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The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a union territory of India, is an archipelago of natural beauty and cultural diversity. The capital city, Port Blair, is situated on South Andaman Island and is home to the Veer Savarkar International Airport. This airport is the main gateway to the islands, offering essential facilities and handling a large number of tourists each year. In addition to this international airport, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands also have a few smaller airports and airstrips for military and emergency purposes.
Airports in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the Airport | Veer Savarkar International Airport |
| Other Names | Port Blair Airport, IXZ Airport |
| Location | Port Blair, the capital town of Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
| Address | MP2M+36H, Lamba Line, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744103 |
| Terminals | 1 terminal with two gates and three floors |
| Capacity | 1,200 passengers during peak hours |
| Facilities | Baggage services, lounges, restaurants, duty-free shops, 28 check-in counters, four conveyor belts, and three aerobridges |
| Airlines | Air India, Jet Airways, Jet lite, Go Air, Spice Jet Airlines, IndiGo, and Foreign Chartered Flights |
| Connectivity | Connected with Chennai, Kolkata, New Delhi, and Bhubaneshwar by air |
| Transportation | Taxis, pre-paid cab services, and airport transfers provided by hotels and resorts |
| Other Features | Grand entry canopies, clear strip skylights, delicate mesh overhang extensions, and a complex glass surface |
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What You'll Learn
- Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair is the main airport in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- The airport is jointly operated by the Airports Authority of India and the Indian Air Force
- A new terminal was inaugurated in July 2023 to enhance the airport's capacity
- The airport offers essential facilities such as baggage services, lounges, restaurants, and duty-free shops
- Tourists can rent two or four-wheelers from multiple agencies upon arrival at the airport
Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair is the main airport in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The Veer Savarkar International Airport, located in Port Blair, is the main airport serving the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This airport is the gateway to the islands, providing a vital connection to major cities on the Indian mainland, such as Chennai, Kolkata, New Delhi, and Bhubaneshwar. It is jointly operated by the Airports Authority of India and the Indian Air Force.
The airport is named after Veer Savarkar, a prominent Indian freedom fighter and philosopher. It plays a crucial role in facilitating tourism and travel to the islands, which are renowned for their pristine natural beauty, including stunning white-sand beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant coral reefs.
Veer Savarkar International Airport has undergone recent expansion and upgrades to accommodate increasing passenger traffic. A new, modern passenger terminal was inaugurated in July 2023, enhancing the airport's capacity. The terminal spans 40,837 square metres and features three floors dedicated to arrivals, departures, and waiting areas, respectively. It can handle 1,200 passengers at peak hours and is designed to serve 5 million passengers annually.
The terminal building boasts an impressive design inspired by sea shells, with a unique roof structure that is the largest clear span enclosure among airports in India. The roof is supported by 22 sculpted steel 3D trusses resting on elliptical beams, creating a grand central arc. The airport also features grand entry canopies, skylights, and a cable net facade that can withstand super cyclones.
In addition to its architectural marvel, the Veer Savarkar International Airport offers essential amenities such as baggage services, lounges, restaurants, and duty-free shops. Transportation options, including taxis and pre-paid cab services, are readily available at the airport, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience for travellers visiting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
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The airport is jointly operated by the Airports Authority of India and the Indian Air Force
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a union territory of India, has an international-designated airport and a few airstrips for military and emergency purposes. The Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair is the main airport in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is jointly operated by the Airports Authority of India and the Indian Air Force. The airport serves as the main gateway, connecting the islands with major cities on the mainland. Port Blair is connected with Chennai, Kolkata, New Delhi, and Bhubaneshwar by air.
The airport has witnessed increasing traffic over the years, leading to the construction of a new 40,837 sq.m passenger terminal that began in 2019. The new terminal was inaugurated on 18 July 2023 and is designed to enhance the airport's capacity to handle the growing tourism in the region. The terminal features three floors, with dedicated levels for arrivals, departures, and waiting areas. It offers various facilities, including baggage services, lounges, restaurants, and duty-free shops. Additionally, transportation options such as taxis and pre-paid cab services are readily available at the airport.
The Veer Savarkar International Airport boasts a unique design inspired by sea shells. The roof structure, spanning 240x90m, is the largest clear span enclosure among airports in India and is a distinctive feature of the terminal. The airport's grand entry canopies and meticulously designed space truss detailing showcase its attention to architectural aesthetics and functionality. The choice of glass panes with improved shading coefficients helps reduce heat gain, enhancing the overall comfort of the interior spaces.
In addition to the Veer Savarkar International Airport, there are smaller airports on some of the other islands in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, including Car Nicobar, Campbell Bay, and Diglipur. These aerodromes are operated solely by the Indian Air Force. The airport at Car Nicobar, located on Car Nicobar Island, was originally built by the Japanese during World War II for trade purposes but was later taken over by the Indian Air Force in 1956. While there are currently no commercial flights operating from this airport, the government is considering resuming commercial operations to further improve inter-island connectivity and boost tourism.
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A new terminal was inaugurated in July 2023 to enhance the airport's capacity
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a union territory of India, has an international-designated airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair. It is jointly operated by the Airports Authority of India and the Indian Air Force. Located 2km south of the city, it is the primary airport serving the islands and is the main gateway connecting them with major cities on the mainland.
A new terminal was inaugurated on 18 July 2023 to enhance the airport's capacity. The new integrated terminal building can handle five million passengers annually, a significant increase from the old terminal's capacity of 400 passengers. The new terminal covers an area of 40,837 square metres and has three floors – one for arrivals, one for departures, and one for waiting. It features 28 check-in counters, four conveyor belts, and three aerobridges. The unique design of the roof, inspired by sea shells, makes it the largest clear span enclosure among airports in India and one of the few international airport buildings in the world with this feature.
The construction of the new terminal began in 2019 with an investment of approximately Rs7.1bn ($86.4m). It was completed in June 2023 and formally began operations in August 2023. The project was proposed to accommodate the increased passenger traffic to the islands and promote the tourism industry. The airport now has the capacity to handle 1,200 passengers (600 domestic and 600 international) at peak hours.
The Veer Savarkar International Airport is known for its grand entry canopies and intricate design. The choice of glass for the facade has a better shading coefficient to reduce heat gain. The entire facade is enveloped in a bi-directionally curved pre-stressed cable net, with 4300 differently sized glass panes designed to withstand super cyclones. The airport offers essential facilities such as baggage services, lounges, restaurants, and duty-free shops.
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The airport offers essential facilities such as baggage services, lounges, restaurants, and duty-free shops
Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, provides essential facilities such as baggage services, lounges, restaurants, and duty-free shops. The airport, also known as IXZ, is the only international airport in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, handling both domestic and international flights. It is located approximately 2 to 3 kilometres from the main city centre of Port Blair, making it a convenient gateway to the islands.
Baggage services at Veer Savarkar International Airport include check-in counters, conveyor belts, and aerobridges. In addition, passengers can avail themselves of add-on services such as pre-booking additional baggage and sports equipment. The airport also offers travel assistance to facilitate a seamless and stress-free experience for passengers navigating security, check-in, and other airport procedures.
The airport features a VIP Executive Lounge, providing exclusive benefits such as complimentary beverages, gourmet dining, magazines, newspapers, premium seating, and Wi-Fi access. The lounge is designed to offer a unique and personalised experience, with friendly staff on hand to assist with reservations, recommendations, and other queries.
There is a variety of dining options available at the airport, including restaurants serving local, continental, and seafood specialities. The restaurants in Andaman offer a range of cuisines, from Indian and Chinese to vegan and vegetarian options, ensuring that travellers can find meals that cater to their preferences.
Duty-free shops are also available at Veer Savarkar International Airport, allowing passengers to engage in tax-free shopping before departing or upon arriving at the airport.
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Tourists can rent two or four-wheelers from multiple agencies upon arrival at the airport
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a union territory of India, is a tropical paradise comprising over 500 islands. The capital, Port Blair, is located on South Andaman Island and is home to the Veer Savarkar International Airport. This airport serves as the main gateway to the islands, offering connections to major Indian cities.
Upon arrival at Veer Savarkar International Airport, tourists have a range of transportation options to choose from, including renting two or four-wheelers. Multiple agencies provide rental services, ensuring that visitors can easily explore the islands independently.
Eternal Andamans is one such agency, offering rental bikes and scooters on all major islands, including Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep), and Port Blair. They provide convenient delivery to your hotel or pick-up from their office, just 3 km from the airport. With rates starting at ₹19 per hour, they offer the most affordable option on the islands.
For those seeking a self-driven car rental experience, Port Blair launched these services in 2017. While it can be more expensive than hiring a cab with a driver, it provides independence and privacy. It is important to note that mobile network coverage may be unavailable at certain attractions in Port Blair, so prior knowledge of the area is essential.
Additionally, petrol pumps are readily available in Port Blair, with several near the airport and throughout the city. However, when visiting off-beat destinations or other islands, it is advisable to keep a reserve of petrol, as pumps may not be easily accessible.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and historical significance. With pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant coral reefs, visitors can explore this breathtaking archipelago and create unforgettable memories.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Veer Savarkar International Airport, or Port Blair Airport, is located in the capital town of Port Blair, the gateway to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Air India, Jet Airways, Jet Lite, Go Air, and Spice Jet Airlines operate regular flights to Port Blair. IndiGo also operates regular flights connecting the islands to major cities in India. Foreign chartered flights are permitted to land at Port Blair, subject to fulfilling the guidelines of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
Various transportation options, including taxis and pre-paid cab services, are available at Veer Savarkar International Airport. Additionally, many hotels and resorts provide airport transfers for their guests.
Veer Savarkar International Airport offers essential facilities such as baggage services, lounges, restaurants, and duty-free shops. The airport is equipped to handle domestic and international flights and provides a comfortable experience for passengers.
Yes, in addition to Veer Savarkar International Airport, there are smaller airports on some other islands, including Car Nicobar, Campbell Bay, and Diglipur. These aerodromes are operated by the Indian Air Force, and some are proposed to be developed to improve inter-island connectivity and increase tourism.
