Lilabari Airport

Lilabari Airport is not merely a transit point, but a true gateway to the picturesque world of Northeast India. Nestled amidst emerald tea plantations, it welcomes travellers with a peaceful atmosphere and views of the Himalayan foothills that unfold even during the landing approach. This compact and cosy aviation hub serves as the ideal starting point for those planning to explore the beauties of the state of Assam and the mysterious Arunachal Pradesh, offering a tranquil start to a grand adventure far from the bustle of megacities.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Lilabari Airport is valued by travellers for its intimate scale and lack of queues. Thanks to the low passenger traffic, all pre-flight formalities here are completed as quickly as possible, allowing you to arrive at the terminal shortly before departure, saving precious holiday time.

The main strategic advantage of this air harbour is its geographical location. The airport essentially acts as a bridge to the neighbouring state of Arunachal Pradesh: from here, it is convenient to reach its capital, Itanagar, making Lilabari a key hub for ethnographic and eco-tourism in the region.

Despite its modest size, the airport is equipped with modern navigation equipment, which increases the reliability of flights in the changeable weather conditions of this region. The terminal is maintained in cleanliness and order, offering passengers a basic but sufficient set of amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight.

Below is the essential contact information for Lilabari Airport (IXI). We recommend checking the currency of the data on official resources, as details may change.

• Official Website: Current information about Lilabari Airport can be found on the official portal of the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
• Inquiry Service Phone: You can contact the airport by phone for information regarding flights and services. The main contact number is: +91-3752-243177.
• Airport Address: Lilabari Airport, North Lakhimpur, Assam 787051, India.
• Email: For official enquiries, you can use the email address listed on the AAI website. Typically, the Airport Director's address follows the format apd[airport_code]@aai.aero (e.g., apdixi@aai.aero).
• Airport Social Media: Small regional airports typically do not have separate social media pages. All news is published on the official accounts of the Airports Authority of India.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, you must contact the representative of the airline you flew with directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions and consultations, passengers may use the main airport inquiry phone number.

Reaching Lilabari Airport (IXI), which serves the city of North Lakhimpur and nearby settlements, including Sendurai, is possible in several ways. The airport is located approximately 8 km from the centre of North Lakhimpur, so the journey will not take much time. The choice of transport depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and comfort preferences.

Taxis and Auto-rickshaws are the most convenient and fastest way to get to the airport. The journey from the centre of North Lakhimpur usually takes 15–20 minutes. You can book a car through local taxi services or hail an auto-rickshaw on the street. It is recommended to agree on the fare in advance, as not all drivers use meters. This option is ideal if you are travelling with luggage or value comfort and speed.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly option. In India, bus services are well-developed. You can take a state or private bus to the bus station in North Lakhimpur, and from there take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to the airport. Although this method requires a transfer, it allows for significant savings. There is typically no direct bus route to the terminal.

Car Rental is suitable for those planning to explore the region on their own. You can rent a car in the major cities of Assam. Having your own transport gives maximum freedom of movement. The road to the airport is well-signposted, and navigation will not cause difficulties. This option is particularly convenient for travelling families or small groups.

For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicle, parking is provided. It is located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal and offers spaces for both short-term and long-term parking. This is a safe and convenient way to leave your car during your absence.

Lilabari Airport (IXI) is a small regional airport distinguished by a simple and clear structure. Travellers need not worry about complex navigation: everything here is compact and functional.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which serves both departing and arriving flights. It is a single building where all key zones are within walking distance of each other. Thanks to this, the need for transfers between terminals or the use of special shuttles is completely absent.

The terminal layout is intuitive. Upon entering, you find yourself in the general hall with check-in counters. After receiving a boarding pass and checking in luggage, passengers proceed to the security screening zone, behind which is located a small waiting lounge with boarding gates. The arrivals area is located in the same part of the building but has a separate exit and includes a baggage claim belt.

Completing all formalities generally does not take much time. Due to the low passenger traffic, check-in and screening proceed quite quickly and simply. usually, this takes no more than 30-40 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance, approximately 1.5–2 hours before departure, to avoid any rush.

To navigate the terminal, it is sufficient to follow the standard signs. Its compact size is a major advantage for passengers, as it is practically impossible to get lost here. The entire path from the building entrance to the gate will take you just a few minutes.

Lilabari Airport (IXI) is a relatively young but strategically important aviation hub in Northeast India. Its history began not in the distant past, but in the 21st century: construction was completed in the early 2000s, and the official opening took place in 2003. The primary objective of creating the airport was to improve transport accessibility for the states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, which gave a powerful impetus to the development of tourism and the economy in this picturesque region.

Since its opening, Lilabari Airport has experienced various phases of activity. A key moment in its modern history was its inclusion in the government's regional aviation programme UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik). This initiative helped ensure more stable air connectivity and made flights more accessible to residents. The airport is equipped with modern navigation systems, including an Instrument Landing System (ILS), allowing it to accept flights even in the difficult weather conditions characteristic of this region.

Unlike historic airports with a century of history, the story of Lilabari is one of modern development. No loud historical events or world-record-breaking moments occurred here, but the very fact of its existence is an achievement that opened places like the Ziro Valley and other natural beauties of Arunachal Pradesh to the world. Today, the airport continues to play a key role, serving as a "gateway" for travellers wishing to explore the unique culture and nature of Northeast India.

Lilabari Airport (IXI), despite its compact size, offers passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. It is a small but functional air terminal, oriented towards serving domestic flights.

In the terminal, you will find a few cafes and snack bars where you can have a bite to eat or drink tea and coffee. There are also small shops offering essential goods, souvenirs, and newspapers. For passenger rest, general waiting halls with a sufficient number of seats are provided. There are no specialised VIP lounges at the airport, but the general atmosphere is quite peaceful.

Passengers can access Wi-Fi, as well as find counters for charging mobile devices. ATMs are available for financial transactions. Currency exchange points may be absent, so it is recommended to arrange currency exchange in advance, especially if you are arriving from abroad via another airport.

Medical personnel are on duty at the airport around the clock, ready to provide first aid. For travellers with children, baby care rooms are equipped. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with necessary assistance, including wheelchairs and escorts upon request. The terminal building is equipped with ramps and adapted restrooms.

There are no hotels directly within the airport building, but the nearest hotels and guest houses can be found in the city of North Lakhimpur, located nearby. The airport does not offer specialised conference rooms or business centres, as it is primarily focused on passenger transport rather than business events.

Lilabari Airport (IXI) is a small regional airport, 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 large food courts or haute cuisine restaurants here, as seen in major international hubs.

The main dining point at the airport is typically a small snack bar or cafeteria located in the general hall of the terminal, before security control (landside). Here you can purchase packaged snacks (crisps, biscuits), sandwiches, pastries, as well as hot and cold beverages such as tea, coffee, and bottled water. Sometimes the assortment includes simple local dishes, for example, samosas or other fried snacks, providing an opportunity to experience the region's gastronomy even while waiting for a flight.

Regarding specific requests, finding options for vegans, vegetarians, or people with gluten intolerance may be difficult. The assortment is mostly standard, so if you have strict dietary restrictions, it is strongly recommended to bring food with you. Prices at the airport are generally moderate but slightly higher than in the city. Establishments operate according to the flight schedule, opening a few hours before departure and closing after the last aircraft departs.

Thus, for a quick snack, Lilabari Airport offers sufficient options. However, if you are counting on a full lunch or dinner, it is better to have this beforehand in the city of North Lakhimpur, from where you can reach the airport in 15-20 minutes. This will allow you to enjoy a wider selection of dishes without haste.

Planning a trip through Lilabari Airport (IXI), serving the city of Sendurai, will be easier with our tips. Despite its modest size, proper preparation will help make your journey through India as comfortable as possible.

Arrival Time and Check-in: For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure. This time is sufficient to complete all procedures without rushing. To save time, use online check-in on your airline's website. Keep your passport and boarding pass ready at the check-in counter and when passing through security control.

Hand Luggage and Security: Standard security rules apply here. Liquids can be carried in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Electronic devices, such as laptops and tablets, as well as power banks, must be removed from your bag for separate scanning. Remember that sharp objects and flammable substances are prohibited in hand luggage.

Seat Selection: If the airline allows you to select a seat in advance, consider your preferences. A window seat (A, F) will offer beautiful views during take-off and landing, while an aisle seat (C, D) provides more freedom of movement and the ability to stretch your legs.

Connecting Passengers: Lilabari Airport is small and serves mainly domestic flights. If you have a transfer planned at a larger hub (for example, in Delhi or Mumbai), clarify when booking whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage. Always allow at least 2-3 hours for a transfer between domestic flights to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Customs Control: Since this is a domestic airport, strict customs control is absent. It is relevant only for international flights. However, when travelling within the country, remember general rules: do not transport prohibited goods and declare valuable items or large sums of money when entering the country if necessary.

Savings and Hacks: Book taxis from the airport via official counters or apps to avoid inflated prices. Bring an empty water bottle with you — after passing security control, it can be filled at drinking fountains, saving on buying water at a premium.

Flight Delays: In the event of a flight delay, stay in touch with airline representatives and monitor the departure boards. For long delays, airlines are usually obliged to provide passengers with food and drinks. Keep all receipts for unforeseen expenses — they may be needed to claim compensation.