Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) serves as the air gateway to one of the world's oldest and most revered cities — Varanasi. Named after the second Prime Minister of India, this air hub is not merely a transport node but an integral part of the cultural experience. It was here that passenger announcements began to be duplicated in Sanskrit for the first time in the country, subtly highlighting the city's spiritual atmosphere. In 2020, the airport was recognized as the best in its category in the Asia-Pacific region, indicating high-quality passenger service.

Varanasi Airport offers travellers everything necessary for a comfortable wait for their flight. A single integrated terminal, serving both domestic and international destinations, houses waiting lounges, including a VIP zone, shops with local souvenirs where you can find the famous Banarasi sarees, as well as bookstalls and cafes. For passenger convenience, free Wi-Fi, a medical centre, and special services for people with reduced mobility are provided. Furthermore, a large-scale airport development programme has been approved, including the construction of a new terminal and the expansion of the runway, which will significantly increase its capacity in the future and transform it into a modern "green" airport.

Below you will find contact information for Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS), which will help you plan your trip and resolve any potential issues.

• Official Website: You can find flight schedules, news, and general information on the official airport website, which is part of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) portal.
• Helpline Phone: For immediate information regarding flights and airport services, you can call the terminal manager's number: +91 800 499 2015 or +91 542 262 3067.
• Airport Address: Airport Road, Babatpur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221006, India.
• Email: For general inquiries, you can contact: apdvaranasi@aai.aero.
• Social Media: Varanasi Airport does not have separate official social media pages. Current news can be tracked on the general accounts of the Airports Authority of India.
• Lost Baggage Information: In case of lost luggage, you should first contact your airline's representative. If your items were lost within the terminal premises, you can contact the airport's Lost & Found department.
• Passenger Support Contacts: To resolve issues related to your stay at the airport, you may use the helpline numbers listed above.

You can reach Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS), located approximately 26 km from the centre of Varanasi, in various ways. The choice of transport depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and personal comfort preferences. When planning your trip, be sure to consider the heavy traffic characteristic of India and allow extra time for the journey.

Public Transport is the most economical but not always the most convenient option. Local buses run from the city to the airport; however, their routes can be confusing for tourists, and the buses themselves are often overcrowded. There is currently no direct metro or train connection to the airport. This method is suitable for experienced travellers travelling light who wish to save as much as possible.

Taxis, Auto-rickshaws, and Online Services are the most popular choices among tourists. This offers the optimal balance of price, speed, and comfort.

• Pre-paid Taxi: There is an official counter in the arrival terminal where you can book a taxi at a fixed rate. This is a reliable and safe way to avoid inflated prices and long negotiations with drivers.
• Online Aggregators: Apps like Uber and Ola are widely used in Varanasi. This is a convenient way to book a car at a pre-determined cost, which is especially helpful for foreigners.
• Auto-rickshaws (Tuk-tuks): A ride in a colourful auto-rickshaw is part of the local experience in itself. It is cheaper than a taxi, but the price must be negotiated in advance. This option is better suited for trips without bulky luggage.

Depending on traffic conditions, a taxi ride from the city centre will take between 45 to 90 minutes.

Car Rental and Transfers. You can rent a car, but self-driving in the chaotic traffic of Varanasi can be a real challenge for an unprepared driver. A much more convenient alternative is renting a car with a driver. The most comfortable and hassle-free method is to book a private transfer through your hotel or travel agency. This is more expensive, but you will be met with a placard and taken directly to your destination. Parking for private vehicles is also available at the airport.

Although the airport in Varanasi is the primary one for travellers to this region, it is worth knowing about other options. Depending on your itinerary, Bamrauli Airport in Prayagraj, Gorakhpur Airport, or Ayodhya Airport, which serve domestic flights and are located a few hours' drive away, might be convenient.

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS), serving the holy city of Varanasi, features a modern and passenger-friendly structure. The airport consists of one integrated terminal that handles both domestic and international flights. This significantly simplifies navigation, as all processes — from check-in to boarding — take place in one building, and passengers do not need to move between different structures.

The terminal layout is quite simple and intuitive. The building has two main levels. The Departure Zone is located on the upper floor. Here you will find airline check-in counters, security checkpoints, and passport control for international flights. After completing formalities, passengers enter the general waiting hall with boarding gates, shops, and cafes. The Arrival Zone is located on the ground floor, featuring baggage claim belts, customs control, and the exit to the city.

Since all flights are serviced in a unified space, transfers between domestic and international lines are carried out within the same building. Navigation through the airport is facilitated by clear signage in Hindi and English. The airport is relatively small compared to the megacities of India, so it is practically impossible to get lost here.

The time required to complete all procedures may vary. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure. For international flights, it is worth allowing more time — about 2.5–3 hours — to calmly go through check-in, customs, and passport control. During major festivals and the tourist season, passenger flow increases, so it is better to arrive with time to spare.

For comfortable navigation through VNS airport, follow the signs and information boards. If you have any questions, you can always approach the staff at the information desks. The compactness and logical layout of the terminal make it convenient even for those travelling through Varanasi for the first time.

The history of Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is closely linked to the development of Varanasi as an important cultural and spiritual centre of India. Initially, it was a small domestic airfield known as Babatpur Airport, named after the locality where it is situated. For many years, it primarily served domestic flights, connecting the holy city with other major settlements in the country.

A key moment in the airport's history occurred in October 2005. It was then officially renamed in honour of Lal Bahadur Shastri, the second Prime Minister of India, who hailed from this region. Almost simultaneously with this event, the airport was granted international status, opening new prospects for attracting pilgrims and tourists from all over the world.

The most significant modernization took place in the late 2000s. In 2010, a new integrated terminal was inaugurated. This modern glass and steel building, equipped with aerobridges, spacious waiting halls, and all necessary amenities, significantly increased capacity and the level of passenger comfort. The old terminal was repurposed to handle cargo flights and VIP guests.

Parallel to the terminal construction, other infrastructure improvement works were carried out. The runway was extended, enabling the accommodation of larger long-haul aircraft. New taxiways and an apron for aircraft parking were also built, improving the airport's overall operational efficiency.

One of the most interesting facts in the airport's development history is related to the expansion of its runway. This required the construction of a special tunnel through which the national highway passes. Thus, Varanasi Airport became one of the first in India where a road runs underneath the runway. In recent years, the airport has repeatedly received awards for high service quality from the Airports Council International (ACI), confirming its status as an important and modern transport hub.

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Conditions have been created within the terminal so travellers can rest, work, or have a snack before departure.

For those feeling hungry, various cafes and restaurants operate in the airport, offering both light snacks and full meals of local and international cuisine. Additionally, there are shops, including Duty Free, where you can purchase souvenirs, books, travel essentials, and gifts for loved ones.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing passengers to stay connected or work. Special stations are provided for charging electronic devices. If you are looking for greater comfort, the airport features premium waiting lounges (VIP lounges) where you can relax in a quieter atmosphere while enjoying drinks and snacks.

Financial matters are easily resolved at the airport: ATMs and currency exchange counters are at passengers' disposal. In case of unforeseen situations or feeling unwell, a medical centre operates in the terminal to provide first aid.

The airport cares for all categories of passengers. Mother and child rooms are equipped for travellers with children, where one can feed and change a baby in privacy. Passengers with reduced physical mobility are provided with necessary assistance, including wheelchairs and escort services throughout the terminal.

Although there are no hotels directly inside the airport building, numerous hotels to suit any taste and budget are located in the immediate vicinity, reachable within a few minutes by taxi. For business travellers, basic business services, such as workstations and internet access, are often provided in the premium lounges.

At Varanasi Airport, passengers can find several options for a snack or a full meal, located both in the public area and in the departure zone after passing security control. Although the selection here is not as extensive as in capital airports, you certainly won't go hungry.

The majority of dining establishments are located in the departure zone (airside). A small food court is usually found here, where you can order North Indian dishes such as thali (a set meal with rice, flatbread, several types of curry, and dal), as well as sandwiches, pizza, and pastries more familiar to international travellers. This is the best place for those wishing to have a substantial lunch while waiting for a flight. Additionally, there are coffee shops in the departure zone where you can drink masala chai or coffee and buy light snacks.

In the public area (landside), before check-in and control, the choice is more modest. Typically, a cafe or snack bar operates here, offering drinks, sandwiches, and popular Indian snacks like samosas. This is a convenient option for those seeing someone off or those who have arrived at the airport well in advance.

Special attention is paid to vegetarians — in any establishment, you will easily find many meat-free dishes, which is the norm for India. Vegan or gluten-free options are harder to come by, however, staff are usually ready to help and suggest suitable dishes. Prices at the airport are significantly higher than in the city and correspond to the average level for airports. Most establishments operate according to the flight schedule, opening early in the morning and closing after the departure of the last aircraft.

To ensure your journey through Varanasi airport goes smoothly, we have prepared several useful tips. Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport serves both domestic and international flights, and knowing some nuances will help save time and reduce stress.

Arrival Time at the Airport. For domestic flights within India, it is recommended to arrive 2-3 hours before departure. If you have an international flight, it is better to arrive 3-4 hours in advance. The airport can be quite busy, especially during peak seasons, so extra time will allow you to complete all formalities without rushing.

Check-in and Security Control. To speed up the process, complete online check-in if your airline provides this option. Keep your passport, visa, and ticket handy — they may be checked several times. Security checks at Indian airports are thorough. Be prepared to remove outerwear, belts, and take all electronics out of your hand luggage.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane. If you want to be the first to exit the plane, choose seats in the front of the cabin. For more comfort and legroom, seats by the emergency exits are suitable (note that certain restrictions apply to these). And if you want to admire the views during takeoff and landing, your choice is a window seat.

Hand Luggage Rules. Standard restrictions apply here too: liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Please note: power banks are allowed only in hand luggage; placing them in checked baggage is strictly prohibited.

For Passengers with Transfers. If you have a connecting flight, clarify in advance whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. This is especially important when transferring from an international flight to a domestic one. The airport has rest areas and cafes where you can comfortably spend time waiting for your next flight.

Customs Control. Upon arrival from abroad, follow the signs for the "Red" or "Green" channel. If you have no goods to declare, proceed through the green channel. Otherwise (if you have large sums of cash or expensive goods), you must go through the red channel and fill out a declaration.

How to Save Money. Book a taxi in advance through official services or apps to avoid inflated prices from private drivers. Bring an empty reusable water bottle with you — after passing security control, you can fill it at drinking fountains.

In Case of Flight Delay. In the event of a long delay, the airline is obliged to provide you with food and drinks, and if necessary, hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts. Do not hesitate to approach your airline's representative counter for current information and assistance. Having travel insurance may also cover unforeseen expenses.