Port Blair Airport

Welcome to Veer Savarkar International Airport, better known as Port Blair Airport! This is the main aerial gateway to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands — a tropical paradise in the heart of the Bay of Bengal. Located in the capital of this Union Territory of India, this airport serves as the starting point for travelers seeking white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and lush jungles. The architecture of the new terminal, inspired by the shape of a seashell, immediately sets the mood for an exotic vacation. The airport operates as a civil enclave, sharing runways with an Indian Navy air station.

Port Blair Airport boasts a modern and spacious terminal that was opened in 2023. Its capacity is up to 1,200 passengers per hour, which has significantly improved comfort for travelers. For passenger convenience, there are tourist information counters, waiting lounges, and basic services available. A significant improvement was the installation of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) in 2024, which ensures safe aircraft landings during poor visibility and at night, which is particularly relevant during the monsoon season.

To contact representatives of Port Blair Airport and obtain the latest information, you can use the following contact details:

• Official Website: You can find flight schedules, news, and general information on the official page of the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Website address: www.aai.aero/en/airports/port-blair
• Helpline Number: +91-3192-235619
• Airport Address: Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands (U.T) - 744103, India
• Email: apd_portblair@aai.aero
• Social Media: The airport does not have separate social media pages, but current news is published on the official channels of the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
• Lost Baggage Information: In case of lost luggage on board the aircraft, please contact your airline's representative at the airport first. For items left in the terminal building, please contact the airport administration.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For immediate assistance and inquiries, you can call the main airport number or speak to staff at the information desks directly in the terminal.

Getting to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), the main aviation hub of Port Blair, is quite simple due to its close proximity to the city centre — just a couple of kilometres away. The journey takes very little time, and while the choice of transport is not vast, it fully meets the needs of travelers. The main modes of transport are taxis, auto-rickshaws, and pre-booked transfers.

Taxis and Auto-rickshaws are the most popular and convenient way to get to the airport. A trip from most hotels in the city centre will take no more than 10-15 minutes. Taxi fares in India are generally low, and a trip to the airport will be quite affordable. To avoid overcharging, it is recommended to use pre-paid taxi services, counters for which can be found both at the airport and in the city. Auto-rickshaws are an even more budget-friendly and authentic option for traveling light.

Public Transport in the city is represented by local buses. This is the cheapest way to travel, but it may not be very comfortable for tourists with large luggage due to tight schedules and crowding. Routes do not always pass near hotels, so this option is best considered if you are traveling without luggage and want to save money. Please note that there is no railway or metro service on the Andaman Islands.

Car Rental and Transfers. For maximum freedom of movement around the island, you can rent a car; often this service is provided with a driver. Many hotels and travel companies also offer an organized transfer service to the airport. This is an excellent option if you value comfort and do not want to worry about finding transport before departure — the driver will meet you right in the hotel lobby at the appointed time.

For those traveling by their own or rented transport, parking is available at Port Blair Airport. This is a convenient option if you need to meet someone, see them off, or leave your car for a short trip.

Veer Savarkar Airport in Port Blair (IXZ) welcomes travelers with a modern and functional terminal. Following a recent major reconstruction, all passenger operations — both domestic and international — are concentrated in one new integrated building.

Since the airport operates with just one terminal, navigation for passengers is extremely simple, and there is no need to transfer between buildings. The old terminal building is no longer used for flight operations. All services are located under one roof, making the airport experience convenient and straightforward.

The terminal structure is logically divided into two main levels:

• Departures Area is located on the upper floor. Here you will find airline check-in counters and security checkpoints.
• Arrivals Area is located on the lower floor. Here passengers collect their luggage and exit to the city.

The new terminal is equipped with several aerobridges, making boarding and disembarking from the aircraft significantly more comfortable, especially during rainy weather.

Check-in and security procedures at Port Blair Airport usually do not take much time, as it handles a moderate number of flights. Nevertheless, we advise arriving at least 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight departure to complete all formalities without rushing. For navigation, simply follow the signs in English and Hindi — it is practically impossible to get lost in the compact building.

The airport in Port Blair, officially known as Veer Savarkar International Airport, has a history closely intertwined with key events of the 20th and 21st centuries on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is not just a transport hub, but a vital artery connecting this remote archipelago with mainland India and the rest of the world.

The history of the air harbour began during World War II. The first runway was built here by Japanese forces in the 1940s during the occupation of the islands. After the war, the airfield was transferred to the administration of Indian authorities and gradually converted for civil aviation needs, which became a turning point for the development of the entire region.

An important stage in history was the naming of the airport. In 2002, it was named after Vinayak Damodar Savarkar — a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement who was imprisoned in the famous Cellular Jail in Port Blair. This act symbolically linked the islands' main transport hub with their complex and heroic past.

With the growth of tourist traffic to the Andaman Islands, the old infrastructure could no longer cope with the load. This led to the start of a massive modernization. A key event was the opening of the new modern integrated terminal in 2023. Its unique seashell-shaped design and significantly increased capacity have allowed passenger service to reach a new level and prepared the airport to welcome even more guests from around the world.

Today, Port Blair Airport continues to develop, remaining the only civil airport in the archipelago. Its history is a clear example of how a military facility can transform into a modern hub playing a central role in the economy and life of an entire region, opening up its beauties to travelers.

Port Blair Airport (IXZ), being the primary transport hub of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its relatively small size, the terminal is well-equipped and designed for traveler convenience.

Inside the airport, you will find several dining outlets where you can have a snack before departure, as well as enjoy coffee or soft drinks. Small shops are operating, offering both essentials and local souvenirs, including handicrafts and famous Andaman pearls. This is a great opportunity to buy last-minute gifts. For those seeking greater comfort, premium lounges are available.

For passengers who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available within the terminal, along with charging stations for electronic devices. The airport has ATMs and currency exchange counters, which is particularly convenient for international tourists. In case of need, there is a first aid medical post in the terminal building.

The airport caters to all categories of passengers. Mother and child rooms are provided for travelers with small children. Assistance with mobility is available for passengers with disabilities, along with ramps and specially equipped restrooms. Although there are no hotels directly on the airport premises, many accommodation options can be easily found in the city of Port Blair itself, which is just a few minutes' drive away. Business travelers can use basic services, although specialized conference rooms are not provided in the terminal building.

The airport in Port Blair offers passengers basic options for a snack before departure or after arrival. Given its relatively small size, the choice of establishments here is modest and mainly focused on quick and light meals. Most cafes and kiosks are located in the main terminal building, both in the public area (landside) and in the departure area after security check (airside).

In the menus of local establishments, you will find a standard set for travelers: sandwiches, pastries, chips, chocolate, and soft drinks. It is also a good opportunity to try popular Indian snacks such as samosa or pakora. For a full lunch with hot meals, the choice is extremely limited, so it is better to count on a light snack. Here you can have coffee, tea, or fresh juice.

Passengers with specific dietary needs (vegan, gluten-free, or Halal meals) should take into account that finding suitable options may be challenging. It is recommended to bring food with you or check for availability in advance. Prices at the airport are generally higher than in the city, which is standard practice for most airports. Most food outlets operate according to the flight schedule, opening a few hours before the first departure and closing after the last aircraft departs.

Planning a trip through the airport of Port Blair city will be easier if you consider a few tips. This air terminal is the main transport hub of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, so knowing its features will help avoid unnecessary stress and make your journey more comfortable.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For domestic flights within India, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2–2.5 hours before departure. Although the airport is not as large as those in capital cities, queues can occur during the tourist season. To save time, complete online check-in if your airline provides this option. This will allow you to proceed directly to the baggage drop counter or, if you are traveling light, to the security check area.

Security Check and Seat Selection. Security works thoroughly, so have your passport and boarding pass ready in advance. When choosing a seat on the plane, especially on flights arriving at or leaving the islands, try to get a seat by the window. The bird's-eye views of the archipelago are an unforgettable sight that will be a wonderful start or end to your holiday.

Hand Luggage. Hand luggage rules are standard: restrictions on liquids (up to 100 ml in one container), and no sharp objects. However, there is an important local nuance: it is strictly prohibited to take corals, shells, and other protected marine organisms out of the islands, even if you found them on the beach. Finding them in your luggage can lead to serious fines.

Connecting Passengers and Customs. Most flights from Port Blair go to mainland India, so international transits are rare here. If you have a connection in another Indian city, check with your airline if you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Customs control for domestic flights usually amounts to checking luggage for the prohibited items mentioned above.

Saving Money and Useful Tips. Prices for food and drinks at the airport can be inflated. To save money, have a snack beforehand or bring permitted snacks with you. It is better to order a taxi from the airport through official counters or in advance via online services to avoid overpaying. Download a city map or necessary apps to your phone in advance, as the internet in the terminal may be unstable.

In Case of Flight Delay. Delays can happen, especially during the monsoon season due to weather conditions. Keep an eye on the information on the departure boards and in your airline's app. For long delays, airlines are obliged to provide passengers with food and drinks, and if necessary, hotel accommodation. Remain calm and check information with the carrier's representatives.