Chitrakoot Airport

Chitrakoot Airport is not merely a transit point, but a true aerial gateway to a world of ancient legends and India's spiritual heritage. Situated on an elevated plateau, this airfield offers travellers the unique experience of landing on a "tabletop" runway, providing breathtaking views of the surroundings. Despite its compact size, the air harbour plays a grand role, connecting modern pilgrims with the sacred sites described in the great epic "Ramayana".

Airport Features and Advantages

Chitrakoot Airport stands out among other regional hubs due to its novelty and thoughtful aesthetics. The main architectural feature is the terminal, the design of which is inspired by motifs from the "Ramayana", including elements resembling a bow and arrow. This creates a special atmosphere of immersion in the region's culture from the very first minutes after landing.

From a practical perspective, the airport offers maximum convenience thanks to the absence of queues and rapid security procedures. Its geographical location on a plateau (a so-called "tabletop airport") makes it a unique engineering structure, of which there are very few in India. Passengers appreciate this airport for its cleanliness, modern equipment, and strategic proximity to the district's main temples and tourist attractions.

Finding direct contacts for a small regional airport like Chitrakoot Airport (CWK) can be challenging, as many support functions are handled directly by the airlines. Below is the most current and useful information for passengers.

• Official Website: Basic information about the airport is available on the Airports Authority of India (AAI) page. General data and news can be found here: Chitrakoot Airport page on the AAI website.
• Inquiry Service Phone: The airport does not have a single public number for inquiries. For all questions related to your flight (schedule, delays, check-in), you should contact the airline you are flying with directly.
• Airport Address: Chitrakoot Airport, Sitapur, Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh - 210205, India.
• Email: A dedicated email address for passenger inquiries has not been published.
• Social Media: The airport does not have its own social media pages. Official updates can be tracked through the Airports Authority of India (AAI) accounts.
• Lost & Found Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you must immediately contact the Lost & Found service of your airline. Airport staff do not handle these issues directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: for assistance with booking, ticket purchases, special services, or other aspects of your journey, please contact the customer support service of the airline operating your flight.

You can get to Chitrakoot Airport from the city of Manikpur and its surroundings in several ways. The choice of the suitable option depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and comfort preferences. The airport is located relatively close to the city centre, so the journey usually does not take much time.

Taxis and Auto-rickshaws. This is the most common and convenient way to reach the airport. You can use the services of a standard taxi or the more exotic, yet no less popular in India, auto-rickshaw. The trip from the centre of Manikpur will take approximately 20-40 minutes depending on traffic conditions. It is recommended to agree on the fare in advance with the driver or use pre-paid taxi services at the airport, if available, to avoid misunderstandings.

Public Transport. A budget-friendly but least convenient option for tourists with luggage. Specialized shuttle buses to the airport may be unavailable. However, local government or private buses may follow routes passing near the airport. This method requires good knowledge of local routes and readiness for short walks. Information about schedules and stops is best verified on the spot.

Car Rental. For those who value independence and plan to travel around the region extensively, renting a car can be an excellent solution. In India, renting a car with a driver is popular, which eliminates the need to navigate complex traffic. It is recommended to book a car in advance through trusted agencies to guarantee its availability upon arrival. The airport usually provides parking where you can leave a personal or rented vehicle for a short or long term.

If you have not found convenient flights directly to Chitrakoot, it is worth considering flying to one of the neighbouring airports followed by a ground transfer. Alternatives include: Bamrauli Airport (IXD) in Prayagraj (approximately 86 km), Khajuraho Airport (HJR) (about 110 km), or larger hubs such as Kanpur Airport (KNU), Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO) in Lucknow, and Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) in Varanasi.

Chitrakoot Airport (CWK), also known as Shri Ram Airport, is a modern and compact regional aviation hub designed for maximum passenger convenience. Its structure is extremely simple and intuitive, making navigation easy even for first-time visitors.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which handles all domestic flights — both departures and arrivals. Thanks to its small size and thoughtful layout, you won't have to worry about long walks or the risk of getting lost. Departure and arrival zones are located in the same building, which significantly simplifies logistics. Upon entering the terminal, you will immediately see the check-in counters, followed by the security screening area.

A feature of the terminal is its unique design, inspired by local culture and the "Ramayana" epic. The building symbolizes a bow and arrow, and its interiors are decorated with thematic works of art, creating a special atmosphere. It is not just a transport hub, but a kind of cultural object introducing guests to the region's heritage.

Check-in and security procedures at Chitrakoot Airport generally proceed very quickly due to low passenger traffic. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60-90 minutes before departure to complete all formalities without rushing. For navigation, simply follow the standard signs in Hindi and English, which will guide you from the check-in counters to the boarding gate or baggage claim area.

Chitrakoot Airport (CWK) serves as a modern aerial gateway, opening access to the sacred region of Chitrakoot. Its history is not a tale of decades of operation, but rather an example of rapid development: from a modest runway to a fully-fledged passenger airport built to meet the needs of the growing flow of pilgrims and tourists in Manikpur.

The foundation for the future airport was laid in 1996 with the construction of an airstrip. However, for many years it was not used for regular commercial flights. A new stage in the airfield's history began with its inclusion in the government's regional aviation connectivity scheme (UDAN). The main goal of the project was to transform the old strip into a modern airport capable of receiving passenger aircraft and ensuring transport accessibility to one of India's most important religious centres.

The active phase of modernization and construction unfolded in the early 2020s. Within the framework of the project, a new terminal was erected, and the runway was widened and lengthened to accommodate ATR-72 type turboprop aircraft. One of the remarkable features of the airport is its location on a plateau, making it a "tabletop" airport. The official opening for regular passenger flights took place in 2024, marking the beginning of a new era in the region's transport infrastructure.

Today, Chitrakoot Airport may not boast records or centuries-old history, but its main achievement is its very existence. It has become a key element in developing the region's tourism potential and economy. The airport has significantly reduced travel time for thousands of pilgrims and travellers seeking to visit holy sites associated with the Ramayana, and has provided a powerful impetus for the growth of local infrastructure.

Chitrakoot Airport (CWK) is a modern regional airport focused on providing basic comfort and convenience for its passengers. Despite its compact size, it offers all necessary services for a pleasant wait for your flight.

Inside the terminal, you will find small eateries and cafes where you can have a snack or drink coffee before departure, as well as kiosks with essential goods. A general waiting hall with comfortable seating is equipped for all passengers. While specialized VIP lounges may be absent, comfortable conditions for relaxation have been created in the main hall. Passengers can use charging stations for mobile devices to stay connected.

For travellers with special needs, the airport offers the necessary infrastructure. There are ramps and specially equipped restrooms for passengers with reduced mobility. Airport staff are always ready to assist with boarding and disembarking. Families with small children can use the mother and child room. In case of need, a medical room operates at the airport to provide first aid.

It is worth noting that some services, such as currency exchange points, banks, conference rooms, or business centres, may not be present at this regional airport. It is recommended to perform these operations in the city beforehand. There are no hotels within the airport territory itself; however, many accommodation options can be found in nearby settlements.

Chitrakoot Airport (CWK) is a small regional air terminal, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited and designed primarily for passengers who need a quick snack before departure. Do not expect a wide variety of restaurants and cafes here as you would in major international hubs.

The main and, typically, the only dining option at the airport is a small snack bar or cafe located in the general departure lounge. Here, travellers can purchase basic beverages and light bites. The assortment usually includes:

• Hot drinks: Tea (including traditional Masala chai) and coffee.
• Cold drinks: Bottled water, juices, and carbonated beverages.
• Snacks: Packaged crisps, biscuits, sandwiches, samosas, or other simple pastries.

Finding a full hot lunch or dinner at the airport is unlikely. Therefore, if you plan to have a substantial meal, it is better to do so in Chitrakoot city before travelling to the airport. For a quick bite, the offerings in the terminal will be sufficient.

Regarding dietary preferences, vegetarian snack options, such as vegetable sandwiches or samosas, are usually available. However, finding certified Halal, vegan, or gluten-free dishes might be difficult. Passengers with strict dietary restrictions are advised to bring food with them.

Prices at the airport are generally slightly higher than in the city but remain within reasonable limits. The cafeteria's operating hours are directly linked to the flight schedule — it is open to serve passengers of departing and arriving flights and may be closed at other times.

To ensure your journey through Chitrakoot Airport is as comfortable and hassle-free as possible, we have prepared several useful tips. By following these simple recommendations, you can save time, stress, and even money.

Arrival Time at the Airport. For domestic flights, which are primarily served by Chitrakoot Airport, it is recommended to arrive no later than 2 hours before departure. This time is usually sufficient to complete all pre-flight formalities without rushing, even taking possible queues into account.

Check-in and Security. To save time, use online check-in on your airline's website if this option is available. Keep your passport (or other identification) and boarding pass ready at the airport. The security screening procedure is standard: be prepared to remove laptops, tablets, and liquids from your hand luggage into a separate tray.

Seat Selection. If you want to enjoy the views during the flight, choose a window seat. If being able to stretch your legs or exit the aircraft quickly upon arrival is more important to you, your choice is an aisle seat. It is best to book a seat in advance when purchasing the ticket or during online check-in.

Hand Luggage Rules. Carefully study your airline's rules regarding the weight and dimensions of hand luggage. General restrictions are standard: liquids can be carried in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects are prohibited. Important: Portable chargers (power banks) are permitted only in hand luggage.

Connecting Flights. If Manikpur is not your final destination, check when registering your luggage whether you need to collect it at the transfer airport. Study the layout of the transit airport in advance and leave a sufficient time margin between flights, especially if the connection is handled by different airlines.

Customs Control. Since the airport serves predominantly domestic flights, strict customs control is rarely applied here. However, if you arrived in India on an international flight and are flying onwards, you will undergo all customs procedures at the first airport of arrival in the country.

Saving Time and Money. Besides online check-in, travelling light helps save money by avoiding excess baggage fees. You can also bring an empty water bottle and fill it at drinking fountains after the security zone to avoid spending on drinks.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay? In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative. Remain calm and ask for information regarding the reason for the delay and the estimated departure time. Depending on the duration of the wait, the airline is obliged to provide passengers with drinks, meals, and for long delays, hotel accommodation.