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 3,290-meter (10,794-foot) asphalt runway (04/22) with ILS capability for low visibility operations. 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 terminal encompasses 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
Lengpui Airport (AJL) is the key air gateway for Aizawl and the rest of Mizoram, but connection planning here should be more conservative than at a larger Indian metro airport. The airport sits about 35 kilometers from the city, and that final road transfer into Aizawl can take significantly longer than the distance suggests because of hill roads, traffic bottlenecks, and weather. If your trip depends on a same-day meeting, tour departure, or long overland journey after arrival, keep margin in the plan rather than assuming a quick airport-to-city transfer.
For onward flights, the practical connection points are usually Kolkata and Guwahati. If you are continuing internationally, structure the trip around those hubs and do not rely on a tight same-day handoff from Lengpui. During the monsoon, low cloud, rain, and operational caution can disrupt schedules, and the cost of a missed long-haul ticket will usually outweigh the value of booking a short connection.
AJL is a single-terminal domestic airport, so the terminal process itself is relatively simple. The real issue is external timing: getting to the airport from Aizawl, or reaching Aizawl after landing. Confirm your ground transport before travel day, especially if you arrive late or your hotel is handling pickup. If you are carrying fragile items, camera gear, or trekking baggage, pack for a potentially bumpy drive.
Travelers heading deeper into Mizoram should also remember that the airport is not located in central Aizawl, but rather sits about 32 kilometers away near the town of Lengpui. Treat AJL as the beginning of a potentially long hill-state transfer rather than the end of your journey, as the road to Aizawl is characterized by scenic but winding mountain paths, steep inclines, and frequent traffic bottlenecks that can make a 32-kilometer drive take over an hour, or even longer during periods of heavy monsoon rain or dense morning fog. While taxi and shared 'Sumo' services are readily available at the airport terminal for onward travel into the city, it is highly advisable to confirm your ground transport arrangements well in advance, especially if you are traveling with large amounts of luggage, fragile camera equipment, or are arriving on one of the final flights of the day. Keeping the contact information for your hotel, local driver, and airline representatives easily accessible in your carry-on luggage is essential, as road and weather conditions in the Mamit District can change rapidly, potentially impacting the timing of your arrival in Aizawl. Planning for this final leg with care ensures that your transition from air to road remains smooth and stress-free, allowing you to focus on the spectacular views of the lush, rolling hills of Mizoram during your transfer.
โ Back to Veer Savarkar International Airport / INS Utkrosh