Rajasthan's Domestic Airport Count: A Comprehensive Overview

Rajasthan is the largest state in India, known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant traditions, and breathtaking landscapes. The state boasts majestic palaces, imposing forts, and colourful festivals that reflect its royal history and artistic prowess. With its iconic landmarks and beautiful palaces and forts, it is no surprise that Rajasthan attracts many tourists from around the world. The state has several airports that facilitate travel within the state and beyond, enhancing tourism and supporting the state's economic development.

Jaipur International Airport

Rajasthan is one of the largest states in India, and currently, there are seven airports in the region. Of these, six are operational, with one non-operational airport in Kota. Jaipur International Airport is the only airport in the state that operates both domestic and international flights.

History

Facilities

Expansion Plans

To cope with growing traffic, the airport is undergoing upgrades, including the construction of new lanes, a new lounge, and the installation of advanced X-ray machines. A new integrated third terminal is also planned, which will be seven times larger than Terminal 2.

Airlines and Destinations

Several airlines operate from Jaipur International Airport, including AirAsia, Air Arabia, Alliance Air, Air India, IndiGo, Air India Express, SalamAir, SpiceJet, Star Air, Thai AirAsia, and Vistara. The airport offers flights to various domestic and international destinations, such as Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Muscat, Bangkok, Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune.

Udaipur Airport (Maharana Pratap Airport)

Maharana Pratap Airport, also known as Udaipur Airport, is a domestic airport located in Dabok, about 22 kilometres (14 miles) east of Udaipur in the state of Rajasthan, India. The airport is named after Maharana Pratap, a ruler of the princely state of Mewar in northwestern India.

The airport covers an area of 504 acres and features a 2,743-metre-long runway. Its apron measures 250 by 150 metres and can accommodate up to five Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 aircraft, as well as executive and private planes. The new terminal building, which cost ₹80 crore to construct, spans 12,000 square metres and includes two aerobridges and four check-in counters. The airport can handle 600 passengers during peak hours.

Maharana Pratap Airport is equipped with modern navigational and landing aids, including Distance Measuring Equipment (DME), DVOR, and a Non-Directional Beacon (NDB). It also has a CAT-I Instrument Landing System (ILS).

The airport offers flights to several destinations within India, including Bengaluru, Bhopal, Delhi, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Mumbai, and Surat. It provides a range of services and amenities for passengers, such as wheelchair assistance, a medical facility, massage services, self-check-in kiosks, and taxi services to and from the city centre.

Udaipur Airport first began operations in November 1957 when a 4-seater plane landed on its airstrip. However, the new passenger terminal was not opened until February 2008. Today, it is the second busiest airport in Rajasthan, after Jaipur International Airport, and plays a crucial role in supporting the state's thriving tourism industry.

Jodhpur Airport (Civil Airport)

Jodhpur Airport, also known as Civil Airport, is a domestic airport and Indian Air Force base serving the city of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India. It is located about 3 kilometres from the city centre and is operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The airport shares its airside with the Jodhpur Air Force Station of the Indian Air Force.

The history of Jodhpur Airport dates back to the 1920s when Maharaja Umaid Singh established the Jodhpur Flying Club at a small airfield near his Chittar Palace (Umaid Bhavan Palace). Over the next three decades, the airfield grew in significance and was even utilised as a base for the Royal Air Force during World War II. In 1950, the airfield underwent an upgrade, and from 1950 until the 1965 war, it was home to the IAF's Air Force Flying College.

The airport's civil enclave spans 12 acres and features a terminal building with a built-up area of 5,690 square metres, capable of handling 400-430 passengers per hour. The terminal is equipped with seven check-in counters and three boarding gates, along with an adjoining concrete apron that can accommodate two Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft simultaneously. The runway measures 2,743 metres in length and 45 metres in width, and the airfield offers night landing facilities, an Instrument Landing System (ILS), and navigational aids such as DVOR/DME and an NDB.

Jodhpur Airport provides convenient connections to various destinations within India. Major airlines such as Jet Airways and Air India offer regular flights to other metropolitan cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. Other connected cities include Pantnagar, Patna, Amritsar, Surat, and Srinagar. The routes between Jodhpur and Bengaluru and Jodhpur and Delhi are particularly popular, with 14 and 12 weekly flights, respectively.

The airport offers a range of services and facilities for passengers. These include free trolleys for luggage, tourist information centres, a telephone security hold area, a lost and found baggage counter, and drinking water sources. Additionally, the terminal provides wheelchairs, medical facilities, restrooms for transit passengers, and mobile charging stations. Passengers can also find shops selling newspapers, magazines, books, and handicrafts, as well as restaurants, snack bars, and drinking corners.

For those seeking accommodation near the airport, there are options to suit various budgets. Luxury hotels such as Vivanta by Taj and the Marwar Hotel and Gardens offer upscale experiences, while other choices like The Umaid Bhawan Palace, Indana Palace, and Ajit Bhawan provide comfortable stays. The hospitable nature of the Jodhpuri people and the city's vibrant culture and lifestyle, particularly during festivals like the Marwar festival, enhance the overall appeal of visiting Jodhpur and its surrounding areas.

Jaisalmer Airport

Rajasthan, located in the northwestern part of India, is one of the largest states in the country. It is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and vast deserts. With a total of seven airports, six of which are operational, Rajasthan offers convenient air travel options for tourists and locals alike. One of these airports is the Jaisalmer Airport, a domestic airport located in the city of Jaisalmer.

About Jaisalmer Airport

Airlines and Destinations

Transport Options to the Airport

Nearby Attractions

Jaisalmer boasts several attractions, including the iconic Jaisalmer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also known as Sonar Quila or the Golden Fort, it is one of the largest fully preserved fortified cities in the world. Other notable sites include Bada Bagh, a serene historic site offering stunning views, and Patwon ki Haveli, a collection of five havelis showcasing exquisite architecture and craftsmanship.

Bikaner Airport (Nal Airport)

Rajasthan, the largest state in India, boasts a rich cultural heritage and several tourist attractions, including forts, palaces, and deserts. The state is well-connected by air, with a total of six domestic airports, each providing vital connectivity and ease of access to various regions within Rajasthan.

One of these airports is Bikaner Airport, also known as Nal Airport, which serves the city of Bikaner and the surrounding areas. Located about 13 kilometers from the main city, Nal Airport is a military airbase that also caters to civilian flights.

The history of Bikaner Airport dates back to World War II when it was constructed by the British as an airforce base. Even today, it continues to be used by the Indian Air Force, playing a strategic role in the country's defense. Over the years, the airport has undergone several upgrades and improvements to accommodate civilian air traffic and provide better facilities for passengers.

Bikaner Airport currently handles a limited number of commercial flights, connecting Bikaner to other major cities in India. These flights are operated by airlines such as SpiceJet and Air India, offering convenient travel options for tourists and business travelers visiting the city. The airport features a single runway, capable of accommodating small to medium-sized aircraft commonly used for domestic routes.

The airport terminal building is designed to handle a modest number of passengers, providing basic amenities and services to ensure a comfortable travel experience. Passengers can find facilities such as check-in counters, baggage claim areas, and a small seating lounge. There may also be shops and eateries available, as well as essential services like ATMs and taxi stands, making travel more convenient for visitors.

In conclusion, Bikaner Airport (Nal Airport) plays a vital role in connecting the historic city of Bikaner to the rest of the country. With its military and historical significance, the airport continues to develop and improve its facilities to cater to the growing demand for air travel in the region. The inclusion of Bikaner Airport in Rajasthan's domestic airport network enhances the state's overall connectivity and accessibility, making it more convenient for travelers to explore all that this vibrant state has to offer.

Frequently asked questions