Bagdogra Airport (IXB)

Bagdogra Airport (IXB), also known as Siliguri Airport, is a strategic aviation gateway located in North Bengal, India, serving the city of Siliguri and the broader Himalayan region. Positioned within the Bagdogra Air Force Station, the airport operates as a civil enclave under the jurisdiction of the Indian Air Force. The facility currently operates from a compact passenger terminal that handles a significant volume of domestic traffic and limited international flights. Despite its modest size, the airport is the second busiest in West Bengal, acting as the primary entry point for travelers heading to the world-famous hill stations of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, as well as the state of Sikkim. The technical infrastructure at Bagdogra is undergoing a massive transformation to meet the surging demand for regional travel. It features a single asphalt-concrete runway (18/36) measuring 2,754 meters (9,035 feet) in length, which is managed by the Indian Air Force ATC. A significant expansion project is currently underway, with a new terminal building spanning 100,000 square meters expected to be completed by 2027. This new facility will feature 10 aerobridges, 16 parking bays, and a parallel taxiway, increasing the airport's annual capacity to 12.5 million passengers. The design of the new terminal is inspired by the majesty of the Himalayan landscape, incorporating sustainable features and modern systems to ensure high operational efficiency in this climatically diverse region. Passenger amenities within the current terminal are designed to provide essential comfort for travelers embarking on their mountain journeys. The building includes several snack bars serving local momos and chai, a business center, and a selection of shops, including the Biswa Bangla store which showcases regional handicrafts. Essential services such as currency exchange, ATMs, nursing rooms, and pre-paid taxi booths are conveniently located in the arrivals and departures areas. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and the facility maintains high safety standards with round-the-clock CISF security. Its location, approximately 12 kilometers from Siliguri, ensure that arriving passengers can quickly transition to the various road and helicopter services that connect the plains to the high-altitude interior.