Varanasi airport code is VNS, and its ICAO code is VEBN. Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport serves Varanasi and is a key aviation gateway to eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Varanasi Airport Overview
Planning a business aviation flight at Varanasi (VNS/VEBN)? Review more India airport guides, explore flight support services in India, or send ATTS your VNS permits, parking, handling, aviation fuel and crew support requirements.
Airport identity
- Official name: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport
- IATA code: VNS
- ICAO code: VEBN
- Location: Babatpur, Uttar Pradesh
- Operator: Airports Authority of India
Terminal arrangement and expansion
Varanasi currently uses one integrated passenger terminal for domestic and international operations. Older references to separate active Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 facilities are inaccurate.
A major new-terminal project was formally launched in October 2024. Its construction status and completion programme should be checked through current official notices rather than presented as a completed facility.
Business Aviation Planning at VNS
Parking, permits, airport acceptance, handling, aviation fuel and customs or immigration arrangements should be confirmed for the exact aircraft and schedule. Traffic can increase substantially during religious events and peak tourism periods.
Operational considerations
- Confirm parking and handling before departure.
- Review current NOTAMs, weather and airport restrictions.
- Allow additional contingency during winter fog.
- Verify customs and immigration arrangements for international operations.
- Plan crew and passenger transfers for the actual destination in Varanasi.
Permissions and pilgrimage-period planning
Varanasi experiences periods of concentrated passenger demand linked to festivals, religious travel and the wider tourism season. Business aviation operators should provide aircraft, routing, schedule, passenger and crew details early for permissions and airport coordination. Parking, operating acceptance and any applicable slot conditions should be checked again close to departure.
Turnaround and aviation fuel
State the planned ground time and requirements for aviation fuel, ground support equipment, catering, baggage and passenger assistance in the initial handling request. Advance sequencing is useful for short stops and for flights operating alongside busy scheduled traffic. Crews should also review current NOTAMs and airport restrictions.
Winter visibility and local transfers
Reduced visibility can affect northern India during winter, while monsoon weather may influence ramp activity and road travel. Allow operational contingency and keep the handler updated about schedule changes. Transfers between the airport, Varanasi hotels and destinations around the city should be arranged early, particularly during festivals and peak visitor periods.
Ground handling and aviation fuel
ATTS can coordinate permits, ground handling, aviation fuel, supervision, transport and crew or passenger support at Varanasi, subject to airport, authority and supplier confirmation.
Related ATTS services: airport ground handling in India and aviation fuelling services in India.
More India airport guides: Lucknow (LKO) and Patna (PAT).
Official airport information: For current terminal, passenger, flight and airport notices, check the Airports Authority of India Varanasi airport page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the airport code for Varanasi?
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport uses IATA code VNS and ICAO code VEBN.
How many terminals does Varanasi Airport have?
Current passenger operations use one integrated terminal for domestic and international services.
Is the proposed new terminal open?
No completed opening should be assumed. The project was formally launched in October 2024, and its current construction programme should be checked through official airport information.
Can ATTS coordinate support at VNS?
ATTS can coordinate permits, handling, aviation fuel, supervision and crew or passenger support, subject to confirmation for the requested movement.
