Commonly known as the Port Blair Airport, Veer Savarkar International Airport is the only civil airport in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. It is located in the outskirts of the capital city, Port Blair and connects the surrounding regions to several important domestic destinations across the country. Serving a popular tourist destination, this airport houses several attractive features and has a major impact on the real estate market of the surrounding regions. This article will help you navigate through Port Blair Airport. Discover its key facts, flights, terminal features and real estate impacts here.
See also: NH4: Connecting towns in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Port Blair Airport: Fact file
| Name | Port Blair Airport, Veer Savarkar International Airport |
| IATA | IXZ |
| ICAO | VOPB |
| Owner/operator | Airports Authority of India |
| Established on | 20 January 2005 |
| Address | MP2M+36H, Lamba Line, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands – 744103 |
| Locations served | Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
| Terminals | 2 |
| Annual footfall (April 2022 – March 2023) | 12,73,138 |
Flight operations
While Port Blair Airport does not have any international flights yet, it is a link for the surrounding regions to several important cities within the country. These cities are further connected to international destinations. Following is a brief guide to the destinations you can access from Port Blair Airport:
| Destination | Airline | Flights per week |
| Bengaluru | IndiGo, Vistara | 14 |
| Chennai | Air India, IndiGo, Spicejet, Starlight Airlines | 35 |
| Delhi | Air India | 3 |
| Hyderabad | Air India | 7 |
| Kolkata | Air India, IndiGo, Spicejet, Vistara | 42 |
| Mumbai | IndiGo | 7 |
| Visakhapatnam | Air India | 3 |
Passenger terminal features
The Port Blair Airport houses two passenger terminals, the latest one being in operations since 18 July 2023. Terminal 1 is spread over an area of 6100 sqm and can hold about 400 passengers. Developed with the aim of reducing the burden on Terminal 1, Terminal 2 is spread over an area of 40837 sqm and has the capacity of 1200 passengers. Moreover, the new terminal houses 28 check-in counters, four conveyor belts and three aerobridges for the convenience of passengers.
Additionally, the passenger terminals boast of features such as medical aid, wheelchair accessible restrooms, duty free shops, ATMs, tourist information centre, passenger help desk, snacks bar and child care room.
How to reach Port Blair Airport?
The airport is located at a distance of approximately 2 km from the city centre. Auto rickshaws and shuttle buses that enhance connectivity to the airport are available in plenty. For faster and more efficient transportation, you can hire a taxi or private car to reach the airport at your convenience. It generally takes 15 – 20 minutes to reach the airport from the city centre by road.
Real estate impact
Enhancing connectivity to various important commercial destinations, Port Blair Airport is a boon for the real estate industry in the surrounding places and the city in general. The presence of the airport has played a major part in the economic growth and development of transport infrastructure in the city and given a major boost to the tourism industry, thereby also enhancing the quality of life here. There has been an increase in demand for accommodation near the airport. More and more people prefer settling in such economically developed and well-connected regions and it leads to the betterment of the real estate market as well.
The employment opportunities created with the development of the airport has led to a rise in the demand of real estate in the surrounding regions and the availability of infrastructural amenities is an added advantage. All these factors have made the region surrounding Port Blair Airport an appealing prospect for investors. However, since the islands are a region rich in natural heritage and biodiversity, it is important to ensure that urban development and conservation practices go hand in hand.
FAQs
Which airline companies function from Port Blair Airport?
Air India, IndiGo, Spicejet, Starlight Airlines and Vistara are the airlines that operate from Kannur Airport to connect it to major cities.
How far is the airport from the city centre?
The city centre is located at a distance of 2 km from the airport and is easily accessible by road via cab or shuttle bus.
Does the airport have any international flights?
Port Blair Airport does not have any direct international flights yet but connects the region to other international airports within the country.
What are the features of the new terminal of Port Blair Airport?
The new terminal boasts of 28 check-in counters, four conveyor belts, three aerobridges and numerous other features.
Is there a lounge at Port Blair Airport?
Port Blair Airport has comfortable VIP lounges for passengers near the departure area with internet connectivity.
Are there facilities in place for passengers with special needs?
Port Blair Airport provides wheelchair assistance and accessible washrooms for passengers with special needs.
Are there any hotels near Port Blair Airport?
Yes, SeaScape Port Blair, Hotel Magpie, Andaman Runway, and Lemon Tree Hotel are some of the hotels near the airport.
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