A Complete Guide About Chandigarh Airport

Chandigarh International Airport is now popularly known as Shaheed Bhagat International Airport. It is located in Chandigarh, a Union Territory and capital of Punjab and Haryana. The Chandigarh International Airport is one of the primary airports in North India. 

The airport is handled by the Airport Authority of India (AAI). Further, the airports have witnessed substantial passenger growth in the last ten years. In 2004-2005 there were 69 million flyers, but in 2014-2015, there were 188 million flyers.  

Also, in 2015, a new terminal was commissioned with a built cost of Rs 9.39 Billion or $143 Million. Both domestic and international flights are handled here. It is used for other civil aviation pursuits. The project positively impacted economic development and improved overall connectivity for different reasons like tourism and trade.

Who Owns Chandigarh International Airport?

The Government of Punjab via GMADA and the Government of Haryana via HUDA each have a stake of 24.5%, and the Airports Authority of India has a 51% stake in CHIAL, the operator of the airport. 

How to Reach Chandigarh International Airport?

To reach Chandigarh International Airport, you can use different transport assistance mentioned below:

Chandigarh International Airport Shuttle Bus: 

The airport shuttle bus service was started on February 17, 2022. The connection has been decided depending on the flight timings. Further, when the flight comes, one bus is available. And when the flight is about to take off, the bus will go to the airport from the bus stand in Chandigarh one hour prior. The schedule of this Chandigarh International Airport Shuttle bus is as follows:

• 4:30 am: ISBT-17 to the Chandigarh Airport
• 5:30 am: Airport to Chandigarh
• Every bus comes at a frequency of 15-20 minutes

Bus: 

The airport is situated at a distance of 19 km from Chandigarh’s bus stand. In fact, from the airport, a special bus picks up passengers. The bus is available near the taxi stand, and the last stop is Sector -43 of Chandigarh.

Taxi:

You can hire a taxi from Chandigarh to the airport or vice-versa. 

Autorickshaws: 

These are always available, and one can book an auto available near the taxi stand in the parking area. 

Terminals at Chandigarh International Airport

There are two terminals that make the Chandigarh International Airport: Domestic and International

Domestic Terminal:

Terminal 1 is used for domestic flights. Several domestic flights run down from here. Passengers at this terminal can enjoy the available facilities as they are well-maintained by the Airport authority. 

International Terminal:

Terminal 2 is for handling International flights. This is designed in a very classic and amazing way. The new approach is better than the old airport with the new aerocity road through Mohali. Mohali is an expressway free from traffic and directly to the terminal. The terminal is improvised and has improved a lot. 

Facilities Available at Chandigarh International Airport

The Chandigarh International Airport offers numerous contemporary facilities presented by the airport for their passenger’s arrival and departure from there. 

Luggage Services

At the airport, you can see baggage trolleys and escorts under the baggage services. The scanners and security surveillance of baggage are also available to avoid misunderstandings and theft.

Shopping Spree

You can shop for anything at the Chandigarh International Airport. You will find a vast collection of jewellery, clothes, magazines, books, stationery items, etc. You can also buy duty-free shopping and get different products at affordable prices. 

Restaurants and Cafes

You will find street food, chai stalls, bakeries, and cafes where you can try different things. Further, the restaurants offer different relishing delicacies for you. 

For the Elderly and Differently Abled Citizens

There are efficient services that cater for the needs of elderly and physically disabled people to make their journey pleasant and stress-free.

Additional Facilities

There are 4 aerobridges, 48 check-in counters, lifts, parking, air-conditioned lounges, restaurants, Wi-Fi and a smart parking facility for over 500 automobiles and vehicles. 

Hotels/ Accommodations

This beautiful city has many affordable and luxurious accommodations. Some popular hotels are Sun Beam JW Marriott, Lemon Tree Hotel, The Lalit, Hotel Kailash Palace, Hotel Palmdale, Hotel Citi Heights 22, Hotel Tree In and Hotel Diamond Inn. 

Statistics of Chandigarh International Airport

The statistics of Chandigarh International Airport from 2010 to 2020 are shown below. 

The Shaheed Bhagat International Airport of Chandigarh has seen a high rise in footfalls during the year 2022-2023, as per the data shared by the airport authorities. 

In September 2022, the flight borders went up from 89,072 to 4,62,105 compared to September 2021. This is a straight 318% increment in the number of flyers. 

In October 2022, flyers rose from 151,454 in October 2021 to 3,08,542, indicating a rise of 103%. Moreover, in November 2022, the number of passengers increased by 66% from 1,82,003 in November 2021 to 3,03,265.

Top Localities Around Chandigarh International Airport

Here are the names of some of the best localities around Chandigarh International Airport.

Aerocity 

Aerocity is a popular and organised residential locality in Chandigarh. This is one of the poshest localities in Chandigarh. It is just 7.9 km away from Chandigarh International Airport. It also offers employment centres and an industrial area near Aerocity.

Zirakpur

Zirakpur is a residential area located in the eastern part of Chandigarh. It is 21 minutes or 13.9 km from the Chandigarh International Airport. The town is well-structured and has led to great growth in the real estate sector. 

Derra Bassi

Derra Bassi is in the Northern parts of Chandigarh and a very well-known residential and business area. The locality is situated along the Chandigarh-Delhi National Highway. It is just 28 minutes away from Chandigarh International Airport.

Sector – 44

Sector-44 is the prime residential area of Chandigarh. It is just 16.7 km away from Chandigarh International Airport. The sector expanded quickly in the residential market due to its amazing infrastructure and proximity to renowned IT parks. 

Sector – 20

Sector- 20 is in the heart of Chandigarh. The locality has many things to offer with designed infrastructure, access to Panchkula IT Park, industrial area, etc. This location is also linked to major highways like Zirakpur-Panchkula-Kalka Highway and National Highway-7. The airport is just half an hour away from the Chandigarh International Airport. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)