6 Smallest Airports In India

An exciting exploration of the smallest airports in India. They may not be as grand as their larger counterparts, but they play an essential role in connecting remote corners.

Airports are like magical gateways that take us from the ground to the clouds. They take us away to new adventures and cherished destinations. While some airports are bustling hubs with thousands of passengers every day, others are more modest and cater to smaller communities.

Fly Through The Sky: 6 Smallest Airport In India

In this blog, we will explore the top 6 smallest airports in India and take you on a virtual tour of these lesser-known gems. So fasten your seatbelts, and let’s embark on a delightful journey to the smallest airport in India by size but undoubtedly big in heart!

Trichy International Airport

Trichy International Airport, also known as Tiruchirappalli International Airport is the smallest airport in India by area. It is a bustling air hub in Tamil Nadu. It serves as a gateway to this vibrant region, connecting people to various destinations across India and the world.

The airport boasts a modern and comfortable terminal, where travelers can check-in, pass through security, and board their flights with ease. Trichy Airport is well-equipped to handle both domestic and international flights, making it a popular choice for travelers from different parts of the country. 

This airport is India’s smallest international airport with friendly staff and efficient services. Trichy Airport ensures that every journey starts and ends with a smile.

• IATA Code: The IATA code of Trichy International Airport is TRZ.
• Number of airlines visiting: Trichy International Airport hosts a range of domestic and international airlines, including Air Asia, Air India Express, Jet Airways, Malindo Air, Sri Lankan Airlines, and Tigerair.
• Total destinations: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Singapore, Hyderabad, Delhi, Bangalore and more are the major destinations of the Trichy International Airport.
• Passenger traffic: The total passenger traffic at Trichy International Airport is around 15 Lacs.
• Official site: www.aai.aero

Kullu-Manali Airport

Kullu-Manali Airport, also known as Bhuntar Airport, is nestled just a short distance from the beautiful town of Manali in Himachal Pradesh. This airport has a runway that is only 1,125 meters long, making it one of the smallest airports in India. 

Because of its small size and its location amidst towering mountains and deep valleys, it becomes quite challenging for pilots to land and take off from here. The airport sits on the banks of the serene Beas River, adding to its picturesque setting. 

Despite the difficulties, Kullu-Manali Airport serves as an important gateway for people traveling to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Himachal Pradesh.

• IATA Code: The IATA code of Kullu Manali airport is KUU.
• Number of airlines visiting: Air India and Kingfisher are the main airlines that serve to Kullu-Manali Airport.
• Total destination: The major destinations covered by Kullu-Manali Airport are Delhi, Kolkata, Chandigarh, and more.
• Passenger traffic: The average passenger traffic at Kullu-Manali airport is 17,000.
• Official site: www.aai.aero

Baljek Airport

Baljek Airport, located in Meghalaya, is one of the smallest airports in India. What makes it special is its surprisingly small runway, measuring just 1,006 meters in length. In the past, it was designed to handle small planes with seating for about 20 passengers, like the Dornier Do 228.

But things are changing for Baljek Airport! The Airport Authority of India is working on making it even better. They have big plans to upgrade the airport, so it can handle larger aircraft in the future. For this development project, they have approved a budget of Rs 2.28 crore.

Soon, Baljek Airport will be ready to welcome bigger planes, which means more people can travel to and from this beautiful region of Meghalaya. It is the smallest runway airport in India with big dreams, and we can’t wait to see it soar to new heights!

• IATA Code: None.
• Number of airlines visiting: N/A
• Total destination: N/A
• Passenger traffic: Currently not available.
• Official site: www.aai.aero

Shimla Airport

Shimla Airport, located in Himachal Pradesh, is a short runway airport that measures only 1,230 meters. You can find it in Jubbarhatti, about 22 kilometers away from Shimla, and it mainly operates flights to Delhi with just one runway. 

This airport has limited space for parking, accommodating only two small Dornier Do 228 aircraft at a time. The terminal at Shimla Airport is very small, with space for just 50 passengers for arriving flights and 40 for departing ones. 

Commercial flights at this airport are managed by Alliance Air, a subsidiary of Air India. Despite its small size, Shimla Airport plays a vital role in connecting travelers to and from the picturesque hills of Himachal Pradesh.

• IATA Code: “SLV” is the IATA code of the Shimla Airport.
• Number of airlines visiting: Kingfisher and Alliance Airlines serve Shimla Airport.
• Total destination: N/A
• Passenger traffic: The total passenger traffic at Shimla Airport is around 11,000.
• Official site: www.aai.aero

Agatti Airport

Agatti Airport, situated on the southern end of Agatti Island in the mesmerizing Lakshadweep Islands, has a single runway that is just 1,291 meters in length. The airport’s small terminal can handle around 50 people during busy hours. 

The Airport Authority of India is responsible for managing this airport, and it operates flights to and from Kochi Airport. Agatti Airport was inaugurated on 16th April 1988 and initially served flights using Dornier aircraft only. 

The entire area covered by this airport is approximately 45.9 acres. Despite its compact size, Agatti Airport plays a crucial role in connecting the beautiful Lakshadweep Islands with the mainland, making it easier for people to explore these stunning tropical destinations.

• IATA Code: “AGX” is the IATA code of Agatti Airport.
• Number of airlines visiting: Air India and Alliance Air are the airlines that operate flights to Agatti Airport.
• Total destination: N/A.
• Passenger traffic: Passenger traffic at the Agatti Airport is 50,000.
• Official site: www.aai.aero

Balurghat Airport

Balurghat Airport, managed by the Airports Authority of India, is located in Balurghat, West Bengal. It has a runway that measures 1,097 meters in length and 30 meters in width, all paved and ready for use. 

The airport area covers about 155 acres of land. However, at the moment, there are no scheduled flights operating from this airport. Even though it doesn’t have regular flights right now, the Balurghat Airport remains an essential facility, and there might be opportunities for flights in the future.

• IATA Code: IATA code of the Balurghat airport is “RGH.”
• Number of airlines visiting: It is not available yet.
• Total destination: N/A.
• Passenger traffic: Not Available.
• Official site: www.aai.aero

Suggested Reads: Biggest Airports In India

In conclusion, we have explored the top 6 smallest airports in India, each with its unique charm and significance. These compact airfields, though small in size, play a crucial role in connecting remote regions and contributing to the growth of local communities. From the challenging runways of Bhuntar and Kullu-Manali to the picturesque settings of Agatti and Balurghat, these airports showcase India’s diverse landscapes and the spirit of aviation in even the most challenging terrains. 

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