Siliguri Airport

Bagdogra Airport (IXB)

Located approximately 16 kilometers from the city of Siliguri in West Bengal, the Bagdogra Airport is operated as a civil enclave at the AFS Bagdogra of the Indian Air Force. This airport connects several hill stations like Mirik, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong, and the state of Sikkim.

The central government conferred this airport the status of customs airport in 2002 with limited international operations. Air traffic at the Bagdogra Airport crossed 1 million in 2014-15 at a growth rate of 43.6%. This airport is also among the few airports in the country with zero sales tax on ATF (aviation turbine fuel), which is the primary reason for its rapid growth.

Flight Information

Several airlines like Air India, Jet Airways, Go Air, and Spice Jet have scheduled flights from the Bagdogra Airport. Small and large cities, such as Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, Guwahati, Chennai, and Mumbai are connected through this airport.

International flights to Bhutan and Bangkok are also available from the Bagdogra Airport through scheduled flights from Druk Air.

The Siliguri Airport also provides regular helicopter services to Gangtok, which is the capital city of Sikkim.

Terminals

The domestic terminal at the Bagdogra Airport has an under-construction capacity of 350 and 400 for arrivals and departures, respectively. There are 2 boarding gates with 5 baggage X-ray facilities.

The international terminal at the airport is equipped with modern amenities for the comfort and convenience of travelers.

Traveling Around

General prepaid taxi services are available at the Bagdogra Airport. Cycle rickshaws, buses, and auto rickshaws can be used for getting around within the city. Travelers can also choose share autos to travel distances that are within a 5 to 10 kilometers radius.

Passengers can opt to travel to the bus stand by using the taxi services available at the airport. The bus stop connects Siliguri with other major and minor cities through well-connected roads.

Services and Facilities

Luggage trolleys are widely available at the airport and travelers can use them for free. Assistance for the aged, physically challenged, and infirm is also available for free. The airport also offers other facilities, such as medical room, childcare room, and wheelchairs for passengers who require these services.

Things to Do

There are numerous food counters available at the Bagdogra Airport and weary travelers can grab a bite while they wait for their flights. Tea Coffee Bar, Snack Bar, and Juice Counter are some options that provide affordable and quality food and beverages for passengers.

Travelers never tire of shopping and the duty-free shops at the airport offer another option for travelers who need to bide their time. Many of these stores offer high-quality goods without any taxes.

Hotels

Travelers looking for cheap and affordable accommodation can choose from hotels like Hotel Abir, Hotel Amaravati and Shivanand Lodge that are within 10 kilometers of the Bagdogra Airport.

High-end and luxury accommodations include Barsana Hotel and Resort, The Orbit Bagdogra, Sinclairs Hotel, The Cinderella, and Hotel Heritage. Other stay options include Sevoke Residency, Hotel Baidyanath, Hotel Embassy, and Paro Residency, among others.

Tips for Fliers

Siliguri is often described as the gateway to Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. This city has numerous uplands or fault lines and is prone to frequent earthquakes, but there have been no major quakes since 1988.

Nearby Attractions

Some of the tourist attractions in Siliguri include the Salugara Monastery, Iskon Temple, Coronation Bridge, and the Sevoke Kali Mandir. Tourists can also visit Gangtok and Darjeeling, which are famous hill stations in the region. Shopping on Sevoke Road and Hillcart Road for traditional items is recommended. The Bagdogra Airport Market is another popular shopping destination for travelers.