โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), also known as Port Blair Airport, is the primary aviation gateway to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Located just 2 kilometers south of the city center, the airport acts as a critical lifeline connecting the remote archipelago to mainland India. In July 2023, a significant milestone was reached with the inauguration of a new, state-of-the-art integrated terminal building. This modern facility, spanning over 40,000 square meters, is designed to handle up to 5 million passengers annually and incorporates striking shell-shaped architectural elements that reflect the islands' marine environment and natural beauty.
The technical infrastructure at Port Blair is robust, featuring a single asphalt runway (04/22) that measures 3,420 meters (11,220 feet) in length. This runway is capable of handling most narrow-body and some wide-body commercial aircraft, supporting a high frequency of flights from major carriers like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet. The airport operates as a civil enclave sharing airside facilities with the Indian Naval Air Station INS Utkrosh, which manages all air traffic operations in the region. The new terminal is outfitted with 28 check-in counters, four aerobridges, and advanced in-line baggage scan systems, ensuring a high level of operational efficiency and security for domestic and future international traffic.
Passenger amenities within the new Port Blair terminal are world-class, providing a comfortable and high-tech environment for travelers. The facility features three distinct levels, including a dedicated international passenger security hold and a spacious bus lounge for remote gate operations. Travelers can enjoy a variety of retail and dining options, premium lounges, and modern conveniences such as free Wi-Fi and multiple mobile charging stations. Essential services like currency exchange, nursing rooms, and 24/7 medical assistance are well-integrated into the terminal layout. Its proximity to the city center and the Phoenix Bay Jetty ensures that arriving passengers can reach their hotels or the ferry terminals for onward travel to Havelock and Neil Islands in just a few minutes.
๐ Connection Tips
Connections through Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) are primarily domestic, with the facility serving as the central hub linking the Andaman archipelago to major Indian cities like Chennai (MAA), Kolkata (CCU), Delhi (DEL), and Bengaluru (BLR). Because the airport operates from a newly integrated terminal, 'connecting' here is physically simple, typically involving a transition between domestic gates or moving from the arrivals hall to the city-side ferry transport. For those with a self-connection to a maritime vessel for onward travel to the islands, it is recommended to allow at least three to four hours to account for security re-screening and the transition to the Phoenix Bay Jetty. Ground transportation from Port Blair Airport is well-organized and located directly outside the arrivals hall. The most reliable and recommended option is the pre-paid taxi booth, which provides fixed-rate fares to various parts of the city and the main ferry terminals. App-based ride-sharing services are not currently active in the islands, so travelers rely on local taxis, auto-rickshaws, and pre-arranged shuttles from their hotels. The drive to the central business district or the iconic Cellular Jail typically takes only 10 to 15 minutes. For those heading to the harbor for ferry connections to Havelock or Neil, taxis are the fastest way to ensure you meet your scheduled departure. When transiting through Port Blair, travelers should be mindful of the airport's high-security environment and its dual-use nature as a naval base. It is essential to have a printed copy of your itinerary and valid identification ready for multiple checks.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Lengpui Airport (AJL) is a significant domestic aviation hub located in the Mamit District of Mizoram, India, serving the capital city of Aizawl. Situated approximately 32 kilometers from the city, the airport is world-renowned for its challenging 2,500-meter "table-top" runway, which is built on a leveled hilltop with deep gorges at either end. It is one of only three such airports in India, along with Kozhikode and Mangalore, and is unique for having several natural streams running through tunnels directly underneath the runway structure.
The terminal building at Lengpui is a compact and efficient facility designed to manage the specific logistical needs of the mountainous Northeast region. Inside, passengers have access to essential amenities including comfortable waiting areas, small snack kiosks serving local Mizo tea, and basic retail stalls offering traditional handicrafts. For arriving visitors, a critical feature of the terminal is the dedicated Inner Line Permit (ILP) counter, where non-residents can obtain the mandatory entry documents for Mizoram. The facility also provides modern conveniences such as high-speed Wi-Fi, mobile charging stations, and a well-staffed information desk to assist with onward travel plans.
Operational stability at AJL is enhanced by a Category-I Instrument Landing System (ILS), which was installed to manage the frequent low visibility conditions caused by monsoon clouds and morning fog. The airport is a major base for IndiGo and Alliance Air, providing vital links to Kolkata, Guwahati, and Imphal. The layout is designed for rapid transitions, with the check-in area and security checkpoints situated close to the boarding gates. For travelers, the terminal represents a professional and welcoming gateway to the "Land of the Hill People," offering spectacular aerial views of the lush, rolling hills of Mizoram during both takeoff and landing.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Lengpui Airport (AJL) is a straightforward process due to its single-terminal layout, but it requires careful timing due to the region's unpredictable weather. Most passengers reach AJL via domestic flights from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International (CCU) in Kolkata or Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (GAU) in Guwahati. If you are planning an onward connection to an international destination, you will typically transit through Kolkata. It is highly advisable to build at least a 4-hour buffer into your itinerary, as flights in Mizoram are frequently subject to delays or cancellations during the monsoon season (June to September) when heavy rainfall and low ceiling heights can impact table-top runway operations.\n\nGround transportation from the Lengpui terminal provides several reliable options for reaching Aizawl and the surrounding districts. Pre-paid taxis and shared jeeps are readily available outside the arrivals hall for the 60-to-90-minute journey to the city center along the winding mountain roads. While the drive is scenic, it can be slow-moving during peak hours or after heavy rain. For those requiring more comfort, many local guesthouses and government offices provide pre-arranged pickups, which are highly recommended for first-time visitors. Travelers should be aware that the region operates primarily on a cash basis in Indian Rupees (INR), and while the terminal has an ATM, it is wise to carry sufficient currency for local transport and permit fees. Additionally, ensure you have multiple copies of your identification and your Inner Line Permit ready for verification at the security checkpoints both at the airport and along the access roads into Aizawl.
โ Back to Veer Savarkar International Airport / INS Utkrosh