โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
60
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Malda Airport (LDA), also known as English Bazar Airport, is a regional aviation facility located in Malda, West Bengal, India, currently operating under the Government of West Bengal after being transferred from the Airports Authority of India on a 30-year lease in 2016. The terminal is a compact building designed to handle a maximum of 20 passengers each for arrival and departure simultaneously, situated approximately 3 kilometers from Malda city center. The facility spans 140 acres and features minimal infrastructure reflecting its current non-operational status for commercial flights.
The terminal building maintains basic facilities including a small passenger waiting area, though most commercial amenities remain closed due to the absence of scheduled services. The airport was originally designed to serve the English Bazar region and previously operated Vayudoot flights to Kolkata and Balurghat until services were suspended in 1987 due to financial difficulties and low passenger demand. Current infrastructure includes essential wheelchair assistance capabilities and basic ground handling equipment, though these remain largely dormant awaiting potential revival under government connectivity schemes.
Technical specifications include a single unpaved runway (11/29) measuring 1,097 meters (3,599 feet) in length and 30 meters (100 feet) in width, positioned at coordinates 25ยฐ00'37"N 88ยฐ07'37"E with an elevation of 24 meters above sea level. The runway has undergone periodic maintenance to maintain structural integrity for potential future operations. Despite selection under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN Round 4.2) for Malda-Kolkata routes using 9-seater aircraft, operations were cancelled due to site non-readiness, leaving the airport in suspended animation awaiting state government development initiatives to restore commercial viability.
๐ Connection Tips
Malda Airport currently operates in a suspended state with no scheduled commercial flights available since Vayudoot services were discontinued in 1987. Any aviation activity requires prior coordination with the West Bengal state government authorities who assumed control of the facility from the Airports Authority of India in 2016 under a 30-year lease agreement. Travelers should not expect regular passenger services, as even the planned RCS-UDAN connectivity scheme for Malda-Kolkata routes using 9-seater aircraft was cancelled due to site non-readiness for commercial operations.
The unpaved runway (11/29) measuring 1,097 meters may accommodate small aircraft and helicopters under special circumstances, but all operations require advance approval and coordination with state aviation authorities. Weather conditions significantly impact the grass runway surface, with monsoon seasons (June-September) potentially rendering the strip unusable for extended periods. The West Bengal climate experiences heavy rainfall averaging 1,400mm annually, creating challenging conditions for aviation operations on unpaved surfaces.
Ground transportation from the airport site to Malda city center involves a 3-kilometer journey via local roads, with taxi and auto-rickshaw services available but requiring advance booking due to the airport's dormant status. The broader Malda district connects to Kolkata via NH12 (approximately 350 kilometers), while the nearest active commercial airport is Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in Siliguri, roughly 200 kilometers away. Train services from Malda Town railway station provide connectivity to major Indian cities, making rail transport the primary option for travelers until potential airport revival under future state development initiatives.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Adampur Airport (AIP), officially renamed Shri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji Airport, is a significant regional aviation facility serving Jalandhar and the historic Doaba region of Punjab, India. Located approximately 25 kilometers from Jalandhar city, the airport shares its runway with the strategic Adampur Air Force Station. In March 2024, a state-of-the-art new terminal building was inaugurated, marking a major milestone in the airport's transition from a military-only airfield to a modern commercial hub capable of handling over 500,000 passengers annually.
The new 5,000-square-meter terminal is a two-level, energy-efficient structure that has earned a 4-Star GRIHA rating for its sustainable design. It features an advanced insulated roofing system, solar power integration, and sophisticated waste management systems. Inside, the facility provides eight check-in counters, two automated baggage conveyor belts, and digital flight information displays to ensure a streamlined experience for travelers. While the airport focuses on functional efficiency, it offers comfortable waiting areas, clean washrooms, and a dedicated help desk to assist passengers with their regional and domestic connections.
Operational activity at Adampur has seen a significant boost with the arrival of Star Air, which connects the Jalandhar region with major domestic centers such as Bengaluru, Nanded, and Ghaziabad (Hindon). The airportโs layout is designed for rapid transitions, allowing passengers to move from the landside parking areas to the boarding gates with minimal effort. Beyond its civil transport role, AIP remains a vital node for the Indian Air Force, necessitating strict security protocols and a professional operational environment. For visitors, the new terminal represents a modern and welcoming gateway to the industrial and cultural heartlands of Punjab.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Adampur Airport (AIP) is a straightforward process thanks to the modern and compact design of its new terminal building. Most passengers reach AIP via domestic flights from Bengaluru or the Delhi-NCR region. If you are planning a connection to an international destination, you will typically need to transit through larger hubs like Indira Gandhi International (DEL) in Delhi or Kempegowda International (BLR) in Bengaluru. It is highly advisable to allow at least 3 to 4 hours for these connections to account for potential regional delays and the transfer between terminals at the larger metropolitan airports.\n\nGround transportation from the Adampur terminal is well-organized, with pre-paid taxi services and auto-rickshaws readily available for the 45-minute journey to Jalandhar city center. The airport is conveniently linked to the regional network via NH-3 and the Jalandhar-Hoshiarpur Road (NH344B), providing easy access for those heading to nearby towns. For those requiring more comfort, pre-arranged private car services are the most reliable option and can be booked through local agencies in Jalandhar. Travelers should be aware that the airport maintains strict security due to its co-location with the Air Force station; photography is prohibited near the runways, and all passengers should have their boarding passes and government-issued identification ready for multiple verification points. Additionally, ensure you have sufficient Indian Rupees (INR) for local transport, as digital payment acceptance among auto-rickshaw drivers can be limited.
โ Back to Malda Airport