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Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (IATA: VNS, ICAO: VEBN) is an international airport located in Babatpur, 26 kilometres (16 miles) northwest of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. Formerly known as Varanasi Airport, it was renamed in October 2005 after Lal Bahadur Shastri, India's second prime minister. The airport is well-connected to the city and handles a substantial amount of passenger and cargo traffic, making it a significant hub for travel and trade in the region.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport name | Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport |
| Former name | Varanasi Airport |
| Year of renaming | 2005 |
| Renamed after | Lal Bahadur Shastri, India's second prime minister |
| Location | Babatpur, 26 km (16 mi) northwest of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| IATA code | VNS |
| ICAO code | VEBN |
| Runway | Single asphalt runway bearing 09/27, 9,006 feet (2,745 m) in length |
| Terminals | Two (for international and domestic travel) |
| Amenities | Free reading lounge, dedicated smoking rooms, free Wi-Fi |
| Nearby landmarks | Kashi Temple (1 hour by road), Dashashwarmedh Ghat (25.9 km), Assi Ghat (31.2 km), Durga Temple (30.6 km) |
| Cargo | Handled around 561 metric tons of perishable goods in 2022-23 |
| Ranking | 19th-busiest airport in India, 2nd-busiest in Uttar Pradesh |
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What You'll Learn
- The airport is named after Lal Bahadur Shastri, India's second prime minister
- It is located in Babatpur, 26km northwest of Varanasi
- It is the second busiest airport in the state of Uttar Pradesh
- The airport has one runway and one terminal
- It was awarded the best airport in Asia-Pacific in 2020 (2-5 million passengers)
The airport is named after Lal Bahadur Shastri, India's second prime minister
Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, formerly known as Varanasi Airport, is an international airport located in Babatpur, 26 kilometres (16 miles) northwest of Varanasi, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The airport was officially renamed in October 2005 after Lal Bahadur Shastri, a veteran freedom fighter and the second Prime Minister of India.
Lal Bahadur Shastri served as India's second prime minister from 1964 until his death in 1966. He is remembered for his contributions to the Indian independence movement and his role in promoting the White Revolution, a national campaign to increase the production and supply of milk. Shastri is also known for his simplicity and honesty, earning him the respect of Indians across political lines.
The airport is a fitting tribute to Shastri's legacy, as it serves as a gateway to Varanasi, a city considered one of the holiest sites in Hinduism. The airport is well-connected to the city, with transport options including cabs, buses, auto rickshaws, and a prepaid taxi service. It is also easily accessible from the Babatpur Bus Stand, located just 1.1 kilometres away.
Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport has become a significant hub for passenger traffic and cargo operations in Uttar Pradesh. During the fiscal year 2022-23, the airport handled around 561 metric tons of perishable goods. It is also the first airport in India to make announcements in the Sanskrit language. The airport has a single asphalt runway, with a length of 9,006 feet, and an integrated terminal serving both domestic and international flights.
The Airports Authority of India has proposed expansions to the airport to accommodate increasing passenger traffic. These include plans to extend the runway, construct a new terminal building, and create an underpass to intersect with National Highway 31.
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It is located in Babatpur, 26km northwest of Varanasi
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, formerly known as Varanasi Airport, is located in Babatpur, 26km northwest of Varanasi, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The airport is named after Lal Bahadur Shastri, India's second prime minister. It is accessible via National Highway 31 and is approximately 30 to 40 minutes from Varanasi by road. The travel time can vary depending on traffic conditions, with some sources stating that the journey can take up to an hour.
The airport is well-connected to the city of Varanasi, with various transport options available, including cabs, buses, auto rickshaws, and a prepaid taxi service run by the local police. There is also a bus service connecting the airport to the city centre, as well as a prepaid cab stand outside the terminal. Additionally, some hotels and travel agencies provide shuttle services to and from the airport.
There are several hotels located near Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, offering a range of options from budget to luxury accommodations. The airport is also in close proximity to various spiritual destinations and landmarks, such as the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashashwarmedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, and Durga Temple.
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is a significant hub for cargo operations and passenger movement. It is the second-busiest airport in the state of Uttar Pradesh and has been recognised as one of the best airports in the Asia-Pacific region. The airport features a single runway and an integrated terminal serving both domestic and international flights.
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It is the second busiest airport in the state of Uttar Pradesh
Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, formerly known as Varanasi Airport, is an international airport located in Babatpur, 26 kilometres (16 miles) northwest of Varanasi, India. It is named after Lal Bahadur Shastri, the second Prime Minister of India. The airport is one of the major airports in India, having served over four million passengers in 2024-25. It is the 19th busiest airport in India in terms of passenger movement and the second busiest airport in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
The airport features a single asphalt runway, with a length of 9,006 feet (2,745 metres). Due to the increasing passenger traffic and aircraft movements, the Airports Authority of India plans to extend the runway to 4,075 metres (13,369 feet). An underpass will also be constructed as part of the expansion project, which will intersect with National Highway 31. In November 2019, the Airports Authority of India proposed the construction of a new second terminal, expected to be completed by 2024, with a total area of 58,691 square metres and a passenger capacity of 4.5 million per year.
Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport currently has one integrated terminal that serves both domestic and international flights, with a floor area of 3,900 square metres (42,000 square feet). The airport offers various facilities for passenger convenience, including dedicated smoking rooms and free Wi-Fi. It is also reportedly the first airport in India to provide a free reading lounge for travellers and make announcements in the Sanskrit language.
The airport is well-connected to the city of Varanasi, with transport options including cabs, buses, auto rickshaws, and a prepaid taxi service. The road journey from the airport to the city centre typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Additionally, there are several hotels located near the airport, ranging from budget to luxury options.
In summary, Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, serving the city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India, is a significant aviation hub in the region. With its high passenger traffic, expansion plans, and convenient facilities, it plays a crucial role in facilitating travel and contributing to the state's economic development.
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The airport has one runway and one terminal
Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, formerly known as Varanasi Airport, is an international airport located in Babatpur, 26 kilometres (16 miles) northwest of Varanasi, India. It is named after Lal Bahadur Shastri, India's second prime minister.
The airport currently has one runway and one integrated terminal serving both domestic and international flights. The single asphalt runway is 9,006 feet (2,745 metres) long, with turnarounds at both ends and two exits to the main apron. There is also a third, less frequently used exit that leads to an isolated apron for emergency use.
Due to the increasing popularity of the airport, the Airports Authority of India has proposed expanding the runway to 4,075 metres (13,369 feet) and constructing a new second terminal by 2024. The new terminal is planned to have a total area of 58,691 square metres and a passenger capacity of 4.5 million per year.
The foundation stone for these expansion projects was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2024. The total cost of the projects is estimated to be around ₹2,870 crore. The expansion of the airport will improve its capacity and enhance the travel experience for the millions of passengers who pass through each year.
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It was awarded the best airport in Asia-Pacific in 2020 (2-5 million passengers)
Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, formerly known as Varanasi Airport, was awarded the best airport in the Asia-Pacific region in 2020 for handling 2 to 5 million passengers per annum. The award was presented by Airports Council International.
The airport is an international airport serving Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is located in Babatpur, 26 kilometres (16 miles) northwest of Varanasi. It was renamed in October 2005 after Lal Bahadur Shastri, India's second prime minister.
Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport is the second-busiest airport in Uttar Pradesh and the 19th-busiest airport in India in terms of passenger movement. It has a single asphalt runway that is 9,006 feet (2,745 metres) long, with turnarounds at both ends and two exits to the main apron. Due to increasing passenger traffic, the Airports Authority of India plans to extend the runway to 13,369 feet (4,075 metres).
The airport features a single integrated terminal that serves both domestic and international flights, with a floor area of 3,900 square metres (42,000 square feet). It is the first airport in India to make announcements in the Sanskrit language.
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Frequently asked questions
Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport is an international airport located in Babatpur, 26 kilometres northwest of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
The airport was formerly known as Varanasi Airport.
The airport was renamed in October 2005 after Lal Bahadur Shastri, India's second prime minister.
