ideal. If you have time for a more substantial lunch, look for cafes offering combo meals or hot dishes, such as biryani or simple thalis (a platter with several dishes). Such establishments are more often found in the main part of the terminal before security control.

Travelling through Veer Surendra Sai Airport, located in the city of Jharsuguda, will be more comfortable if you familiarise yourself with a few useful tips in advance. This airport mainly serves domestic flights within India, which defines some of its features.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure. To save time, use online check-in, which most airlines open 24–48 hours before the flight. This will allow you to avoid queues at check-in counters if you are travelling with hand luggage only.

Security Checks. Be prepared that you may be asked to show your ticket and identification at the entrance to the terminal building. When passing through security, you must remove all electronic devices from your hand luggage, including laptops, tablets, and power banks. This is a standard procedure in Indian airports that speeds up the screening process.

Customs Control. An important point for travellers: since Veer Surendra Sai Airport serves primarily domestic flights, passengers do not need to pass through customs control. This procedure is mandatory only when crossing international borders, so on flights within India, you will not encounter it, which significantly simplifies and speeds up pre-flight formalities.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage. If possible, choose a window seat for beautiful views during takeoff and landing, or an aisle seat for greater convenience. Standard rules for hand luggage prohibit carrying liquids in containers larger than 100 ml, as well as sharp and cutting objects. Remember that power banks can be carried only in hand luggage.

Transfers and Savings. Veer Surendra Sai Airport is not a major transit hub, so most passengers start or end their journey here. If you do have a connecting flight, check with the airline whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. To save money, bring an empty water bottle (it can be filled after security) and light snacks.

Flight Delays. In case of a flight delay or cancellation, contact your airline representative first for the latest information. Stay calm and have a book, headphones, or a charged tablet with you to pass the waiting time. Depending on the length of the delay, the airline may provide drinks or meals.