Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Domestic Airlines Flying to Port Blair (IXZ)
- Must-Visit Places in Port Blair
- Local Culture and Food
- Nearby Getaways
- How to Reach Port Blair
- Accommodation Options and Estimated Costs
- Food, Shopping, and Cultural Experiences
- Tips for Different Travelers
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Port Blair, the lively capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is the primary gateway to India’s tropical archipelago. With its upgraded terminal at Veer Savarkar International Airport (IATA: IXZ), domestic connectivity has grown steadily, making it simpler to reach coral-rich waters, historic sites like the Cellular Jail, and island getaways such as Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep). This guide focuses on domestic airlines flying to Port Blair, practical flight-planning tips, and a compact city guide to help you plan a seamless island holiday.
Domestic Airlines Flying to Port Blair (IXZ)
Who flies to Port Blair
As per recent schedules, the following Indian carriers typically operate domestic services to Port Blair. Routes are seasonal and subject to change; check live schedules before booking.
- IndiGo
- Air India
- Vistara (under integration with Air India; operations/routes may evolve)
- SpiceJet
Some routes may also be operated by other carriers on a seasonal or changing basis. Always verify the latest timetable and availability.
Major origin cities and typical non-stop durations
- Kolkata (CCU): around 2 h 10 m
- Chennai (MAA): around 2 h 15 m
- Bengaluru (BLR): around 2 h 30 m
- Hyderabad (HYD): around 2 h 40 m (often seasonal or limited)
- Delhi (DEL): around 3 h 45 m to 4 h 15 m (often seasonal non-stops; many one-stop options via MAA/CCU)
- Mumbai (BOM): around 3 h 45 m to 4 h 15 m (often via MAA/CCU; occasional non-stops seasonally)
Schedules, slots, and seasonality
- Daytime operations: Most flights operate during daylight hours due to airport slot constraints and island operations.
- Peak season: November–April sees more non-stops and higher fares; monsoon (May–September) may bring schedule disruptions.
- Early starts: Many departures/arrivals are early morning; plan hotel check-in/out and transfers accordingly.
Fares and when to book
- Indicative one-way fares (economy): INR 4,000–7,500 from Chennai/Kolkata in shoulder season; INR 7,500–12,000+ from Delhi/Mumbai. Peak holiday periods can be higher.
- Best booking window: 4–8 weeks in advance for shoulder season; 8–12+ weeks for peak dates and long weekends.
- Save more by flying midweek, taking first-wave departures, and booking hand-baggage-only fares if feasible.
Baggage and onboard tips
- Cabin baggage: Usually 7 kg on most LCCs; check your fare class for exact allowance.
- Checked baggage: Commonly 15 kg on LCC economy; full-service airlines may include 20–25 kg depending on fare.
- Food and water: LCCs typically sell meals; pre-book for better value, especially on 3–4 hour sectors.
Airport and transfer notes
- Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), single-terminal civilian operations with limited slots.
- Transfers: Taxis and app cabs are available; Port Blair town is about 10–15 minutes from the airport in light traffic.
- Permits: Indian nationals do not need permits for Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, and most tourist zones. Certain tribal/reserved areas remain restricted.
- Foreign nationals: Permit rules can change; consult Andaman & Nicobar Administration advisories before travel.
Must-Visit Places in Port Blair
- Cellular Jail National Memorial: Historic complex with evening light-and-sound show.
- Corbyn’s Cove Beach: Easy city beach for sunsets and jet ski rides.
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island): Ruined colonial structures amid banyans; short boat ride from Aberdeen Jetty.
- North Bay Island: Snorkeling, sea-walk, and glass-bottom boat rides.
- Chidiya Tapu: Birding, sunset point, and nature trails.
- Samudrika Naval Marine Museum and Fisheries Museum: Quick introductions to island ecology.
- Anthropological Museum: Insight into indigenous communities and regional history.
Local Culture and Food
Port Blair is a blend of islanders, settlers from mainland India, and diverse communities. You’ll find Bengali sweets, South Indian snacks, and abundant seafood in simple eateries and waterfront cafés.
- Seafood staples: Grilled fish, crab, and prawns cooked with mild spices.
- Vegetarian-friendly: South Indian thalis, dosas, poha, and North Indian meals are widely available.
- Cafés and bakeries: Clustered around Aberdeen Bazaar and seaside promenades.
- Cultural notes: Respect local sensitivities; photography is prohibited near defense areas and certain jetties.
Nearby Getaways
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Radhanagar Beach, scuba diving, and boutique resorts. High-speed ferries connect from Port Blair.
- Neil (Shaheed Dweep): Relaxed beaches, natural bridge, and cycling-friendly lanes.
- Baratang Island: Limestone caves and mangrove creeks; day trips via the Andaman Trunk Road with permits.
- Long Island and Rangat: Quieter, nature-forward escapes for longer itineraries.
How to Reach Port Blair
By Air (fastest and most common)
- Airlines: IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, and SpiceJet typically operate services.
- Key gateways: Chennai and Kolkata have the highest frequency; Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Mumbai offer seasonal/direct or one-stop options.
- Travel time: Around 2–4+ hours depending on origin.
By Sea (limited, slow, experiential)
- Routes: Occasional passenger ships from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam.
- Duration: Approximately 2–3 days each way; basic cabin categories; limited departures.
- Booking: Through the Directorate of Shipping Services (Andaman & Nicobar). Schedules are irregular; confirm well in advance.
Accommodation Options and Estimated Costs
- Budget stays (hostels/guesthouses): INR 1,000–2,000 per night near Aberdeen Bazaar, Phoenix Bay, or Junglighat.
- Mid-range hotels: INR 3,000–6,500 per night, often with sea views or central locations.
- Premium/boutique: INR 7,000–15,000+ per night; island-style décor and better amenities.
- Where to stay: For short transits, choose central Port Blair; for longer vacations, split nights with Havelock/Neil.
Indicative daily spend (excluding flights): INR 2,000–3,500 (budget), INR 4,000–7,000 (mid-range), INR 8,000+ (premium), including meals, local transport, and basic activities.
Food, Shopping, and Cultural Experiences
- Food trails: Try seaside grills, simple thali joints, and coconut-based curries.
- Shopping: Aberdeen Bazaar for souvenirs, shell crafts (avoid coral/rare shell products), and local spices.
- Evenings: Light-and-sound at Cellular Jail, sunset at Chidiya Tapu, and casual waterfront strolls.
- Responsible travel: Do not buy corals, turtle products, or driftwood; follow reef-safe practices.
Tips for Different Travelers
General flight and planning tips
- Book early for peak months (Nov–Apr); compare fares from Chennai and Kolkata for better deals.
- Allow buffer time: Weather and operational constraints can cause delays; avoid tight same-day ferry connections.
- Connectivity: Mobile data can be patchy; download e-boarding passes and hotel vouchers offline.
- Payments: Carry some cash; cards/UPI work in town but can be inconsistent on outer islands.
Families
- Choose morning flights to match kids’ schedules and reduce disruption risk.
- Book hotels near the airport for late arrivals/early departures.
- Opt for glass-bottom boats and calm-water beaches like Corbyn’s Cove.
Honeymooners
- Time sunsets at Radhanagar (Havelock) or Chidiya Tapu.
- Pick midweek flights and shoulder-season dates for quieter beaches and better hotel rates.
- Reserve sea-facing rooms and confirm private transfers in advance.
Friends and diving enthusiasts
- Fly early to catch afternoon ferries to Havelock/Neil.
- Leave 18–24 hours between your last dive and your return flight.
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen and a light rain jacket for boat rides.
FAQs
Q: Which domestic airlines fly to Port Blair?
A: IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, and SpiceJet typically operate services to Port Blair (IXZ). Routes and frequencies vary by season; check current schedules.
Q: Are there direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Port Blair?
A: Non-stops from Delhi and Mumbai are often seasonal or limited. Many itineraries connect via Chennai or Kolkata for more options and competitive fares.
Q: What is the best time to book flights to Port Blair?
A: For peak months (November–April), book 8–12+ weeks ahead. For shoulder months, 4–8 weeks usually yields good prices. Midweek departures can be cheaper.
Q: Do I need a permit to visit Port Blair and nearby islands?
A: Indian nationals do not need permits for Port Blair and popular tourist islands like Havelock and Neil. Some areas remain restricted. Foreign nationals should check the latest Andaman & Nicobar Administration advisories, as rules can change.
Q: What is the usual baggage allowance on flights to Port Blair?
A: Most LCC economy fares include 7 kg cabin and about 15 kg checked baggage; full-service airlines may include more. Confirm allowances on your ticket before packing.
Conclusion
Reaching Port Blair is straightforward with multiple domestic airlines linking major Indian cities to Veer Savarkar International Airport. Plan around daytime flight slots, book early for peak season, and keep a buffer for ferry connections. Once you land, Port Blair’s historic sites, accessible beaches, and swift links to Havelock and Neil make it the ideal springboard for an Andaman escape.
