Shirdi Airport (SAG)

About Shirdi Airport (SAG)

Shirdi Airport serves as the primary aviation gateway to Shirdi, one of India's most important pilgrimage destinations in Maharashtra. This airport connects the sacred town, home to the revered Sai Baba Temple, with major Indian cities, playing a crucial role in facilitating religious tourism. The facility was developed specifically to accommodate the millions of devotees who visit the Sai Baba shrine annually. With its modern infrastructure and strategic location, the airport has transformed accessibility to this holy destination, significantly reducing travel time for pilgrims from across India and abroad. The airport's efficient operations and pilgrim-focused amenities make it an essential gateway for spiritual travelers seeking the blessings of Sai Baba.

Shirdi Airport History

Shirdi Airport has a relatively recent history in Indian aviation. The need for an airport in Shirdi was recognized due to the town's immense religious significance and the millions of pilgrims visiting annually. The project was initiated to improve connectivity to this major pilgrimage center, which previously relied solely on road and rail transport. The airport was developed as a greenfield project with modern infrastructure designed specifically for handling pilgrim traffic. Construction began in the 2010s, and the airport was officially inaugurated in October 2017, marking a historic moment for religious tourism in Maharashtra. Since its opening, the airport has been gradually expanding operations, adding new routes and improving facilities. The establishment of Shirdi Airport represents a significant infrastructure development aimed at serving the spiritual needs of millions of Sai Baba devotees while boosting regional tourism and economic development.

Shirdi Airport Details - IATA, Address and Pin Code

Official Name: Shirdi Airport

IATA Code: SAG

Address: Shirdi Airport Shirdi Ahmednagar Maharashtra India

Airport Pin Code: 423107

Distance from Shirdi City Centre: Approximately 15 kilometers

Phone Number: 02423-246204

Old Name: New airport, no previous name

How Many Airports in Shirdi?

Shirdi has one airport serving the pilgrimage town and surrounding areas. Shirdi Airport is the sole commercial aviation facility in the region, providing essential air connectivity to this major religious destination. The airport serves not only Shirdi town but also caters to pilgrims from across India and international devotees visiting the Sai Baba Temple. Given its status as the only airport serving one of India's most visited pilgrimage sites, it plays a vital role in religious tourism. The airport has significantly enhanced accessibility for elderly pilgrims and devotees traveling from distant locations.

How Many Terminals in Shirdi Airport?

Shirdi Airport operates with a single terminal building designed to handle the specific needs of pilgrims and religious tourists. The terminal was constructed with modern amenities while keeping in mind the primary demographic of devotees.

Domestic

The terminal handles domestic flight operations, connecting Shirdi with major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Ahmedabad, and other destinations. The domestic section features check-in counters, security screening areas, waiting lounges, and boarding facilities designed to efficiently process pilgrim traffic. The terminal includes facilities for purchasing prasad and religious items, catering specifically to the needs of devotees.

International

While Shirdi Airport has international airport status and possesses the necessary infrastructure including customs and immigration facilities, regular scheduled international flights are limited. The airport primarily handles domestic operations, though it can accommodate international charter flights carrying devotees during peak pilgrimage seasons.

Distance Between Shirdi Airport Terminals

Since Shirdi Airport operates with a single terminal building, there is no distance between separate terminals. All passenger services including check-in, security screening, waiting areas, boarding gates, arrival facilities, and baggage claim are housed within one integrated terminal structure. This compact design makes navigation extremely simple and convenient for passengers, particularly elderly pilgrims and first-time air travelers. The unified layout eliminates confusion and ensures a smooth airport experience.

How Many Runways in Shirdi Airport?

Shirdi Airport has one operational runway that serves all flight operations. The runway was constructed to modern aviation standards and is capable of handling various aircraft types operating on domestic routes. It is equipped with necessary lighting systems and navigation aids to support safe flight operations. The single runway configuration is appropriate for the current traffic levels and operational requirements of this pilgrimage-focused airport.

Shirdi Airport Lounges and Facilities

Shirdi Airport offers facilities designed specifically considering the needs of pilgrims and religious tourists. Available facilities include:

• Waiting lounge with adequate seating
• Check-in counters with baggage handling
• Security screening areas
• Food outlets serving vegetarian meals
• Shops selling religious items and Sai Baba memorabilia
• Counters for booking temple darshan and accommodation
• ATM facilities and currency exchange
• Free Wi-Fi connectivity
• Medical first aid services
• Prayer and meditation areas
• Baby care facilities
• Special assistance for elderly pilgrims
• Information desk for temple visit guidance
• Parking facilities

How to Reach Shirdi Airport from City Center

By Metro/Subway

Shirdi does not have a metro or subway system. Passengers need to use road transport options to reach the airport.

By Bus

Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation operates bus services connecting Shirdi town with the airport. Private operators also provide services. The journey typically takes around 25 to 35 minutes. Special bus services are arranged during peak pilgrimage seasons.

By Taxi/Cab

Taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available in Shirdi for transportation to the airport. Most hotels and lodges can arrange taxis. The ride from the temple area takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Many accommodation providers offer airport transfer services for pilgrims.

By Private Car

Traveling by private car is convenient, with the airport located approximately 15 kilometers from the main temple area. The drive typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes via well-maintained roads. The airport provides parking facilities.

Things to Do in Shirdi Airport

Shirdi Airport offers amenities suited to its unique passenger profile of devotees and spiritual travelers. You can visit food outlets that serve exclusively vegetarian meals, respecting the religious sentiments of pilgrims. The airport features shops selling religious items including Sai Baba idols, photographs, prayer books, rudraksha beads, and traditional offerings. Special counters provide information about darshan timings, temple accommodation, and local transportation. Some counters facilitate advance booking of temple services. The compact layout means minimal walking, particularly beneficial for elderly pilgrims. Prayer rooms offer quiet spaces for meditation and devotion before continuing the spiritual journey.

Places to Visit Near Shirdi Airport

Shirdi and its surrounding areas are rich in spiritual and religious significance. The world-famous Sai Baba Temple, located about 16 kilometers from the airport, is the primary destination for most visitors. This sacred shrine attracts millions of devotees annually. The temple complex includes the Samadhi Mandir, Dwarkamai Mosque where Sai Baba spent much of his life, Chavadi, and Gurusthan. The Shani Shingnapur Temple, approximately 70 kilometers away, is a unique shrine dedicated to Lord Shani where houses traditionally have no doors.

The Trimbakeshwar Temple near Nashik, about 120 kilometers from Shirdi, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The Bhimashankar Temple, another Jyotirlinga, is roughly 160 kilometers away. The Ajanta and Ellora Caves, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are within reasonable driving distance. The Ahmednagar Fort and various temples in the surrounding region offer additional cultural experiences. These spiritual and cultural attractions make the region around Shirdi Airport a significant destination for devotees exploring Maharashtra's religious heritage.

FAQs About Shirdi Airport - Shirdi Airport

What is the Official Name of Shirdi Airport?

The official name is Shirdi Airport, also sometimes referred to as Shirdi International Airport.

What is the IATA Code for Shirdi Airport?

The IATA code for Shirdi Airport is SAG.

Which Terminals Serve Domestic and International Flights at Shirdi Airport?

Shirdi Airport has one terminal that primarily serves domestic flights. While it has international airport status, regular scheduled international operations are limited.

Which Railway Station is Near to Shirdi Airport?

Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station is the nearest railway station, located approximately 15 kilometers from the airport.

Where is Shirdi Airport Located?

Shirdi Airport is located in Kakadi area, approximately 15 kilometers from Shirdi town center in Maharashtra, India.

When Was Shirdi Airport Built?

Shirdi Airport was constructed as a greenfield project and was officially inaugurated in October 2017 to serve pilgrimage needs.

Is Shirdi Airport Open 24 Hours?

Shirdi Airport operates according to its flight schedule and is not a 24-hour facility. Operating hours align with daily flight operations.

How Far is Shirdi Airport from Shirdi City Center?

Shirdi Airport is located approximately 15 kilometers from the Sai Baba Temple area, taking about 20 to 30 minutes by road.

What Airlines Operate from Shirdi Airport?

Airlines operating from Shirdi Airport include IndiGo, SpiceJet, Star Air, and other carriers, connecting Shirdi to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, and Ahmedabad.

Are There Lounges at Shirdi Airport?

Shirdi Airport has basic waiting lounges but does not feature premium airline lounges. The airport provides comfortable seating areas with essential amenities appropriate for a pilgrimage-focused airport.