The Agra Airport, also known as Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport or Kheria Airport, is a testament to the city’s modernity and development. Located just seven kilometre east of the city of Agra, in Uttar Pradesh, it serves as both a domestic airport and an Indian Air Force base known as Kheria Air Force Station. Agra Airport has a rich history dating back to its establishment during World War II. Here are the key facts and aspects that define this aviation hub.
Agra Airport: Key facts
| Official name | Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport |
| Commonly known as | Kheria Airport or Agra Airport |
| Address | Civil Air Terminal Kheria, Kheria, Agra, Uttar Pradesh – 292008 |
| IATA code | AGR |
| ICAO Code | VIAG |
| Owner | Indian Air Force |
| Operator | Airports Authority of India |
| Number of terminals | One operational, one planned |
| Number of runways | Two (05/23 and 12/30) |
Agra Airport: Terminal
The current operational terminal spans 4,870 m2 (52,400 sqft) and has three immigration counters, five check-in counters, two security check booths and four customs counters. It has a capacity of handling 250 passengers during peak hours. Notably, there is a dedicated Air Force Arjun Nagar Gate for passenger access. A second terminal is in the planning stage, indicative of the airport’s growth trajectory.
Agra Airport: Facilities
Agra Airport is designed to ensure a hassle-free travel experience for its passengers. The facilities include:
- Free Trolleys
- Lost & Found Baggage Counter
- Medical Assistance
- Tourist Information Centre
Special attention is given to physically challenged and senior citizens, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Agra Airport: Connectivity
Agra is accessible by various means of transportation. Two major bus stands—Idgah Bus Stand and ISBT, connect Agra to cities like Delhi, Kanpur, and Jaipur. The road from Delhi takes three to four hours, with the well-maintained Taj Expressway. Agra’s Khera Airport is seasonal, with limited Air India flights; thus, most prefer flying to Delhi Airport and then travelling to Agra. Agra boasts five railway stations, including—Agra Cantonment and Agra Fort, providing convenient rail connectivity with major cities. Taxis and auto-rickshaws facilities travel within Agra, with hotels often offering airport transfer services. Local transport options from nearby areas like Fatehpur Sikri, Sikandra and Agra Fort Railway Station to Agra Airport are also available, making transportation seamless and diverse.
See also: Agra Lucknow Expressway: Map, Route, Toll Rate, Speed Limit
Agra Airport: Flights
The strategic location of Agra Airport facilitates extensive connectivity to major domestic airports in India. IndiGo operates direct flights from Agra to Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Bhopal, Mumbai and Lucknow. The airport has witnessed a history of hosting various aircraft, including C-47 Dakotas, C-119 Packets, HS 748 ‘Avros,’ AN-12s, AN-32s, IL-76s and the Airborne Early Warning and Control/AWACS. The airport’s proximity to other national airports contributes to its significance in the air travel network.
Agra Airport: Impact on real estate
Recent years have seen a surge in real estate development around Agra Airport. The demand for industrial and residential properties near the airport has risen, fueled by Agra’s continued appeal to tourists and investors. Dayal Bagh, around 10 km from the airport, stands out as a growing real estate cluster. It offers a range of properties to independent houses catering to various budgets.
Moreover, the Uttar Pradesh cabinet has approved a 123 crore (US$15 million) proposal for land acquisition to expand Agra Airport. The expansion aims to upgrade Agra Airport to international status, including constructing a new terminal, runway extensions and other essential facilities.
FAQs
What is the official name of Agra Airport?
The official name of the Agra Airport is Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport.
How many terminals does Agra Airport have?
Agra Airport currently has one operational terminal, with plans for a second terminal in the future.
Which airlines operate from Agra Airport?
IndiGo is the leading airline operating from Agra Airport, connecting it to destinations like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Bhopal, Lucknow and Mumbai.
What is the significance of Agra Airport in Indian Air Force history?
Agra Airport, also known as Kheria Air Force Station, is one of the largest airbases in the country and has played a crucial role in Indian Air Force operations.
What facilities are available at Agra Airport for passengers?
Agra Airport provides free trolleys, lost & found baggage counters, medical assistance, a tourist information centre and assistance for the physically challenged and senior citizens.
How can passengers reach Agra Airport from the city centre?
Passengers can reach Agra Airport, six to seven kilometre east of the city, via cabs (Ola or Uber) or auto-rickshaws.
What is the history of Agra Airport?
Agra Airport, initially Royal Air Forces Station Agra, was opened during World War II. It later became Air Force Station Agra in 1947, under the command of Wing Commander Shivdev Singh.
Which historical attractions are near Agra Airport?
Agra Airport provides easy access to iconic attractions such as the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and the Tomb of Akbar the Great.
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Anil Shah, is your go-to source for property market insights. He excels at understanding and explaining the latest trends in residential real estate and making complex real estate concepts easier to grasp. Anil’s fact-based analysis helps buyers and investors make sound decisions in the housing sector.
