Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (Mumbai)

Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai is India’s largest international air hub. The massive airport has 6 terminals — 1a, 1b, 1c, 2a, 2b, and 2c. The main operators, Air India, and 50 other carriers fly to a variety of domestic and international cities. Travelers coming from places other than Europe or Asia, such as America, usually need to get to connect via Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong or London. Being a major airport, Chhatrapati has a number of duty-free and retail stores, restaurants, medical facilities, and lost and found. Upon arrival, visitors can choose rental car, pre-paid taxi or bus for their onward transportation. Bus 321 goes to Vile Parle East, while Bus 308 runs to Andheri East railway station. Domestic terminals have the additional option of rickshaws.

Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi)

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi is the busiest in India for combined domestic and international travel. Terminal 1 is for regional flights (1C for arrivals, 1D for departures) and Terminal 3 is for both local and overseas. (There are several unused terminals). Air India is the main operator out of 60 carriers and flies to New York-JFK, while United has service to Newark. The airport has duty-free shops, retail stores, cafés, fast food, and the usual facilities. The Delhi Airport Metro Express links terminal 3 with India Railways’ New Delhi train station. DTC operates regular air-conditioned buses between the airport and city or metered taxis and car rental are available.

Bengaluru International Airport (Bangalore)

Bengaluru International Airport (BLR) in Bangalore is another major point of entry for international visitors. Almost 30 airlines fly out of the single terminal, connecting to domestic and international destinations. Air India, JetKonnect and SpiceJet are the two main carriers, flying to cities such as Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, and Mumbai. Travelers coming from the Americas or the Pacific will need to connect via a major hub such as Singapore or Kuala Lumpur on Air Asia or Malaysian Airlines. The airport has VIP lounges, shops, restaurants, ATMS and currency exchange facilities. Visitors can reach their onward destination by taxi or Vayu Vajra, which are 24-hour shuttles operated by the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation.

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) is the main gateway for visitors arriving in India at Hyderabad. Just under 20 carriers fly through this new airport, although most travelers coming from anywhere but Asia will need to transfer through a bigger hub such as Dubai on Air India or the UAE on FlyDubai or IndiGo. Alternatively, British Airways flies from London, while Malaysian Airlines comes from Kuala Lumpur. The airport is well-connected with other major Indian cities. Visitors can take a taxi, rental car or the airport operated Aeroshuttle bus into the city.

Chennai International Airport

Chennai International airport (MAA) is another international air hub. There are two terminals, one for cargo and the other for passengers. Some 35 carriers connect with cities across India, as well as overseas. Air India is the main operator flying to countries such as Singapore, Abu Dhabi and Kuala Lumpur. The airport has all the usual facilities, including fixed fare metered taxis and a train that links the Tirusulam station to the rest of the city via the Suburban railway network.

Other Airports

India has a large network of airports. Aside from the ones listed above, travelers can also fly into Goa or Kolkata, landing at Dabolim Airport (GOI), or Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), respectively.