Table of Contents
- Introduction
- About Veer Savarkar International Airport (History & Importance)
- Best Time to Visit the Andamans via Port Blair Airport
- How to Reach Andaman and the Airport (IXZ)
- Airport Transfers and Connectivity
- Facilities at Veer Savarkar International Airport
- Top Things To Do Around the Airport
- Nearby Attractions from the Airport
- Accommodation Options in Port Blair & Nearby Islands
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Estimated Trip Costs
- Practical Tips for Travelers
- Specific Tips by Traveler Type
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Planning a trip to the Andaman Islands starts with landing at Veer Savarkar International Airport (IATA: IXZ) in Port Blair. This friendly, tropical gateway connects you to emerald seas, coral reefs, and white-sand beaches on Swaraj Dweep (Havelock), Shaheed Dweep (Neil), and beyond. Use this airport guide to navigate arrivals, transfers, ferries, permits, and essential logistics—so your island holiday begins smoothly.
About Veer Savarkar International Airport (History & Importance)
Veer Savarkar International Airport, located at Lamba Line in Port Blair, is the primary aviation hub for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. It sits about 3–4 km from Aberdeen Bazaar (city center), making transfers quick and convenient.
- Role: The airport is the lifeline of the archipelago, handling most passenger and cargo movement to the mainland.
- History & operations: A civil enclave alongside Indian Navy facilities, it has seen steady upgrades. A modern integrated terminal building was inaugurated in 2023 to enhance passenger comfort and capacity.
- Codes: IATA: IXZ, ICAO: VOPB.
Best Time to Visit the Andamans via Port Blair Airport
- Peak (Nov–Apr): Calm seas, sunny skies, best for diving, snorkeling, and inter-island ferries.
- Shoulder (Oct and early May): Fewer crowds; occasional showers; fares can be reasonable.
- Monsoon (May–Sep): Heavy rain and choppy seas can disrupt ferries and some flights; good for low-season deals if you’re flexible.
Tip: If island-hopping, plan buffer time in case ferries are rescheduled due to weather.
How to Reach Andaman and the Airport (IXZ)
By Air (most convenient)
- Direct flights: Regular services from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai (seasonal from other cities). Carriers typically include IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, and SpiceJet.
- Flight duration (nonstop): 2–2.5 hrs from Chennai/Kolkata; 3–3.5 hrs from Bengaluru/Hyderabad; 4–5 hrs from Delhi/Mumbai (may vary).
By Sea (slow, scenic)
- Passenger ships: Occasional sailings from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam. Travel time is ~60–70 hours, with simple onboard facilities.
- Best for long-stay travelers; schedules are infrequent and weather-dependent.
Airport Transfers and Connectivity
- Prepaid taxi: Counters in the arrivals area. Typical fares:
- Airport → Aberdeen Bazaar: INR 250–400
- Airport → Haddo Wharf/Phoenix Bay Jetty: INR 300–500
- Airport → Corbyn’s Cove: INR 300–450
- Airport → Wandoor/Jolly Buoy embarkation: INR 800–1,200
- Auto-rickshaws: Readily available outside; cheaper than taxis for short hops (INR 150–250 downtown).
- Hotel transfers: Many hotels arrange pickups; confirm pricing in advance.
- Public bus: Local buses run on the main road near the airport; useful if traveling light and familiar with routes.
- App cabs: Mainstream app taxis are limited; do not rely on them.
- Self-drive: Car self-drive is rare; scooters are widely rented in Port Blair (INR 400–800/day; helmet mandatory).
Connecting to Ferries
- Private catamarans: Makruzz, Green Ocean, Sea Link (subject to schedule).
- Port Blair → Swaraj Dweep (Havelock): 1.5–2.5 hrs
- Port Blair → Shaheed Dweep (Neil): 1–1.5 hrs
- Government ferries: Cheaper but slower; book at counters. Seats may sell out early in peak season.
- Buffer time: Keep 3–4 hours between flight arrival and ferry departure; weather or baggage delays can be unpredictable.
- Main jetties: Haddo Wharf/Phoenix Bay for most inter-island sailings.
Facilities at Veer Savarkar International Airport
- Arrivals & baggage: Conveyor belts with trolleys; keep luggage tags handy for exit checks.
- Wi‑Fi: Available in the terminal (registration may be required; speeds vary).
- ATMs & payments: ATMs present; digital payments common in Port Blair but carry cash for outer islands.
- Food & beverage: Cafés and snack counters; choices expand in the new terminal.
- Shops: Souvenirs and essentials; avoid buying items made from coral or shells (illegal to collect/trade).
- Lounges: Limited lounge facilities; availability may vary—check with your airline/card issuer.
- Medical & baby care: First-aid room; baby care facilities available.
- Accessibility: Ramps, lifts, and wheelchair assistance via airlines.
- Left luggage: Not reliably available; arrange day-use at your hotel if you have a long gap.
- SIM cards: Kiosks may be limited; better availability in town. Networks: BSNL, Airtel, Jio (strongest in Port Blair; patchy on outer islands).
- Operating hours: Flight operations are mostly daytime; always verify schedules before planning tight connections.
Top Things To Do Around the Airport
- Corbyn’s Cove Beach: Closest beach to the airport; good for a short sunset visit.
- Cellular Jail: Historic site with an evocative light-and-sound show.
- Samudrika Naval Marine Museum: A quick primer on Andaman marine life and history.
- Aberdeen Bazaar: Pick up snacks, SIMs, and last-minute essentials.
- Short coastal drive: Scenic bay views along Port Blair’s seaside roads.
Nearby Attractions from the Airport
- Cellular Jail (10–15 min): National memorial with guided history.
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island) (boat trip): Ruins, deer, and colonial-era remains.
- Corbyn’s Cove (15–20 min): Easy beach escape near town.
- Chidiya Tapu (45–60 min): Sunset point and small hikes; birding hotspot.
- Wandoor & Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (60–75 min): Gateway to Jolly Buoy/Red Skin islands (snorkeling; seasonal permits apply).
Accommodation Options in Port Blair & Nearby Islands
Port Blair (good for first/last night)
- Budget (INR 1,200–2,500): Guesthouses near Aberdeen Bazaar; simple, clean stays.
- Mid-range (INR 3,500–7,000): Seaview hotels and boutique stays; convenient for airport and jetties.
- Upscale (INR 8,000–15,000+): Premium rooms with bay views and better amenities.
Popular Islands (for the bulk of your stay)
- Swaraj Dweep/Havelock: Beach resorts and dive lodges; premium options are common.
- Shaheed Dweep/Neil: Quiet stays, ideal for slower travel and snorkeling.
Book early for Nov–Apr. Confirm hotel transfer timings if your flight arrives late or departs early.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Seafood: Try grilled fish, crab, prawns at coastal restaurants.
- Vegetarian: Plenty of Indian staples; look for thalis and South Indian breakfasts.
- Sweet & snacks: Bakeries in Port Blair offer fresh pastries and samosas for quick bites.
Shopping
- Sagarika Emporium (Govt.): Authentic handicrafts at marked prices.
- Aberdeen Bazaar: Spices, souvenirs, beachwear, basic gear.
- Sustainability note: Do not buy coral, seashell, or marine-life products—collection and trade are prohibited.
Culture & Responsible Travel
- Respect protected areas and indigenous communities; visiting tribal reserves is illegal.
- Avoid single-use plastics; dispose of waste responsibly.
- Drones require permissions from local authorities; check regulations in advance.
Estimated Trip Costs
- Flights (round-trip, mainland–Port Blair): INR 8,000–25,000+ depending on season and city.
- Airport transfers (one-way): Taxi INR 250–500 within city; more for outskirts.
- Ferries: Private catamaran INR 1,400–1,800 (Port Blair–Havelock); INR 800–1,200 (Port Blair–Neil). Govt. ferries cheaper.
- Accommodation (per night): Budget INR 1,200–2,500; mid-range INR 3,500–7,000; upscale INR 8,000–15,000+.
- Food: INR 400–800 per person/day (budget); INR 1,000–2,000 (mid-range).
- Activities: Intro scuba INR 3,500–6,000; snorkeling INR 500–1,500; Cellular Jail show ~INR 300; park permits ~INR 50–100.
Practical Tips for Travelers
- Permits: Indian citizens generally do not need permits for most tourist zones. Foreign nationals typically require a Restricted/Protected Area Permit (issued on arrival at Port Blair airport or online where applicable). Policies can change—check the latest from the Andaman & Nicobar Administration before travel.
- Connectivity: Mobile data is decent in Port Blair; expect patchy internet on outer islands. Download tickets and maps offline.
- Cash & cards: Carry sufficient cash for Neil/Havelock; ATMs may be limited or offline. Keep small denominations for autos and snacks.
- Health & safety: Use reef-safe sunscreen, hat, and hydration. Observe beach flags; currents can be strong. Jellyfish may appear seasonally—ask lifeguards.
- Time buffers: Keep buffers between flight and ferry connections, especially in monsoon.
- Baggage rules: Do not carry sand, shells, or corals—fines apply. Pack light, waterproof your electronics.
Specific Tips by Traveler Type
Families
- Pick morning or midday flights to match hotel check-in and ferry slots.
- Request child seats in taxis in advance; carry basic meds and motion-sickness tablets.
- Choose beaches with gentle slopes (e.g., Radhanagar on Havelock) and lifeguards where available.
Honeymooners
- Book sea-view stays and plan one buffer day for weather surprises.
- Schedule sunset visits (Chidiya Tapu/Corbyn’s Cove) and a private ferry class if available.
- Confirm candlelight dinners and transfers with resorts ahead of time.
Friends/Backpackers
- Use shared taxis, autos, and government ferries to save costs.
- Rent scooters in Port Blair/Havelock; carry extra cash and a power bank.
- Target shoulder months for cheaper flights and stays.
FAQs
Q: How far is Port Blair Airport from the city center?
A: About 3–4 km from Aberdeen Bazaar. A taxi typically takes 10–15 minutes depending on traffic.
Q: Do I need a permit to visit the Andamans?
A: Indian tourists usually don’t need permits for common tourist areas. Foreign nationals typically need a Restricted/Protected Area Permit, generally available on arrival at IXZ. Always verify current rules before travel.
Q: Can I get a local SIM at the airport?
A: Availability at the airport can be limited. You’ll find better options in Aberdeen Bazaar. Airtel, Jio, and BSNL operate, with the strongest coverage in Port Blair.
Q: Is there a lounge or left-luggage facility at IXZ?
A: Lounge access is limited and subject to change; check with your airline/card provider. Left-luggage services are not reliably available—use your hotel for day storage.
Q: Can I make a same-day flight-to-ferry connection?
A: Yes, but keep 3–4 hours buffer between flight arrival and ferry departure. Weather and baggage delays can affect schedules, especially during monsoon.
Conclusion
Veer Savarkar International Airport is a compact, well-placed gateway that makes exploring the Andamans straightforward. With short city transfers, clear ferry connections, and improving terminal facilities, you can transition from runway to reef efficiently. Allow sensible buffers, respect local regulations and nature, and you’ll be set for a smooth start and finish to your island journey.
