If you’re planning a trip to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, you’ve probably seen the name Veer Savarkar International Airport pop up on your ticket. Most people think it’s just another sleepy regional airstrip. It isn't. Not anymore. Honestly, for the longest time, landing in Port Blair felt like stepping back into the 1990s, with a cramped terminal and a baggage claim area that felt more like a chaotic family reunion than a transport hub. But things changed fast.
The new Integrated Terminal Building (NITB), which was inaugurated fairly recently, has basically flipped the script on what travel to these remote islands looks like. It’s huge. It’s shaped like a shell. It’s also surprisingly high-tech for a place that feels thousands of miles away from the "real world."
The Shell That Changed Port Blair
You can't miss the architecture. The design is inspired by the sea—specifically, a massive twin-shell structure that looks like it’s about to wash away into the Bay of Bengal. It’s not just for show, though. The roof is built to handle the insane monsoon rains that batter the Andamans every year.
Inside, the vibe is different. It’s airy. The ceilings are high, and there’s a ton of natural light. They actually used a lot of skylights to cut down on electricity usage. It’s kinda cool when you think about it; you’re standing in a modern glass-and-steel structure, but you can feel the tropical sun beating down (in a good way) through the ceiling.
Why Veer Savarkar International Airport Matters Now
For years, the biggest bottleneck for Andaman tourism was the airport. The old terminal could barely handle 300 or 400 passengers at a peak hour. If two flights landed at once? Forget about it. You’d be standing shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers, sweating, waiting for a suitcase that might be at the bottom of a massive pile.
The new terminal changed the math. It can handle about 1,200 passengers during peak hours. That’s a massive jump. It means more flights from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai. It also means the possibility of actual international flights. While it’s called an "International" airport, for a long time, that was more of a title than a reality. We are finally seeing that shift.
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The runway is still the same one shared with INS Utkrosh, the Indian Navy’s air station. This is a crucial detail most travelers miss. Because it’s a military-controlled airfield, you aren’t allowed to take photos or videos of the runway or the hangars. Seriously, don’t try it. Security is tight, and the "no photography" signs aren't just suggestions.
The Logistics Nobody Tells You About
Navigating Veer Savarkar International Airport is mostly straightforward, but there are quirks.
First, the location. It’s practically in the middle of Port Blair. You aren't driving an hour into the city like you would in Hyderabad or Bangalore. You walk out of the terminal, and you're basically there. It’s roughly 2 kilometers from the city center. You can catch an auto-rickshaw or a pre-paid taxi.
- Pre-paid Taxis: There’s a counter inside the arrival hall. Use it. It prevents the "tourist tax" markup you might get if you try to haggle outside.
- Connectivity: Port Blair’s internet has improved since the undersea cable was laid, but the airport Wi-Fi can still be hit or miss. Don’t rely on it for a last-minute Zoom call.
- Security Check: Since it’s a joint-user airfield, the security screening is rigorous. Give yourself extra time. Don't be that person sprinting to the gate because you thought a "small island airport" would be a breeze to walk through.
The "International" Question
Is it really international? Technically, yes. Practically? It’s complicated. The infrastructure is there. The immigration desks are there. The customs area is ready. However, scheduled international commercial flights have been slow to materialize. Most of what you see are domestic hops.
There’s a lot of talk about connecting Port Blair to Southeast Asian hubs like Bangkok or Phuket. Geographically, it makes total sense. Port Blair is actually closer to Myanmar and Thailand than it is to mainland India. If these routes open up, it’ll transform the Andamans from a domestic honeymoon spot into a global diving and adventure destination.
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What to Expect When You Land
The landing itself is one of the most beautiful in India. If you can, grab a window seat on the left side of the plane when flying in. You’ll see the emerald green islands, the coral reefs, and the deep blue of the Andaman Sea. It’s breathtaking.
Once you hit the tarmac, you’ll notice the heat. It’s humid. Very humid. The new terminal has excellent air conditioning, which is a lifesaver, but the walk from the plane to the bus (or terminal) will remind you exactly where you are.
Improving the Experience
There are a few things that still trip people up. One is the Rapid Antigen Test or vaccination certificate requirements. While the world has mostly moved on from strict COVID-19 protocols, the Andaman administration occasionally tweaks its entry requirements based on local health concerns. Always check the latest circulars from the Andaman & Nicobar Administration website before you fly.
Also, remember the "Protected Area Permit" (PAP). If you aren’t an Indian citizen, you used to need a separate permit to visit the islands. Most of that has been simplified now—you get the permission stamped on your passport at the airport upon arrival—but you still have to go through the process. It’s quick, but necessary.
The Environmental Footprint
Building a massive 40,000-square-meter terminal on a sensitive island ecosystem isn't easy. The project cost somewhere around ₹700 crore. They’ve tried to offset the impact by installing a 500 KW solar power plant and using LED lighting throughout. They also have a pretty robust rainwater harvesting system. In a place where fresh water can actually be scarce during the dry season, that’s a big deal.
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Practical Tips for the Savvy Traveler
If you want to master Veer Savarkar International Airport, keep these points in mind:
- Check-in Early: Even with the new terminal, the manual security checks for certain items can take time.
- No Plastic: The Andamans are very strict about single-use plastics. Don't arrive with a bunch of plastic bags or disposable water bottles visible. They take environmental protection seriously here.
- Food Options: The new terminal has much better food outlets than the old one, but it’s still not a massive mall. Eat a solid meal before you head to the airport if you have a long flight.
- Souvenirs: There are shops selling shells and bamboo crafts. Just make sure you have the proper receipts for any shell items; otherwise, customs might confiscate them to prevent illegal poaching of marine life.
Beyond the Tarmac
The airport is named after Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, who was incarcerated in the nearby Cellular Jail. If you have a few hours before your flight or just after you land, the jail is a somber, essential visit. It puts the whole history of these islands into perspective. It's not just a vacation paradise; it's a place with a very heavy, significant history.
The airport is the bridge between that history and the future of the islands. As the gateway for the Great Nicobar development project and the increasing focus on the "Blue Economy," this airport is going to get busier.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
- Book Your Taxi in Advance: If you're staying at a resort on Havelock (Swaraj Drip) or Neil (Shaheed Dweep), coordinate your airport pickup with your ferry timing. The ferries depart from Haddo Wharf or the Phoenix Bay Jetty, which are a short drive from the airport.
- Download Offline Maps: While signal is better, having Google Maps offline for Port Blair will save you a headache when you're trying to find a specific guest house in the winding streets of the city.
- Carry Physical Documents: Don't rely solely on your phone. Have printouts of your hotel bookings and your return flight. Local authorities sometimes ask for these during random checks or at the entry points of specific islands.
- Watch the Clock: Port Blair operates on "Island Time," but the airlines don't. Traffic in Port Blair can get surprisingly congested during school hours or when the ferry crowds arrive. Leave your hotel earlier than you think you need to.
Veer Savarkar International Airport is no longer the weak link in Andaman travel. It’s a modern, functioning piece of infrastructure that actually matches the beauty of the destination it serves. Whether you’re there for the scuba diving or the history, the moment you step off the plane into that shell-shaped terminal, you know you’ve arrived somewhere special.
Next Steps for Your Journey:
- Verify Entry Requirements: Check the Official Andaman Tourism Portal for any recent changes to permit requirements or health protocols.
- Coordinate Ferry Transfers: Ensure your flight arrives at least 3 hours before any scheduled private ferry (like Makruzz or Nautika) to allow for baggage claim and transit to the jetty.
- Pack for the Environment: Remove excess packaging from your gear before you fly to minimize the waste you bring onto the islands.