Exploring India's Domestic Airport Network: A Comprehensive Overview

India has a vast network of airports, with a total of 487 airports, airstrips, military bases, and flying schools. Of these, 137 are managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), which is responsible for creating, maintaining, upgrading, and managing civil aviation infrastructure in the country. This includes 103 domestic airports, 24 international airports, and 10 customs airports.

India's domestic airports are spread across the country, with at least one major international airport and two or more domestic airports in each state. The country boasts around 80 domestic airports, which connect its vast nation. All the airports are well-equipped with modern facilities and high-tech equipment.

India has 103 domestic airports

The AAI manages a total of 137 airports, including 103 domestic airports, 24 international airports, and 10 customs airports.

Domestic airports in India are spread across various states and union territories, serving both visitors and tourists travelling within the country. These airports are equipped with modern facilities and high-tech equipment, catering to the needs of travellers.

• Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur, Chhattisgarh
• Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur, Rajasthan
• Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore, Madhya Pradesh
• Veer Savarkar International Airport in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
• Kullu-Manali Airport in Bhuntar, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
• Shimla Airport in Jubbarhatti, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

The presence of these domestic airports plays a crucial role in boosting the economy and growth of India, helping it maintain its position in the Asian subcontinent and the world. They provide essential connectivity and support the rising economy of this significant Asian nation.

There are 123 airports with commercial flights

India has a large network of airports, catering to both domestic and international air travel. The country has 486 airports, airstrips, military bases, and flying schools. Commercial flights operate from 123 airports, which include some with both civilian and army use.

The Airport Authority of India (AAI) manages 137 airports, including 103 domestic airports, 24 international airports, and 10 customs airports.

Number and Distribution of Domestic Airports

India has around 80 domestic airports, serving its vast nation. All the major cities and capital cities have domestic airports. Each state has at least one major international airport and two or more domestic airports.

Management and Infrastructure

The Airport Authority of India is responsible for creating, maintaining, upgrading, and managing civil aviation infrastructure in the country. They ensure that these airports are operating effectively and are well-equipped with modern facilities and high-tech equipment.

Examples of Domestic Airports in India

• Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir
• Leh, Jammu and Kashmir
• Pathankot, Punjab
• Kangra Airport, Gaggal, Himachal Pradesh
• Kullu-Manali Airport, Himachal Pradesh
• Civil Airport Terminal, Chandigarh
• Dehradun, Uttarakhand
• Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh
• Raxaul, Bihar
• Cooch Behar, West Bengal
• Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh
• Dibrugarh, Assam
• Dimapur, Nagaland
• Imphal International Airport, Manipur
• Agartala, Tripura
• Bhubaneswar, Odisha
• Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
• Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
• Pondicherry
• Madurai, Tamil Nadu
• Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu
• Agatti, Lakshadweep
• Salem, Tamil Nadu
• Mysore, Karnataka
• Vellore, Tamil Nadu
• Hubballi, Karnataka
• Belgaum, Karnataka
• Hyderabad, Telangana
• Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Akola, Maharashtra
• Aurangabad, Maharashtra
• Jalgaon, Maharashtra
• Swami Vivekananda Airport, Raipur, Chhattisgarh
• Surat, Gujarat
• Bhavnagar, Gujarat
• Indore, Madhya Pradesh
• Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
• Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh
• Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
• Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur, Rajasthan
• Kota, Rajasthan
• Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh
• Agra, Uttar Pradesh
• Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
• Jodhpur, Rajasthan
• Ludhiana, Punjab
• Kishangarh, Ajmer, Rajasthan

Other Airport Categories in India

In addition to domestic airports, India also has international airports and civil enclaves in defence airports.

International Airports

There are nearly 12 international airports in India, with 34 being operational. These include the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, and Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru.

Civil Enclaves in Defence Airports

Some airports in India are classified as civil enclaves, which are airports within defence bases that serve commercial flights.

Airports Authority of India (AAI) manages 137 airports

India has a vast network of airports, catering to both domestic and international air travel. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) manages a total of 137 airports, which include 103 domestic airports, 24 international airports, and 10 customs airports.

The AAI is responsible for creating, maintaining, upgrading, and managing civil aviation infrastructure in India. It works under the Ministry of Civil Aviation to ensure effective operations across all airports.

Domestic Airports

Domestic airports can be found in all major cities and capital cities across India. These airports serve shorter routes within the country, connecting people to various destinations. There are around 80 domestic airports in total, with modern facilities and high-tech equipment.

International Airports

International airports in India cater to both international and domestic flights, offering extensive connectivity. There are approximately 34 operational international airports, with more being added over time.

Customs Airports

Customs airports facilitate the movement of people and goods, with specific procedures and infrastructure in place to handle customs and immigration.

AAI's Role in Airport Management

The AAI plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of India's aviation infrastructure. They are responsible for constructing, upgrading, and managing airports across the country, ensuring they meet the required standards and regulations.

Benefits of a Strong Airport Network

A well-developed airport network offers several advantages, including:

• Enhanced economic growth: Efficient airports boost the economy by facilitating trade, investment, and tourism.
• Improved connectivity: With a large number of airports, India's vast nation becomes more connected, making travel and business more accessible.
• Convenience and speed: Air travel provides a fast and convenient mode of transportation for both business and leisure travellers.
• Job creation: The development and operation of airports create numerous job opportunities, contributing to local and national employment.
• Regional development: Airports stimulate economic growth in their surrounding regions, leading to the overall development of the country.

In summary, the Airports Authority of India effectively manages 137 airports, including domestic, international, and customs airports. Their work is instrumental in maintaining and developing India's aviation infrastructure, contributing to the country's economic growth and providing efficient travel options for its citizens and visitors.

There are 34 international airports

India has a vast network of airports, with a total of 487 airports, airstrips, military bases, and flying schools. Of these, 137 are managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), which is responsible for creating, maintaining, upgrading, and managing civil aviation infrastructure in the country.

AAI manages 34 operational international airports, 10 customs airports, and 103 domestic airports. The Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is the largest and busiest international airport in India, spanning 5495 acres. It is followed by the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai, which began handling international flights in the 1950s.

Other major international airports in India include Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore, Chennai International Airport, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. These airports offer various services and amenities to travellers, such as special assistance for disabled passengers, foreign currency exchange, wheelchair facilities, medical care facilities, and lounge access.

In addition to the international airports, India has numerous domestic airports in all its major cities and capital cities, with around 80 domestic airports in total. These airports play a crucial role in boosting the economy and growth of the nation by facilitating travel within the country and catering to the needs of visitors and tourists.

The first domestic airport was Juhu Aerodrome, Mumbai

India's first domestic airport was Juhu Aerodrome, located in Juhu, Mumbai. The airport was founded in 1928 as one of India's first civil aviation airports, just four years after the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) was opened.

The airport was initially an unpaved airfield, taking over Bombay's primary airfield role from the Kalyan Airstrip, which was built in the early 1920s. The airport was used by the newly established Bombay Flying Club for teaching, joyrides, and air travel. However, the airport was not suitable during the monsoon season due to its location on mudflats that experienced seasonal flooding.

In 1932, JRD Tata landed at the Juhu Aerodrome, inaugurating India's first scheduled commercial mail service. This marked the start of Air India, then known as Tata Airlines, which was initially based out of a palm thatched hut at the airport. The same year, significant progress was made in the layout of the ground of the aerodrome, and two new runways were constructed in 1936.

Juhu Aerodrome served as the city's primary airport during and up to World War II. However, in 1948, commercial operations were moved to the much larger Santacruz Airport (now Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport), located just 2 km east of Juhu Aerodrome.

Today, the Juhu Aerodrome handles all helicopter operations out of Mumbai and continues to be a reserve airport for military operations. It also hosts the Bombay Flying Club and is home to several executive and light aircraft and gliders. Despite repeated attempts by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to bring the airport back into commercial operations, this has been blocked.

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