The India Zone

India is an enormous country and although there is excellent land transport links throughout the country, these are often over crowded and uncomfortable and the distance between major centres requires lengthy journeys. It is for these reasons that internal flights within India are so popular. With such a comprehensive selection of internal flight routes, air travel within India offers excellent access to destinations throughout the country. With a reputation for having somewhat chaotic airports, the country’s larger air hubs have undergone renovations and facilities have improved dramatically over recent years.

There are over 30 major airports in India, along with many smaller terminals, making most regions within the country easily accessible by air. The Airports Authority of India manages all major airports throughout the country. The primary gateway to India is Delhi, and it is at Indira Gandhi International Airport New Delhi that most people arrive in the country. Delhi’s airport offers connecting flights to international destinations and domestic locations around the country, while India’s secondary airports at Mumbai in the west, Chennai in the south and Calcutta in the east also provide a wide range of connecting flights to smaller destinations across India.

Located less than 10 miles from the city centre, Indira Gandhi International Airport New Delhi boasts two terminals, with Indian Airlines, Alliance Air, Jet Airways and Air Sahara operating frequent flights to and from the capital among other airlines. There are free airport transfer coaches that run regularly between the international and domestic terminals here, while frequent bus services run from airport into the city. Prepaid taxis are also available and make a convenient way to reach your destination. Two car parks are provided; however, there is no long-stay car park and leaving your car here overnight can be expensive. Car rental services are provided by Nitin Transport Company, licensed by the Airports Authority of India. Other facilities at the airport include internet access, pharmacy, eateries, rest areas, banking facilities and duty-free shops.

Chennai International Airport is another convenient arrival point should you wish to visit southern India. Located just over 10 miles from the city centre, there are regular bus and rail services to the airport along with car rental services and prepaid taxis. Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport has recently undergone renovations, but facilities are lacking and like many of India’s airports, it can get very crowded here at times. The International Netaji Subhash Airport (Dum Dum Airport) in Calcutta has undergone significant improvements in recent years and services here are some of the best among India’s airports. Situated 12 miles from Calcutta’s centre, the airport offers direct flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Patna, Varanasi, Lucknow and Bangalore.