Nanded

Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Airport, more commonly referred to as Nanded Airport, is not just a transport hub but a gateway to one of the most significant spiritual centres of Sikhism. Located in the state of Maharashtra, it plays a key role in serving thousands of pilgrims and tourists arriving in Nanded from all over India. Although the airport is small in size, its importance for the region and cultural tourism is hard to overestimate, as it makes the journey to the holy shrines fast and convenient.

The main feature of Nanded Airport is its strategic location for pilgrims. It is situated in close proximity to Takhat Sri Hazur Sahib, one of the five sacred thrones of Sikhism, making it the starting point for many believers. Thanks to this, the airport often welcomes special charter flights during major religious festivals.

The airport's advantages include its compactness and simplicity. There are no huge crowds or long queues here as seen in metropolitan airports, allowing passengers to complete all pre-flight formalities quickly and without unnecessary stress. The infrastructure includes all the essentials: a small but clean waiting lounge, check-in counters, and basic services for a comfortable stay before departure.

The airport is constantly developing, striving to improve air connectivity with other cities in the country. For travellers, this means a convenient way to reach the historical and spiritual heart of Maharashtra, bypassing long and tiring journeys by train or bus. Upon arrival, the city centre and main shrines can be easily reached by taxi or auto-rickshaw, which await passengers at the terminal exit.

Below you will find contact information for Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Airport (NDC), serving the city of Nanded.

• Official Website: Up-to-date information about the airport can be found on the Airports Authority of India (AAI) page: www.aai.aero/en/airports/nanded
• Helpdesk Phone: +91-2462-223388. Please note that international call rates may apply.
• Address: Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Airport, Sangvigaon, Hingoli Road, Nanded, Maharashtra 431605, India.
• Email: For general enquiries, you can contact the Airport Director's office at apdnanded@aai.aero.
• Social Media: Individual social media pages for the airport may not exist. It is recommended to follow news on the general channels of the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, you must primarily contact your airline's representative at the airport.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance and answers to general questions, please use the helpdesk phone number or email address provided above.

Getting to Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Airport (NDC) from the city of Nanded is quite simple, as it is located not far from the centre. The journey usually takes between 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions and the chosen mode of transport. Travellers have several convenient options available, allowing them to choose the best balance of cost and comfort.

Public Transport

The most budget-friendly way to get to the airport is to use local bus services. The fare is usually only 20-50 Indian Rupees. However, it is worth noting that buses can be overcrowded, especially during peak hours, and they are not always convenient for accommodating large luggage. Although Nanded has a major railway station, you will still need to take a taxi or auto-rickshaw from there to the airport.

Taxis and Auto-rickshaws

The most convenient and popular way to reach the airport is by taxi or a three-wheeled auto-rickshaw. A ride in an auto-rickshaw will cost approximately 200–350 Indian Rupees, but it is strongly recommended to agree on the price with the driver before starting the journey. Taxis, including app-based booking services (such as Ola and Uber) which are common in India, will cost more — around 400–600 Indian Rupees. This option provides greater comfort and is the ideal solution for travellers with luggage.

Car Rental and Transfers

For maximum comfort and independence, you can rent a car. Several rental companies operate in the city. Another convenient option is renting a car with a driver, which eliminates the need to navigate local traffic yourself. Additionally, many hotels in Nanded offer airport transfer services for their guests. It is best to book this service in advance, especially if you are travelling with family or a large amount of luggage.

Airport Parking

For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicle, parking is provided on the terminal grounds. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking, which is convenient if you are leaving your car for the duration of your trip.

Nanded Airport (NDC), also known as Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Airport, is a modern and compact aviation hub. Its structure is extremely simple and convenient for passengers, making navigation intuitive even for first-time visitors.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which handles both domestic arrivals and departures. Thanks to the single building, you do not have to worry about transferring between terminals — all zones are under one roof. The terminal layout is logical: after entering, you find yourself in the common area where check-in counters are located. After completing check-in and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to pre-flight security screening, followed by a small but comfortable waiting lounge with boarding gates.

Arrival and departure zones are clearly separated but are in close proximity to each other. Upon arrival, passengers proceed to the baggage claim hall, and from there — to the city exit. Due to the small size of the airport and relatively low passenger traffic, all procedures typically go quite quickly. Check-in and security usually take no more than 20-30 minutes, however, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure to avoid potential delays.

Navigating the terminal requires no special effort — there are clear signs in English and Hindi everywhere. The entire path from the building entrance to the boarding gate can be covered in literally a few minutes. This makes Nanded Airport particularly convenient for families with children and elderly travellers.

The history of Nanded Airport, known as Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Airport (IATA code: NDC), is a vivid example of how an infrastructure facility can be transformed to fulfil an important cultural and spiritual mission. Originally built in 1958, it remained a modest airfield for a long time, serving mainly private aviation and rare government flights. Its capabilities were limited, and it did not play a significant role in the transport system of India.

The turning point in the airport's history came in the early 2000s. In anticipation of the 300th anniversary of the consecration of Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru of the Sikhs, which was to take place in Nanded in 2008, the Maharashtra state government decided on its complete modernisation. The city was preparing to host millions of pilgrims from around the world, and a modern airport was absolutely essential. It was then that it received its current name in honour of the tenth Sikh Guru — Shri Guru Gobind Singh, whose life is closely connected with this holy place.

The large-scale reconstruction, completed in 2008, completely transformed the airport. A new passenger terminal capable of handling up to 300 passengers simultaneously, a modern control tower, and an aircraft apron were built. A key stage of the modernisation was the extension of the runway to 2,300 metres, which allowed it to accommodate medium-haul aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. This opened up the possibility for launching direct flights from major Indian cities and potentially abroad.

After the grand celebrations of 2008, the airport became a vital gateway for religious tourism in the region. Although its traffic fluctuated in subsequent years — with flights being launched and then suspended — it proved its significance. In recent years, thanks to the government's regional aviation programme UDAN, Nanded Airport has revitalised its operations, establishing regular connections with several cities. This not only eases the journey for pilgrims to the Hazur Sahib shrine but also contributes to the economic development of the entire district.

Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Airport (NDC) in the city of Nanded is a compact and modern terminal offering essential amenities for travellers in this part of India. While the range of services here is not as extensive as in major international hubs, you will find everything necessary for a comfortable wait for your flight. Inside the terminal building, there are several small cafes and snack bars where you can have coffee, tea, or buy light snacks and beverages. There are also kiosks offering daily necessities, press, and local souvenirs.

For flight waiting, the airport is equipped with general lounges with ample seating. Specialised VIP lounges may be absent, but basic amenities are available to all passengers. You can stay connected thanks to Wi-Fi access, and also use charging stations for electronic devices located in the waiting area. ATMs are installed in the terminal for financial transactions. Travellers needing currency exchange are advised to do so in advance at banks in the city, as this service may be limited at the airport.

Nanded Airport cares for the comfort of all categories of travellers. For passengers with reduced mobility, wheelchairs and staff assistance during boarding and disembarking are provided. It is recommended to notify the airline in advance if special assistance is required. Families with small children can use mother and child rooms for infant care. A first aid post is also available on the terminal premises in case of unforeseen situations.

There are no hotels within the airport grounds. However, in the city of Nanded, which is a few minutes' drive away, travellers will find a wide selection of accommodation options — from budget guest houses to comfortable hotels. There are no specialised business centres or conference rooms in the terminal building. For business meetings, it is best to use the relevant services offered by hotels in the city.

The airport in the city of Nanded (NDC) offers passengers several basic but convenient options for a snack before departure. Since this is a small domestic airport in India, the choice of establishments here is not as wide as in major international hubs, but you will not go hungry. Mainly, there are small cafes and kiosks with snacks located in the single terminal.

In the menus of local establishments, you will find predominantly popular Indian snacks, such as samosas, vada pav, sandwiches, as well as chips, biscuits, and other packaged snacks. Of course, you can always order hot masala chai or coffee. For vegetarians, the choice is usually quite extensive, which is the norm for India. However, finding specialised vegan, gluten-free, or certified halal dishes might be difficult, so passengers with strict dietary restrictions are advised to carry food with them. Note that vegetarian food in India is generally suitable for halal dietary requirements as it contains no meat or alcohol.

The main food outlets are located both in the public area (before security check) and in the departure lounge (after security). This allows both well-wishers and passengers to have a snack. Opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule, so they are open during periods of main airport activity. Prices here are quite moderate and correspond to the level of regional airports in the country.

If you are short on time, the best choice would be a quick bite in the form of packaged snacks or a freshly made sandwich. For a more substantial meal, you can look for combo offers, which sometimes include rice, flatbreads, and curry. In any case, the establishments at Nanded Airport are excellent for refreshing yourself before a flight.

Travelling through the airport in the city of Nanded usually goes smoothly, but a few tips will help make your experience even more comfortable. When planning your departure, arrive at the airport well in advance — approximately 2 hours before a domestic flight departure. This time is sufficient to complete all formalities without rushing. To save time, use online check-in offered by most airlines and save the boarding pass on your smartphone.

When going through security control at airports in India, be prepared to present your passport and ticket at the terminal entrance. Electronics, such as laptops and tablets, must be removed from bags for separate scanning. Regarding hand luggage, standard international rules apply: liquids in containers not exceeding 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Pay special attention to portable chargers (power banks) — they are permitted only in hand luggage, not in checked baggage.

If you have a connecting flight, check with the airline whether you need to collect your luggage and check in for the next flight again. Nanded Airport is not very large, so navigation generally does not cause difficulties. Customs control is only for international flight passengers, so for domestic flights within the country, this procedure is absent. When choosing a seat on the plane, everything is standard: a window seat offers beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat allows you to stand up freely without disturbing neighbours.

To save money, book a taxi from the airport via official pre-paid taxi counters — this helps avoid inflated prices. It is also useful to bring an empty water bottle, which can be filled after security, and light snacks, as prices at the airport are traditionally higher. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for the latest information. Keep a book or a charged power bank with films handy to pass the waiting time. Calmness and preparation are the keys to a pleasant start and end to your journey.