Pondicherry Airport

Pondicherry Airport (also known as Puducherry Airport) is a compact and modern aerial gateway to the city of the same name, renowned for its unique French-Tamil culture. Despite its modest size, the airport plays a key role in connecting this charming coastal region with major cities in India. It serves as a convenient starting point for travelers wishing to explore not only Puducherry itself but also iconic places such as the international community of Auroville. The airport has been significantly modernized, and the new terminal, opened in 2013, ensures a comfortable passenger experience.

The main advantage of Pondicherry Airport is its proximity to the city and key tourist attractions, which significantly reduces transfer time. The terminal is designed to handle up to 300 passengers during peak hours and offers all essential amenities, including check-in counters, waiting lounges, and baggage claim areas, ensuring fast and efficient logistics for travelers. Although the airport currently serves a limited number of destinations, there are plans to extend the runway to accommodate larger aircraft, which will open up new routes in the future and increase the flow of tourists to this unique corner of India.

If you need to contact the administration of Pondicherry Airport (PNY), please use the following contact information. We recommend always checking the official website for the most up-to-date data, as details may change.

• Official Website: Current information on flights, services, and airport regulations can be found on the official airport page on the Airports Authority of India (AAI) portal: www.aai.aero/en/airports/details/puducherry
• Help Desk Phone: For general inquiries, you can call: +91-413-2253179.
• Airport Address: Lawspet, Puducherry, 605008, India.
• Email: For written inquiries, please use the address: apd_pondy@aai.aero
• Social Media: Pondicherry Airport does not have its own verified social media pages. Follow news on the official accounts of the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
• Lost Baggage Information: If your luggage was lost during the flight, please contact your airline's representative first. For items left within the terminal building, contact the airport administration via the main phone number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance and consultations regarding your stay at the airport, please contact the phone number and email address listed above.

Pondicherry Airport (PNY) is located very close to the city centre, just a few kilometres away, making it quite simple and quick to reach. Depending on your budget, amount of luggage, and comfort preferences, you can choose from several convenient methods.

Taxis and Auto-rickshaws are the most popular and convenient way to get to the airport. A trip from the centre of Puducherry, for example, from the French Quarter or White Town area, will take approximately 20–30 minutes depending on traffic conditions. You can use pre-paid taxi services, book a car via mobile apps like Ola or Uber, which are widely used in India, or hail an auto-rickshaw on the street. A taxi ride will cost more but ensures greater comfort, while an auto-rickshaw is a more authentic and cheaper option. Always agree on the price in advance or ensure the driver turns on the meter.

Public Transport in the form of city buses is the most budget-friendly option. Although direct routes to the terminal itself may be limited, many buses pass along the main road near the airport. This method is suitable for travelers traveling light who are ready to walk a little. The fare will be minimal, but bear in mind that buses can be crowded, and schedules are not always strictly followed.

If you prefer complete freedom of movement, you can rent a car. Several local and international rental companies offer their services in the city. This is an excellent option if you plan to explore the surroundings of Puducherry. The airport provides parking for private vehicles, where you can leave a car for a short or long term. However, please note that the airport is small, and the number of parking spaces may be limited.

It is worth noting that Pondicherry Airport primarily serves domestic flights. For many international flights, travelers use the larger Chennai Airport (MAA), which is located approximately 120 km away. Other regional airports, such as Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ), are also within a few hours' drive.

Pondicherry Airport (PNY) is a small and modern regional airport where navigation will not cause you any difficulties. Its structure is extremely simple and focused on fast and comfortable passenger flow.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which handles both departing and arriving flights. This is a new building, opened in 2013, designed for efficient passenger management. Since there is only one terminal, you won't have to worry about transferring between different buildings — everything is under one roof.

The terminal layout is intuitive. Upon entry, you find yourself in the common area. To the left or right (depending on the entrance location) are the Check-in counters, followed by the security screening zone. After passing control, passengers enter a small but cosy waiting lounge with a boarding gate. The arrival zone is located in another part of the same building and includes a baggage claim belt and an exit to the city. All signs are clear and understandable, so getting lost here is practically impossible.

Thanks to the compact size of the airport and the small number of flights, all pre-flight procedures, including check-in and security screening, are very fast. Typically, this takes no more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5 hours before departure to complete all formalities without rushing.

Main navigation tip: simply follow the signs. All key zones — from check-in counters to the boarding gate — are within a few minutes' walk of each other. This makes Pondicherry Airport ideal for travelers who value simplicity and speed of service.

The history of Pondicherry Airport, serving the city of Puducherry, is a story of phased development and a strive to improve regional aviation accessibility. The airport was built in 1989 and was initially used mainly for charter flights and training flights for a local flying school. For many years, it did not accept scheduled commercial flights, remaining an important but local aviation facility.

A key moment in the airport's history was the opening of the new terminal in January 2013. This event marked a new era for air connectivity in the region. The modern building was equipped with everything necessary for passenger service: check-in counters, a security screening zone, and a waiting lounge. Shortly after the opening, SpiceJet launched the first scheduled flight connecting Puducherry with Bangalore. This was a landmark event, which, however, marked the beginning of a period of fluctuating activity.

Despite a promising start, commercial operations were suspended several times due to insufficient flight loads. However, the airport proved its viability through participation in the government's regional aviation program UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik). This initiative allowed for the resumption and expansion of the route network, making air travel more accessible to residents and stimulating tourist flow to this unique region of India. Airlines, including SpiceJet and Alliance Air, have operated flights to cities such as Bangalore and Hyderabad at various times.

One of the most significant modernization projects is the plan to extend the runway. This is necessary for the airport to accommodate larger aircraft, such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, which in turn will open up opportunities for direct flights to major Indian cities and possibly beyond. This project is an important step for the future development of the airport and the entire region.

Pondicherry Airport (PNY), despite its compact size, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminal, you will find several small cafes and snack bars where you can have a quick bite or a coffee. There are also several shops offering souvenirs, press, and essential goods.

For rest before departure, general waiting lounges with comfortable seating are provided. Although there are no specialized VIP lounges here, the atmosphere in the terminal is quite calm. Passengers can use free Wi-Fi, as well as find power outlets to charge their electronic devices in the waiting areas.

ATMs are installed in the airport for cash withdrawals; however, currency exchange points may be absent or have limited operating hours, so it is recommended to arrange currency exchange in the city in advance. Medical staff are on duty at the terminal around the clock, ready to provide first aid.

For passengers with children, there are mother and child rooms where you can take care of your baby in a quiet environment. The airport is also equipped for the needs of passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps and specially equipped restrooms. If necessary, you can pre-book an escort service and request a wheelchair through your airline.

There are no hotels directly within the airport building, but in the immediate vicinity, in the city of Puducherry, there are many accommodation options to suit every taste and budget. Specialized business centres and conference rooms are absent in the airport, but such services can be found in major city hotels.

When planning a snack at Pondicherry Airport (PNY), it is important to remember that this is a small regional airport with a single terminal. Consequently, the choice of dining establishments here is limited and oriented mainly towards passengers wishing to have a quick bite before departure. You will not find a wide variety of restaurants or large food courts here as you would in major aviation hubs.

The main format of establishments consists of small cafes and snack bars located both in the public area before security (landside) and in the departure lounge (airside). The menu usually features packaged snacks (chips, biscuits), sandwiches, pastries, as well as hot and cold beverages. For a more substantial snack, you can find popular local dishes such as samosas (vegetable pastries), idli (steamed rice cakes), or vada (spicy lentil doughnuts). This is a great opportunity to try authentic street food of India while waiting for your flight.

Thanks to the specifics of South Indian cuisine, it will be very easy for vegetarians to find suitable dishes — most local snacks do not contain meat. The situation is more complex with other dietary requirements: finding specifically marked vegan, gluten-free, or Halal products may be challenging. In this case, it is recommended to clarify the ingredients directly with the staff.

Prices at the airport are typically slightly higher than in the city of Puducherry. The operating hours of food outlets are directly linked to the flight schedule — they open a few hours before departure and close shortly after the last flight departs. If you have time and wish to have a full lunch or dinner, it is better to do so in advance at one of the numerous cafes or restaurants in the city, which is famous for its gastronomic diversity with French influence.

To ensure your journey through the airport of Puducherry is as comfortable as possible, use our tips. Pondicherry Airport (PNY) is small and modern, making it quite convenient for passengers. For domestic flights, which form the basis of the schedule, it is recommended to arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time is usually sufficient to calmly complete all formalities.

To save time, use online check-in, which is offered by most airlines. Upon arrival at the airport, you will need to present a printed ticket or its electronic version at the terminal entrance — this is standard practice for airports in India. The security screening procedure usually goes quickly, but be prepared to remove laptops, tablets, and power banks from your carry-on luggage.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences: window seats will offer you beautiful views of the coast during takeoff and landing, while aisle seats will allow you to stand up freely and disembark among the first. Given the small size of the aircraft serving this airport, the difference in exit time will be negligible.

Be careful when packing your hand luggage. Standard restrictions on carrying liquids (up to 100 ml in one container) apply here as well. An important feature for India: power banks are strictly prohibited in checked baggage; they can only be carried in hand luggage. Also, coconuts cannot be carried in hand luggage, which is a specific rule for some Indian airports.

Pondicherry Airport mainly serves domestic flights, so most travelers do not have long layovers here. If you are flying to Puducherry from another country, your transfer will likely be at one of the major hubs, such as Chennai or Bangalore. You will pass customs and immigration control at the first airport of arrival in India, so in Puducherry, you will only need to collect your luggage.

To save money, book a taxi or transfer from the airport in advance via online services — this is often more economical than negotiating with drivers on the spot. The choice of cafes at the airport is limited, so you can take a small snack and an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled at special dispensers after security screening.

In case of a flight delay, all current information will be displayed on the departure boards. Contact your airline representative for clarification, as well as to request vouchers for food or drinks if the delay is significant. Since the terminal is small, leisure opportunities are limited, so a charged phone, a book, or a downloaded movie will help pass the waiting time.