Domestic airports are the backbone of India’s aviation network, connecting major cities, state capitals, business hubs, tourist destinations, and remote regions. Every day, thousands of domestic flights operate across the country, making air travel faster, more convenient, and accessible than ever before.
India has 150+ operational airports, many of which primarily serve domestic flights. These airports are operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), state governments, private operators, or joint ventures. They play a vital role in improving regional connectivity, especially through initiatives like the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme.
This guide covers everything you need to know about domestic airports in India, including their purpose, facilities, state-wise distribution, and the complete list of major domestic airports.
Quick Information
| Topic | Details |
| Country | India |
| Airport Type | Domestic Airports |
| Operational Airports | 150+ |
| Main Purpose | Flights Within India |
| Airport Codes | IATA & ICAO |
| Managed By | AAI & Private Operators |
| Last Updated | 2026 |
What Is a Domestic Airport?
A domestic airport is an airport that primarily handles flights within the boundaries of India. These airports connect passengers to different cities and states without involving international immigration or customs procedures.
Domestic airports range from large metropolitan airports with multiple daily flights to smaller regional airports that improve connectivity for underserved areas.
Features of Domestic Airports
Most domestic airports in India offer the following services:
- Passenger Terminals
- Airline Check-in Counters
- Security Screening
- Boarding Gates
- Baggage Claim Area
- Parking Facilities
- Food Courts & Cafes
- Waiting Lounges
- Taxi & Cab Services
- Medical Assistance
- Wheelchair Support
- ATMs and Basic Banking Services
Larger domestic airports may also include premium lounges, shopping outlets, and metro or bus connectivity.
Major Domestic Airports in India
The following airports primarily serve domestic passengers, although some may also have international status or limited international operations.
| Airport | City | State | IATA Code |
| Pune Airport | Pune | Maharashtra | PNQ |
| Prayagraj Airport | Prayagraj | Uttar Pradesh | IXD |
| Gorakhpur Airport | Gorakhpur | Uttar Pradesh | GOP |
| Kanpur Airport | Kanpur | Uttar Pradesh | KNU |
| Bareilly Airport | Bareilly | Uttar Pradesh | BEK |
| Agra Airport | Agra | Uttar Pradesh | AGR |
| Darbhanga Airport | Darbhanga | Bihar | DBR |
| Dehradun Airport (Jolly Grant Airport) | Dehradun | Uttarakhand | DED |
| Pantnagar Airport | Pantnagar | Uttarakhand | PGH |
| Hubballi Airport | Hubballi | Karnataka | HBX |
| Belagavi Airport | Belagavi | Karnataka | IXG |
| Mysuru Airport | Mysuru | Karnataka | MYQ |
| Jabalpur Airport | Jabalpur | Madhya Pradesh | JLR |
| Raja Bhoj Airport | Bhopal | Madhya Pradesh | BHO |
| Gwalior Airport | Gwalior | Madhya Pradesh | GWL |
| Khajuraho Airport | Khajuraho | Madhya Pradesh | HJR |
| Bilaspur Airport | Bilaspur | Chhattisgarh | PAB |
| Jagdalpur Airport | Jagdalpur | Chhattisgarh | JGB |
| Jharsuguda Airport | Jharsuguda | Odisha | JRG |
| Ranchi Airport | Ranchi | Jharkhand | IXR |
| Deoghar Airport | Deoghar | Jharkhand | DGH |
| Ludhiana Airport | Ludhiana | Punjab | LUH |
| Bathinda Airport | Bathinda | Punjab | BUP |
| Pathankot Airport | Pathankot | Punjab | IXP |
| Shimla Airport | Shimla | Himachal Pradesh | SLV |
| Kangra Airport | Dharamshala | Himachal Pradesh | DHM |
| Kullu-Manali Airport | Bhuntar | Himachal Pradesh | KUU |
| Salem Airport | Salem | Tamil Nadu | SXV |
| Tuticorin Airport | Thoothukudi | Tamil Nadu | TCR |
| Nashik Airport | Nashik | Maharashtra | ISK |
| Kolhapur Airport | Kolhapur | Maharashtra | KLH |
| Shirdi Airport | Shirdi | Maharashtra | SAG |
Note: Several airports listed above may occasionally operate international charter or seasonal services. However, they mainly cater to domestic air travel.
State-wise Domestic Airport Distribution
Some states have a larger number of domestic airports due to their size, geography, or tourism demand.
| State | Major Domestic Airports |
| Uttar Pradesh | Prayagraj, Kanpur, Gorakhpur, Bareilly, Agra |
| Maharashtra | Pune, Nashik, Kolhapur, Shirdi |
| Karnataka | Hubballi, Belagavi, Mysuru |
| Madhya Pradesh | Bhopal, Jabalpur, Gwalior, Khajuraho |
| Rajasthan | Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Kishangarh, Jaisalmer |
| Tamil Nadu | Madurai, Salem, Tuticorin |
| Uttarakhand | Dehradun, Pantnagar, Pithoragarh |
| Himachal Pradesh | Shimla, Dharamshala, Kullu |
| Jharkhand | Ranchi, Deoghar |
| Chhattisgarh | Bilaspur, Jagdalpur |
Domestic Airports Under the UDAN Scheme
The UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme was introduced to improve regional air connectivity across India. Through this initiative, several smaller airports have become operational, allowing travelers to reach remote destinations more easily.
Some airports benefiting from the scheme include:
- Darbhanga
- Jharsuguda
- Deoghar
- Jagdalpur
- Mysuru
- Kolhapur
- Shirdi
- Belagavi
- Hubballi
- Kurnool
The scheme continues to expand air connectivity across the country.
Facilities Available at Domestic Airports
| Facility | Available |
| Check-in Counters | Yes |
| Security Screening | Yes |
| Boarding Gates | Yes |
| Parking | Yes |
| Restaurants & Cafes | Available at most airports |
| Waiting Lounge | Yes |
| Wheelchair Assistance | Yes |
| Medical Room | Yes |
| Drinking Water | Yes |
| ATM | Available at many airports |
| Taxi & App Cabs | Yes |
| Bus Connectivity | Available at many airports |
| Lost & Found | Yes |
Domestic Airport Travel Process
Traveling through a domestic airport is generally straightforward.
Step 1: Arrive at the Airport
It is advisable to reach the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure.
Step 2: Check-in
Complete your check-in online or at the airline counter and obtain your boarding pass.
Step 3: Security Check
Passengers and cabin baggage undergo security screening before entering the departure area.
Step 4: Boarding
Proceed to your boarding gate and board the aircraft when your flight is announced.
Step 5: Arrival
After landing, collect your checked baggage (if applicable) and exit the terminal using your preferred mode of transportation.
Domestic vs International Airports
| Feature | Domestic Airport | International Airport |
| Flight Routes | Within India | India & Other Countries |
| Passport Required | No | Yes |
| Immigration | No | Yes |
| Customs | No | Yes |
| Duty-Free Shops | No | Yes |
| Foreign Currency Exchange | Limited | Yes |
Tips for Domestic Air Travelers
- Reach the airport early to avoid last-minute delays.
- Use web check-in whenever available.
- Carry a valid government-issued photo ID.
- Verify baggage allowance before packing.
- Keep your boarding pass easily accessible.
- Monitor flight status and gate announcements.
- Follow airline and airport security guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many domestic airports are there in India?
India has more than 150 operational airports, many of which primarily serve domestic flights.
Do domestic airports require a passport?
No. For domestic flights within India, passengers generally need a valid government-issued photo identification instead of a passport, unless required under specific circumstances.
Can a domestic airport become an international airport?
Yes. Airports can be upgraded to international status after meeting infrastructure, operational, and regulatory requirements.
What is the UDAN Scheme?
UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) is a Government of India initiative that aims to improve regional air connectivity by making air travel affordable and expanding flight services to underserved airports.
How early should I arrive for a domestic flight?
Most airlines recommend reaching the airport at least two hours before departure.
Final Thoughts
Domestic airports form the foundation of India’s aviation system, enabling millions of passengers to travel efficiently between cities every year. With continuous investment in airport infrastructure and regional connectivity, domestic air travel is becoming more convenient, reliable, and accessible.
Whether you’re planning a business trip, family vacation, or weekend getaway, understanding how domestic airports operate can help make your journey smoother. As this website grows, you’ll also find detailed guides for individual airports, including terminal information, facilities, transportation options, parking details, and travel tips.