โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Rajkot International Airport (HSR/VAHS) stands as a state-of-the-art greenfield airport inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 27 July 2023, replacing the constrained older Rajkot Airport with modern infrastructure designed to serve the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. Strategically located 36 kilometers from central Rajkot near National Highway 8B, this โน2,654 crore project covers 2,534 acres and commenced commercial operations on 10 September 2023, establishing itself as a crucial aviation gateway for western India's industrial and commercial activities.
The passenger terminal building spans 23,000 square meters with architectural design inspired by traditional Rajkot palaces including Ranjit Vilas Palace, incorporating local art forms like dandiya dance into the facade and interior design while utilizing traditional jali work to reduce heat gain. Terminal facilities include 4 aerobridges, 20 check-in counters, 3 baggage carousels, advanced Air Traffic Control tower, and comprehensive passenger amenities capable of processing over 1,800 passengers during peak hours, all supported by modern firefighting systems and efficient security screening infrastructure.
Infrastructure capabilities feature a single 3,040-meter by 45-meter runway designed for 'C' category aircraft operations, capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft including Airbus A380, A350, Boeing 777, 787, and 747 models. The airport's 334-meter by 152-meter apron provides parking positions for 14 aircraft simultaneously, with specific allocation for 10 Code-C and 4 Code-B aircraft, supported by comprehensive taxiway systems and ground handling equipment appropriate for both domestic and international operations.
Sustainable development features encompass rainwater harvesting systems, solar power generation, and extensive green belt plantings along the airport perimeter to serve as natural noise barriers, reflecting modern environmental considerations in airport design. The facility's strategic positioning enhances connectivity for Gujarat's industrial centers while providing essential aviation infrastructure for the economically significant Saurashtra region, supporting both passenger traffic growth and cargo operations essential for regional development.
๐ Connection Tips
Commercial operations have fully shifted from the old Rajkot Airport (RAJ) to the new Rajkot International Airport (HSR) at Hirasar, located approximately 30 km northeast of the city center. For a more budget-friendly choice, the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) operates electric shuttle buses between the airport and the Rajkot city bus stand.
Pre-booking a cab for early morning or late-night flights is advisable as on-demand availability at the Hirasar location can be inconsistentThe airport sits close enough to the city that road transfer is the obvious finish to the trip, which is exactly what makes a regional Indian gateway work. The new field is about reducing road time into the Saurashtra corridor.
Pre-booking a cab for early morning or late-night flights is advisable as on-demand availability at the Hirasar location can be inconsistentThe airport saves time on the way into Rajkot and the wider Saurashtra network. That makes it a genuine regional gateway for business and government travel.That makes the airport a clean regional gateway for Gujarat business travel and the city's industrial belt, especially when the shuttle or cab is already booked for the 30 km ride and the long road into Rajkot is part of the plan, not a surprise.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Akola Airport (AKD) is a significant regional aviation facility located in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, India, serving the city of Akola and its surrounding industrial districts. Situated approximately seven kilometers from the city center, the airport is currently in a state of major transformation. In 2022, the Maharashtra government approved a substantial investment of over Rs 200 crore for a comprehensive expansion project aimed at modernizing the terminal infrastructure and extending the runway to 1,800 meters to accommodate larger commercial aircraft such as the ATR-72 series.
The terminal experience at Akola currently provides basic but essential amenities designed for regional travelers and general aviation pilots. Inside, passengers have access to a comfortable waiting area, clean washrooms, and a dedicated information desk. While the facility lacks the extensive commercial concourses of major Indian hubs, the ongoing upgrades include the construction of a modern passenger terminal with increased capacity and enhanced services. The layout is exceptionally user-friendly, with the check-in counters and baggage claim area located within a short walking distance of the main entrance, ensuring a rapid transition for all travelers navigating the central Maharashtra interior.
Operational activity at AKD is poised for a significant boost upon the completion of the runway extension and navigation upgrades in late 2026. The airport serves as a vital node for regional logistics and supports the area's thriving textile and pulses industries. The terminal area is equipped with updated air traffic control systems and a fire station, reflecting the professional standards maintained during its 2008 renovation. For visitors, the airport represents more than just a transit point; it is the starting point for exploring the historic sites of the Vidarbha region, including the nearby Narnala Fort and the scenic Katepurna Wildlife Sanctuary, while providing a reliable bridge to the nation's broader transportation network.
๐ Connection Tips
Akola Airport (AKD) should currently be approached as a limited regional facility rather than a dependable place to build a normal commercial connection. Airports Authority of India maintains the airport, and Maharashtra has been advancing expansion work, but public scheduled options have been sparse to non-existent for long stretches. In practical trip-planning terms, that means travelers should build the main journey around a stronger transport hub such as Nagpur, Aurangabad, or a rail connection, and treat AKD as conditional rather than essential.
If you do have a flight movement linked to Akola, confirm it directly with the operator and do not rely on old timetable assumptions. A route that once existed may no longer be active, and the airport's value may lie more in training, positioning, or future development than in stable passenger service on the dates you need. That matters even more if you are trying to protect an onward international itinerary from Mumbai or another major city.
For ground access, Akola city itself is not far from the airport, so the terminal-to-town segment is simpler than the air-service question. The real planning issue is whether flying into Akola actually improves the trip compared with arriving by rail or by road from a larger airport. Business travelers should compare the full door-to-door timing, not just the flight time.
Akola Airport (AKD) is best approached with a sense of realism regarding its current operational status. Travelers should use it only when they have verified, up-to-date information on scheduled services or have a specific private aviation need. Otherwise, it is highly recommended to keep your connection plan anchored to the larger Maharashtra transport network, utilizing hubs like Nagpur or Aurangabad, and regarding Akola as the final local destination rather than the backbone of a complex itinerary.
โ Back to Rajkot International Airport (Hirasar)