Andaman Airport: Complete Guide for First-Time Travellers

For most people, their vacation starts once they check in to their stay or have their first bite of local food, but if you’re travelling to the Andaman, your holiday starts as soon as you set foot off your aeroplane. You breathe in the coastal air and catch your first glimpse of the blue Indian Ocean as you land. It's a landing that feels different from anywhere else in India. ​

 For someone who’s going for the first time, though, it can be a bit confusing. How do you get from here to your resort? And where should you stay if you land late at night? That’s why this guide walks you through everything you need to know before you plan your Andaman escape, from the airport's official name to your onward journey to Havelock.

What Is the Official Name of Andaman Airport?

The Andaman airport name that appears on your ticket and boarding pass is Veer Savarkar International Airport. It was renamed in 2002 in honour of the freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, though most locals and older travel guides still refer to it simply as Port Blair Airport. Both names point to the same place, so don't let the two labels confuse you while booking flights or arranging pickups.

Tribe Travel Tip: Search for flights using both "Port Blair" and "Veer Savarkar" as the destination name. Some airline apps default to one or the other, and mixing them up can slow down your booking.

What Is the Andaman Airport Code?

The Andaman airport code, or IATA code, is IXZ. It's worth remembering when you're comparing fares across reservation sites.

Where Is the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Airport Located?

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands airport sits about 2 km south of Port Blair, the capital of the union territory. Because Port Blair is the only city with commercial air access on the islands, this single airport handles every visitor arriving by air, whether they're headed to Havelock, Neil Island, or staying in Port Blair itself. There's no railway network in the Andamans, so once you land, road transport is your main option to reach the city or the ferry jetties.

Which Cities Connect Directly to Andaman Airport?

Direct flights to Andaman Airport run from several major Indian cities, with the highest frequency from Chennai and Kolkata. Here's a quick look at where you can fly from.

Chennai and Kolkata offer the most daily departures, which makes them convenient if your onward mainland travel plans are flexible. If you're coming from Delhi or Mumbai, checking for a one-stop connection through Chennai often works out cheaper than hunting for a rare direct service.

What’s the Nearest Airport to Andaman?

If you're wondering about the nearest airport to Andaman, the answer is clear: Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair is the only functioning airport serving the islands, so it is by default the nearest and only entry point by air. There is no alternate airport on Havelock, Neil, or any other inhabited island in the archipelago.

This is different from destinations where multiple regional airports serve different zones. In the Andamans, every visitor, regardless of which island they're finally headed to, lands at IXZ first and then continues by ferry or road. Keep this in mind while planning your holiday dates, since your entire onward schedule depends on this one flight landing on time.

What Documents Do You Need at Andaman Airport?

Indian citizens no longer need a Restricted Area Permit to visit most parts of the Andaman Islands, including Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Island. A valid government photo ID, such as an Aadhaar card or passport, is usually enough for domestic travel formalities.

Foreign nationals still require a Restricted Area Permit, which is generally issued on arrival at the airport or at immigration counters in Port Blair. If your vacation plans include entry through international connections, only holiday visa formalities apply here, since this is purely a domestic Indian destination for Indian passport holders.

Where Can You Stay Near Andaman Airport?

If you're arriving late at night or have an early onward ferry, hotels near Andaman airport can save you a stressful journey. Several properties sit within 1 to 2 km of the terminal, rendering them ideal for a single overnight stay before you head to Havelock or Neil.

Most properties in this range offer complimentary airport transfers, which is worth confirming while booking, especially if you're landing after sunset. Staying close to the airport on your first night also means you won't lose daylight hours travelling across Port Blair when you could be heading straight to the ferry jetty the next morning.

Tribe Travel Tip: If your ferry to Havelock departs early in the morning, book a hotel within 2 km of the airport rather than one closer to Aberdeen Bazaar. It cuts 15 to 20 minutes off your transfer time to Haddo Jetty.

How Do You Reach Havelock From Andaman Airport?

Getting from Andaman airport to Havelock involves two legs: a short road transfer from the airport to the jetty, followed by a ferry crossing to the island. Most private ferry operators, including Makruzz and Nautika, depart from Haddo Jetty, which is roughly 15 to 20 minutes from the airport by taxi or auto-rickshaw depending on traffic. Government ferries typically leave from Phoenix Bay Jetty instead.

The ferry ride usually takes around 1.5 hours if you choose a fast catamaran. Slower, traditional ferries can take up to 2.5 hours.

Since ferries can occasionally get delayed due to sea conditions, it's worth building in a buffer day between your Havelock return and any onward mainland flight, particularly if you have an international connection booked for the same evening.

What Facilities Does Andaman Airport Offer?

Andaman Airport’s terminal is small but has everything you need for a smooth arrival or departure. There are ATMs, currency exchange counters, baggage services, a few cafes, and car rental desks. Help is available for passengers with special needs or limited mobility.

Wi-Fi inside the terminal is limited, so try to download offline maps or confirm your hotel and ferry bookings before you arrive. If you are picking up your own vehicle instead of using a hotel transfer, paid parking is available outside the terminal.

Conclusion

The Andaman Airport is the doorway to one of India’s most beautiful islands, and getting familiar with its layout, connectivity and transfer options can start and end your vacation off smoothly.

​If you’d prefer to skip the hassle of planning, advisors at Holiday Tribe can help with customised Andaman travel packages that cover everything from itineraries and stays to transfers and optional flight add-ons. Get in touch to book your vacation today!