Maharashtra boasts a diverse range of airports that serve its bustling cities and remote regions. From international hubs to small airstrips, the state’s aviation network plays a key role in connecting people and boosting the economy.
Maharashtra has 28 airports and airstrips spread across its territory. This number includes major international airports, domestic terminals, and smaller airfields. The mix of facilities caters to various travel needs, from global business trips to local commutes.
The state’s airport system keeps growing to meet rising demand. New projects aim to improve air links to more towns and cities. This expansion helps tourism and trade, making it easier for people to visit and do business in Maharashtra.
Overview of Airports in Maharashtra
Maharashtra has a diverse network of airports. The state is home to several types of airports, including domestic, international, general aviation, and military facilities.
There are three international airports in Maharashtra:
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai • Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur • Pune International Airport
These airports handle both domestic and international flights, connecting Maharashtra to cities across India and the world.
Several major cities in Maharashtra have domestic airports. These include:
• Aurangabad Airport • Nashik Airport • Kolhapur Airport • Solapur Airport
The Maharashtra Airport Development Company Limited (MADC) manages many of these airports. MADC works to improve airport infrastructure and boost regional air connectivity.
Some airports in Maharashtra serve multiple purposes. For example, Nashik Airport functions as both a domestic airport and an Indian Air Force base.
Maharashtra also has smaller airfields for general aviation. These cater to private planes and flying schools. The state government plans to develop some of these, like Baramati Airport in Pune, into hubs for private jets.
Major International Airports
Maharashtra has three key international airports. These serve as major gateways for both domestic and international travel, connecting the state to global destinations.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM)
Located in Mumbai, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is the busiest airport in Maharashtra. It handles millions of passengers annually. The airport has two main terminals: Terminal 1 for domestic flights and Terminal 2 for international flights.
BOM offers flights to numerous international destinations across Asia, Europe, and North America. It serves as a hub for several Indian airlines, including Air India and Vistara.
The airport features modern amenities, duty-free shops, and lounges. It has won awards for its efficient operations and passenger services.
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport (NAG)
Situated in Nagpur, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport is the second-largest airport in Maharashtra. It plays a crucial role in connecting central India to other parts of the country and the world.
NAG has a single integrated terminal for both domestic and international flights. The airport serves several domestic destinations and offers flights to select international locations.
Its strategic location makes it an important cargo hub. The airport has a dedicated cargo complex to handle freight operations.
Pune Airport (PNQ)
Pune Airport serves the city of Pune and nearby areas. It operates as a civil enclave, sharing its runway with the Indian Air Force.
PNQ handles both domestic and international flights. It connects Pune to major Indian cities and select international destinations, primarily in the Middle East.
The airport has a single terminal building for all operations. Despite its smaller size compared to Mumbai, Pune Airport sees significant passenger traffic due to the city’s importance as an IT and educational hub.
Plans for expansion and modernization are underway to increase the airport’s capacity and improve passenger facilities.
Key Domestic Airports
Maharashtra has several important domestic airports. These airports connect cities within the state and to other parts of India. They serve both business and leisure travelers.
Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Airport (NDC)
Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Airport is in Nanded. It has a single runway that’s 2,286 meters long. The airport handles domestic flights to major Indian cities.
The terminal building can hold up to 150 passengers. It has basic amenities like cafes and shops. The airport is named after Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru.
Nanded Airport’s IATA code is NDC. It mainly serves pilgrims visiting the Hazur Sahib Nanded, an important Sikh shrine.
Aurangabad Airport (IXU)
Aurangabad Airport is a key gateway to the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. Its IATA code is IXU. The airport has a 2,835-meter runway suitable for most aircraft types.
The terminal can handle up to 700 passengers at peak times. It offers modern facilities including lounges and duty-free shops.
Aurangabad Airport connects to major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad. It plays a vital role in boosting tourism to the region’s historical sites.
Shirdi Airport (SAG)
Shirdi Airport opened in 2017 to serve pilgrims visiting Sai Baba’s shrine. Its IATA code is SAG. The airport has a 2,500-meter runway capable of handling narrow-body aircraft.
The terminal building can process up to 300 passengers per hour. It features amenities such as restaurants and prayer rooms.
Shirdi Airport offers flights to several Indian cities. It has greatly improved access to this popular religious site, reducing travel time for devotees.
Upcoming Airports
Maharashtra is set to expand its aviation infrastructure with several new airports. These projects aim to improve connectivity and boost economic growth in different regions of the state.
Navi Mumbai International Airport
The Navi Mumbai International Airport is a major project under construction in Panvel. It’s designed to handle 90 million passengers annually.
The airport is expected to be completed by March 2025. This new facility will help reduce the load on the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai.
It will feature state-of-the-art technology and modern amenities. The airport’s location in Navi Mumbai will improve access for travellers from the satellite city and surrounding areas.
Sindhudurg Airport
Sindhudurg Airport, also known as Chipi Airport, is located in the Konkan region. It began operations in 2021 but is still expanding its services.
The airport aims to boost tourism in the scenic Konkan belt. It offers a runway capable of handling narrow-body aircraft.
Future plans include extending the runway to accommodate larger planes. This expansion will allow for increased domestic and potentially international flights.
Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj Airport, Ratnagiri
The Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj Airport in Ratnagiri is undergoing upgrades to improve its facilities. The existing airstrip is being expanded to handle larger aircraft.
This development will enhance connectivity to the Konkan region. It’s expected to boost local tourism and business opportunities.
The upgraded airport will feature modern passenger amenities. These improvements aim to make air travel more accessible for residents and visitors to Ratnagiri.
Regional and Smaller Airports
Maharashtra has several regional and smaller airports that serve local communities and boost connectivity. These airports play a key role in enhancing air travel options across the state.
Kolhapur Airport (KLH)
Kolhapur Airport is located in southwestern Maharashtra. It has a single runway that’s 1,370 meters long. The airport handles both scheduled and non-scheduled flights.
Kolhapur Airport connects to major cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru. It’s operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The terminal building can handle up to 300 passengers at peak hours.
The airport has seen growth in recent years. It now offers more flights and improved facilities. This has made air travel more accessible for people in and around Kolhapur.
Jalgaon Airport
Jalgaon Airport serves the city of Jalgaon in northern Maharashtra. It has a 1,829-meter runway that can handle small aircraft. The airport is managed by the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC).
Jalgaon Airport offers flights to Mumbai. This link helps local businesses and boosts tourism. The airport has basic facilities like a passenger terminal and car parking.
Plans are underway to expand Jalgaon Airport. This includes extending the runway and upgrading the terminal. These improvements aim to increase flight options and passenger comfort.
Gondia Airport
Gondia Airport is situated in eastern Maharashtra. It has a 1,829-meter runway suitable for small planes. The airport mainly serves as a flying training institute.
The National Flying Training Institute (NFTI) operates from Gondia Airport. It trains pilots for both civilian and military aviation. The airport has facilities for aircraft maintenance and flight simulation.
Gondia Airport doesn’t currently offer commercial flights. However, there are plans to start scheduled services in the future. This would improve air connectivity for the Gondia region.
Aviation Infrastructure
Maharashtra has a diverse aviation landscape with facilities for various purposes. The state’s air connectivity and training centres support both commercial and military aviation needs.
Konkan and Coastal Air Connectivity
The Konkan region of Maharashtra is getting better air links. New airports are being built to connect coastal areas. This will help tourism and business in the region.
Airports in Maharashtra are growing in number. Small airstrips are being upgraded to handle more flights. This makes it easier for people to travel to and from coastal towns.
The state government is working on plans to improve air travel along the coast. These efforts aim to boost the local economy and create jobs.
Flying Schools and Training Centres
Maharashtra has several flying schools for pilot training. These schools help meet the growing need for skilled pilots in India’s aviation sector.
Students can learn to fly different types of aircraft. The training centres have modern equipment and experienced instructors.
Some flying schools are located at smaller airports across the state. This gives students hands-on experience in real airport settings.
Integrated Aerospace & Aviation Hub
Maharashtra is developing an integrated hub for aerospace and aviation. This project aims to bring together various aviation-related activities in one place.
The hub will include facilities for aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul. It will also have space for aviation research and development.
Navi Mumbai International Airport is a key part of this plan. The new airport will help reduce the load on Mumbai’s existing airport and support the growth of the aviation sector.
The hub is expected to create many jobs and attract investment to the state. It will strengthen Maharashtra’s position as a leader in India’s aviation industry.
Significance of Airports in Regional Development
Airports play a key role in boosting regional growth. They connect cities and towns to the wider world, opening up new opportunities.
Economic growth often follows airport development. New jobs are created both at the airport and in related industries. Businesses are more likely to invest in areas with good air links.
Accessibility improves greatly with airports. People can travel faster and more easily. This is especially important for remote or rural areas.
Tourism gets a big boost from airports. More visitors can come to the region, bringing money into local economies. Hotels, restaurants, and attractions all benefit.
Trade becomes easier with air transport. Goods can be shipped quickly around the country and the world. This helps local businesses reach new markets.
Here are some key benefits of airports for regional development:
- Job creation
- Increased business investment
- Better connectivity
- More tourism
- Faster goods transport
Airports act as gateways, linking regions to global networks. They can transform local economies and improve the quality of life for residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Maharashtra has a diverse network of airports serving its cities and regions. These airports play a crucial role in connecting the state to other parts of India and the world.
What is the total count of airports located in Maharashtra?
Maharashtra has 28 airports and airstrips. This number includes international, domestic, and smaller airfields spread across the state.
Can you list the international airports found in Maharashtra?
Maharashtra has 3 international airports. These are Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur, and Pune International Airport.
How many domestic airports are there in Maharashtra?
The exact number of domestic airports in Maharashtra is not specified in the search results. However, the state has several domestic airports serving various cities and regions.
What are the names of the airports in Maharashtra?
Some notable airports in Maharashtra include Nashik Airport, located in Ozar, and the international airports in Mumbai, Nagpur, and Pune. A complete list of all 28 airports is not provided in the search results.
Why does Mumbai have multiple airports?
Mumbai has multiple airports due to its large population and high air traffic demand. The main airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. A new airport, Navi Mumbai International Airport, is being built to handle increasing passenger volume.
Which airport in Maharashtra has the most significant passenger volume?
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai likely has the highest passenger volume in Maharashtra. It is one of the busiest airports in India, serving the largest city in the state.
