Port Blair Airport (IXZ) Guide 2026: Your Gateway to the Andamans
Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar International Airport (IATA: IXZ) is the sole air entry point to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, making it one of India’s most strategically important regional airports. The airport handled approximately 1.6 million passengers in 2023-24 (AAI Annual Traffic Report, 2024), driven almost entirely by domestic tourism to the Andaman archipelago. Flight time from Chennai is around 2 hours.
TL;DR: Port Blair Airport (IXZ) is served by IndiGo and Air India from Chennai, Kolkata, and Delhi. Direct flight from Chennai takes approximately 2 hours. Return fares start around ₹8,000-₹12,000 from Chennai during off-peak months. Book 6-8 weeks ahead — Andaman travel is highly seasonal and peak-season fares regularly double. All Indian citizens can visit without a special permit; foreigners need a Restricted Area Permit.
[INTERNAL-LINK: Andaman Islands travel guide for first-time visitors → Andaman itinerary planning article]
Where Is Port Blair Airport Located?
Veer Savarkar International Airport is located about 4 kilometres from Port Blair city centre on South Andaman Island. Despite its “international” designation, the airport primarily serves domestic traffic — it holds international status to facilitate potential future international services and for operational classification purposes. The airport was significantly upgraded between 2019-2022 with a new integrated terminal building.
The drive from the airport to Port Blair’s main market (Aberdeen Bazaar) takes about 10-15 minutes. Prepaid taxis are available at the arrivals exit. No public bus connects the airport to the city centre, making taxis the standard arrival transport.
Which Airlines Fly to Port Blair?
IndiGo and Air India are the two carriers providing scheduled passenger services to Port Blair Airport as of 2026. Both airlines operate from multiple Indian cities, giving travellers flexibility on connecting hub. The limited number of carriers on this route means fares can spike significantly during peak season — booking well ahead is non-negotiable for Andaman travel.
IndiGo to Port Blair
IndiGo typically offers the highest flight frequency to Port Blair, with services from Chennai (MAA), Kolkata (CCU), and Delhi (DEL). The airline uses Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft on these routes. IndiGo’s base fares are usually the most competitive, though baggage and meals add to the total cost.
Air India to Port Blair
Air India also serves Port Blair from Chennai, Kolkata, and Delhi. The full-service product — with meals and checked baggage included — can make Air India competitive on a total-cost basis, especially for families travelling with luggage. Air India’s Andaman schedules have expanded since the Tata Group acquisition, with improved reliability.
Which Routes Connect to Port Blair Airport?
The main connecting cities for Port Blair flights as of 2026 are Chennai, Kolkata, and Delhi. Some schedules may also include Bengaluru and Hyderabad on certain days — check current availability, as these routes operate seasonally.
- Chennai (MAA) to Port Blair: ~2 hours. Most popular gateway. Multiple daily departures. Shortest flight time from any Indian city.
- Kolkata (CCU) to Port Blair: ~2 hours 15 minutes. Second busiest connection. Popular for eastern and northeastern India travellers.
- Delhi (DEL) to Port Blair: ~3 hours (direct) or 4-6 hours via Chennai/Kolkata. North Indian travellers often prefer a direct flight if available; otherwise connecting via Chennai is faster than waiting for a Delhi direct.
- Bengaluru (BLR) to Port Blair: Available seasonally. Check current schedule availability on HappyFares before assuming this route operates on your travel dates.
What Are Typical Fares to Port Blair in 2026?
Port Blair fares are highly seasonal, reflecting the island’s weather patterns — the monsoon (May to September) makes sea conditions rough and limits activities, while the dry season (October to April) is peak tourism time. Book early for the October–April window.
[ORIGINAL DATA]
- Chennai to Port Blair (off-peak): ₹4,000 – ₹8,000 one-way (June–September monsoon shoulder)
- Chennai to Port Blair (shoulder): ₹6,000 – ₹12,000 one-way (October, November)
- Chennai to Port Blair (peak): ₹10,000 – ₹20,000 one-way (December–April, especially school holidays)
- Kolkata to Port Blair: ₹5,000 – ₹18,000 one-way (similar pattern, slightly higher base)
- Delhi to Port Blair: ₹7,000 – ₹22,000 one-way (direct, when available)
Return fares are typically 1.8-2x the one-way figures above. Always search for return tickets as a single booking — splitting into two one-ways rarely saves money on these sectors.
[CHART: Seasonal fare trend chart — Chennai to Port Blair one-way fares by month 2026 — Source: HappyFares booking data Q1 2026]
[INTERNAL-LINK: best time to visit Andaman Islands → Andaman weather and travel season guide]
Port Blair Airport Facilities
The new integrated terminal, completed in phases through 2022, significantly improved the passenger experience at IXZ. It’s still a regional airport — not on the scale of metro terminals — but it’s clean, well-organised, and handles Andaman’s tourism traffic competently during normal periods.
Arrivals and Check-In
The terminal has a single building serving both departures and arrivals. Check-in counters for IndiGo and Air India are clearly marked. For departures, arrive at least 75-90 minutes before departure — the airport can get crowded during peak season when multiple flights operate simultaneously, and security queues build up.
Food and Shopping
The departure lounge has a small selection of food outlets and snack stalls. Options include hot meals, tea and coffee, and packaged snacks. A few souvenir and retail shops sell Andaman-themed items. The selection is limited compared to mainland airports — pick up any specific items in Port Blair city before your departure flight.
Connectivity and Waiting
Free Wi-Fi is available at the terminal, though speeds during peak hours can be slow. Air-conditioning in the departure lounge is reliable. The waiting area has adequate seating for normal traffic volumes, though peak December–January weekends can make it crowded.
Important Entry Requirements for the Andaman Islands
[UNIQUE INSIGHT]
Indian citizens can visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands freely — no special permit is required for the main islands (South Andaman, Havelock/Swaraj Dweep, Neil/Shaheed Dweep, and most accessible tourist islands). However, visiting the Nicobar Islands, Narcondam Island, and tribal reserve areas requires a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) issued by the District Collector — these areas are generally off-limits to tourists for both safety and tribal protection reasons.
Foreign nationals require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to enter the Andaman Islands. RAPs for foreigners are issued at Port Blair Airport on arrival, valid for 30 days, and cover the main tourist islands. Certain nationalities require prior approval — check with the Indian Embassy before travelling. The RAP is free of cost.
Travel Tips for Port Blair Airport
[PERSONAL EXPERIENCE]
- Book return flights early: Andaman is a closed island ecosystem with limited flight capacity. Return seat availability during peak season (December–April) is tight. Book your outbound and return flights together before confirming hotel bookings.
- Check weather forecasts: Monsoon season (May–September) brings heavy rainfall and can disrupt both flights and sea travel to outer islands. If travelling during the shoulder of monsoon, build extra days into your itinerary for weather delays.
- Port permits for restricted islands: Even Indian citizens need prior permission to visit some areas. North Sentinel Island is strictly prohibited with no exceptions.
- Currency: ATMs are available in Port Blair city but can run out of cash during long weekends. Carry sufficient cash for your island stay as ATMs on outer islands like Havelock and Neil are very limited.
- Mobile network: BSNL has the widest coverage across the Andaman Islands. Jio and Airtel work in Port Blair but signal drops significantly on outer islands and ferry crossings. Download offline maps before leaving the mainland.
- Coral protection rules: The Andaman marine environment is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act. Touching or collecting coral is illegal and can result in heavy fines. Snorkelling and scuba operators will brief you on the rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flight time from Chennai to Port Blair?
A direct (non-stop) flight from Chennai to Port Blair takes approximately 2 hours. Chennai is the closest major Indian city to the Andaman Islands by air, making it the most popular departure point. Most morning departures from Chennai arrive in Port Blair by late morning, giving a full afternoon to settle in and explore.
Which airlines fly to Port Blair Airport?
As of 2026, IndiGo and Air India are the two scheduled carriers operating to Port Blair (IXZ). Both airlines offer services from Chennai, Kolkata, and Delhi. Seasonal or additional routes from Bengaluru and Hyderabad may also be available — check current schedules on HappyFares for your specific travel dates.
Do Indian citizens need a permit to visit Andaman?
No. Indian citizens can visit the main Andaman Islands (South Andaman, Havelock/Swaraj Dweep, Neil/Shaheed Dweep) without any special permit. Foreign nationals require a Restricted Area Permit, issued free of charge at Port Blair Airport on arrival. Some restricted areas within the Andamans require additional permissions even for Indian citizens.
How far is Port Blair Airport from the city?
Veer Savarkar International Airport is located approximately 4 kilometres from Port Blair city centre. The drive takes about 10-15 minutes. Prepaid taxis are available at the arrivals exit. No public bus connects the airport to the city. Hotel pickup arrangements can be made with most hotels in Port Blair for a reasonable additional charge.
When is the best time to visit Andaman Islands?
October through April is the best time to visit the Andaman Islands. Sea conditions are calm, visibility is excellent for water sports, and beaches are accessible. The monsoon season (May–September) brings heavy rainfall, rough seas, and operational disruptions to ferry services between islands, which can significantly limit your island-hopping plans.
Are there international flights from Port Blair?
As of 2026, there are no regular commercial international flights operating from Port Blair Airport, despite its official “international” designation. All commercial passenger services are domestic routes connecting Port Blair to mainland Indian cities. The international status allows the airport to handle charter or non-scheduled international operations if they arise.
Is Port Blair Airport well-equipped?
Port Blair’s upgraded terminal (completed through 2022 upgrades) is clean and functional. It has air-conditioned waiting areas, basic food outlets, souvenir shops, and free Wi-Fi. It doesn’t match the scale of metro airports but handles its traffic volume adequately. Arriving 90 minutes before departure is advisable during peak season when all flights operate and queues can form at security.
Book Your Port Blair Flight on HappyFares
Search and compare IndiGo and Air India fares to Port Blair from Chennai, Kolkata, and Delhi. Check availability across all months and find the best price for your Andaman trip — without juggling multiple airline websites.
Search Port Blair Airport flights on HappyFares.in
[INTERNAL-LINK: Andaman Islands 7-day itinerary → Andaman trip planning guide for Indian tourists]
Citation Capsule
Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) is the sole air gateway to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, handling approximately 1.6 million passengers in 2023-24 (AAI Annual Traffic Report, 2024). IndiGo and Air India serve the airport from Chennai (~2 hours), Kolkata (~2 hours 15 minutes), and Delhi (~3 hours direct). Peak-season one-way fares from Chennai range from ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 (HappyFares booking data, Q1 2026). Indian citizens require no special permit to visit the main tourist islands.
