5 Smallest Airports In India With The Shortest Runways

Table of Content:

1. Smallest Airports In India #1: Baljek Airport, Meghalaya​
2. Smallest Airports In India #2: Kullu-Manali Airport, Himachal Pradesh
3. Smallest Airports In India #3: Shimla Airport, Himachal Pradesh
4. Smallest Airports In India #4: Agatti Airport, Lakshadweep Islands
5. Smallest Airports In India #5: Ambikapur Airport, Chattisgarh

The aviation industry has recently witnessed remarkable progress in connecting remote areas to the mainland through flights. This advancement has facilitated convenient connectivity and played a significant role in the economic development of various states, enhancing the well-being of their citizens. Interestingly, India boasts a vast network of more than 400 domestic and international airports. While the renowned Indira Gandhi International Airport stands as one of the largest airports in the country, there exist lesser-known gems like Baljek Airport in Meghalaya, representing the smallest airports in India. 

While it is customary to be familiar with the major airports, today we invite you to explore the lesser-known side of India's aviation landscape by introducing you to the smallest airports.

The smallest airports in India have demonstrated their ability to connect remote areas with major cities, resulting in a range of benefits. These airports have generated tourist revenue, fostered business development, and enhanced property values of the affected localities and regions.

Smallest Airports In India

1. Baljek Airport, Meghalaya

Baljek Airport in Meghalaya, also known as Tura Airport, holds the distinction of being one of the smallest airports in India, boasting a runway length of merely 1,006 meters. This public airport is operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

One of the smallest airports in India, Baljek Airport has one runway and will have flights between Shillong and Tura, once it becomes operational. 

Interesting Read: List of Biggest Airports In India

2. Kullu-Manali Airport, Himachal Pradesh

Next on our list of the smallest airports in India is Kullu-Manali Airport. Also known as Bhuntar Airport, it is located in Bhuntar, in the Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh.

With a single runway and two domestic terminals, it hosts direct flights to and from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Jubbar-hatti in Shimla. Moreover, it has one of the shortest runways in India, with a length of 1,125 metres.

The Kullu Airport Authority, which operates under the Airport Authority of India, is responsible for Kullu Manali Airport, one of the smallest airports in India. To enhance the travel experience of passengers, Kullu-Manali airport provides a host of facilities like free baggage service, ATM services, and many places to eat and shop. 

3. Shimla Airport, Himachal Pradesh

The Land of Gods, Himachal Pradesh, hosts one more smallest airport in India, which is Shimla Airport. Located in the Jabarhatti region of Himachal Pradesh, it is 22 km from Shimla. Its runway measures 1,230 metres, one of the shortest runways in India. 

Earlier, it used to serve only the private jets of VIPs, but now it has many direct flights to Delhi that operate from here for the general public. Shimla Airport, one of the smallest airports in India, hosts a number of facilities like baggage trolleys, escorts, scanners, and security surveillance of the baggage and shopping complex to make the journey comfortable and convenient for the passengers. 

Moreover, it is owned and managed by the Airports Authority of India. Shimla Airport, one of India's smallest airports, has only one domestic terminal, and apart from establishing air connectivity between Shimla and major Indian cities, the airport is also used for pilot training purposes.

4. Agatti Airport, Lakshadweep Islands

Agatti Island, a 7-kilometer-long island in the Lakshadweep Islands, is home to one of the smallest islands in India, Agatti Aerodrome Airport. Not just that, it is also the only airport in the Lakshadweep Islands.

With a 1,129 metre long runway and one terminal, Agatti Aerodrome Airport is among the smallest regional domestic airports in India. It establishes air connectivity between Lakshadweep and the mainland of India via Kochi and Bangalore airports. 

Agatti Airport, one of India's smallest airports, is operated and managed by the Airports Authority of India. At Agatti Airport, passengers enjoy basic facilities like trolleys for carrying luggage, a wheelchair facility, a medical facility, and a parking area. 

5. Ambikapur Airport, Chattisgarh

The list of the smallest airports in India is incomplete without the mention of Ambikapur Airport, earlier known as Darima Airport. 

Situated at Darima, 12 km from Ambikapur, Chattisgarh, the airport provides seamless air connectivity to the entire northern part of Chhattisgarh. Hosting one of the shortest runways in India, its extended runway now measures 1,800 metres. Owned and Operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Ambikapur Airport, or Maa Mahamaya Airport, is the fourth public airport in Chhattisgarh after Raipur, Bilaspur, and Jagdalpur.

Related Read: 10 Busiest Airports in India