Silchar Airport Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide
Date: 14/06/2025
Introduction to Silchar Airport and Its Regional Significance
Silchar Airport, officially known as Silchar Kumbhigram Airport (IATA: IXS), is a pivotal gateway to Assam’s Barak Valley. Originally established in 1944 as a Royal Air Force base during World War II, the airport now serves both military and civilian aviation, connecting southern Assam to key Indian cities like Guwahati, Kolkata, and Delhi. Its transformation from a strategic military outpost to a modern dual-use facility has spurred economic growth, tourism, and cultural exchange in the region (thereaderstime.in).
Beyond its aviation role, Silchar is renowned for its rich culture and historic sites, such as the Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Memorial and the ancient ruins of Khaspur Rajbari. These monuments offer an immersive look into Assam’s storied past, making Silchar a multifaceted destination for both travelers and history enthusiasts (silchartourism.gov.in, tusktravel.com).
This guide offers comprehensive, up-to-date information on Silchar Airport operations, airlines, flight connectivity, passenger facilities, and practical travel tips. It also explores prominent historical and cultural attractions in and around Silchar, including details on visiting hours, ticketing, and accessibility, ensuring a memorable and hassle-free experience for all visitors (specialplacesofindia.com, FlyAirports).
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Historical Background and Significance
- Airport Visitor Information
- Evolution and Connectivity
- Infrastructure and Operational Milestones
- Role in Assam’s Aviation Network
- Airlines and Destinations
- Airport Facilities and Accessibility
- Ground Transportation
- Travel Tips and Passenger Volume
- Future Developments
- Exploring Silchar’s Historical Monuments
- Visiting Hours and Ticket Information for Monuments
- Guided Tours and Visitor Facilities
- Best Time to Visit Monuments
- Accessibility and Transportation for Monuments
- Exploring Khaspur Historical Site
- Related Historical Sites in Silchar
- Internal and External Links
- Conclusion and Call to Action
- Sources
Historical Background and Significance
Origins and Early Development
Silchar Airport’s roots trace back to the British colonial era when it was constructed in 1944 as a Royal Air Force station during WWII. Its strategic location near the Barail range provided natural defense and facilitated Allied operations in Southeast Asia, especially in the Burma theater (thereaderstime.in).
Post-1947 Transition
After Indian independence, the airport was handed over to the Royal Indian Air Force (now Indian Air Force) and functioned as a key defense outpost. Gradually, it evolved into a dual-use facility, accommodating both military and civilian flights (thereaderstime.in).
Airport Visitor Information
Visiting Hours and Ticketing
- Operating Hours: Daily, typically 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Confirm specific flight timings with airlines or the airport.
- Ticketing: Book flights via airline websites, authorized travel agents, or travel portals. Advance booking is recommended during festivals and monsoon (TravelTriangle).
Facilities and Amenities
- Terminal: Four check-in counters, one boarding gate, capacity for 300 passengers.
- Amenities: Paid washrooms, restaurant serving local and varied cuisines, handicraft shop, ATMs, chocolate shop, and free Wi-Fi. Aviation fuel is supplied by Indian Oil (thereaderstime.in).
Accessibility and Parking
- Distance: 26–29 km from Silchar city.
- Transport: Cabs and private vehicles take 40–60 minutes (approx. INR 200 per person). Parking available for private vehicles.
- Accessibility: Ramps and assistance services are provided; travelers with special needs should contact the airport in advance.
Nearby Attractions
The airport is the entry point to the Barak Valley’s tea gardens, Barail Wildlife Sanctuary, and Silchar’s heritage sites. Local markets offer traditional crafts and regional cuisine, enriching the traveler’s experience.
Evolution and Connectivity
Civil Enclave and Regional Linkages
Silchar Airport is jointly managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Indian Air Force. Regular commercial flights link Silchar with Guwahati, Kolkata, Delhi, and Bangalore. In 2013–2014, it handled 206,000+ passengers and was the fourth busiest airport in Northeast India (specialplacesofindia.com). Navigational aids such as instrument landing and night landing systems ensure operational safety.
Strategic and Socio-Economic Impact
The airport’s dual role enhances regional security and disaster response, while also driving trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. Under the government’s UDAN Regional Connectivity Scheme, flight affordability and access for remote areas have significantly improved (pwc.in).
Infrastructure and Operational Milestones
Silchar Airport ranked 47th in India for passenger traffic and 49th for aircraft movements in 2018–19. Ongoing modernization efforts are aimed at further improving traveler comfort (thereaderstime.in).
Role in Assam’s Aviation Network
As an important regional hub, Silchar Airport complements Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport and other Assam airports, collectively overcoming geographic barriers and fostering regional tourism and economic development (specialplacesofindia.com).
Airlines and Destinations
Current Airlines and Flight Schedule
- IndiGo: Main operator, offering flights to Kolkata, Guwahati, and Imphal. Recently introduced a new morning service to Guwahati (Outlook Traveller).
- SpiceJet: Flies to Kolkata and Guwahati (FlyAirports).
- Air India: Suspended operations as of June 2025, after nearly 70 years of service (Outlook Traveller, Barak Outlet).
Historical Context
Air India (formerly Indian Airlines) began Silchar flights in 1955, with milestones such as India’s first all-woman crew flight on the Kolkata-Silchar route in 1985 (TopicsXpress).
Destinations Served
- Kolkata (CCU): The primary route, currently served by IndiGo and SpiceJet.
- Guwahati (GAU): Capital of Assam, with expanded morning flights.
- Imphal (IMF): Connecting to Manipur and Northeast India (TravelTriangle).
- Delhi (DEL): Occasional direct or connecting flights, mainly during peak seasons.
Expansion and Future Plans
- New Destinations: The Assam government plans further connections to cities like Jorhat and Dibrugarh (Barak Outlet).
- Greenfield Airport Project: Construction of a new airport is expected to begin in late 2025.
- International Connectivity: No direct international flights, but easy one-stop connections via Kolkata, Guwahati, and Delhi (HectIndia).
Airport Facilities and Accessibility
- Passenger Facilities: Basic amenities include clean waiting areas, snack stalls, and parking. No lounges yet, but improvements are planned.
- Assistance: Ramps and special assistance available; notify airlines beforehand if required.
Ground Transportation
- Taxis and Private Cars: Most reliable, taking 40–60 minutes to city center (HectIndia).
- Auto-Rickshaws and Buses: Available, but less convenient with luggage.
- Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT): Provides long-distance connections to Guwahati, Shillong, and Imphal (TopicsXpress).
- Rail: Silchar Railway Station offers regional connectivity, but service disruptions are common during the monsoon (Barak Outlet).
- Road: An expressway project to Guwahati is underway, promising reduced travel times (Outlook Traveller).
Travel Tips and Passenger Volume
- Annual Passengers: About 200,000, with 70 civilian flights weekly (TopicsXpress).
- Travel Tips: Book flights early, especially during monsoon and festivals. Carry light luggage if using local transport.
Future Developments
- Greenfield Airport: Planned to handle larger aircraft and more passengers (Barak Outlet).
- UDAN Scheme: Ongoing government effort to boost regional air connectivity and affordability.
Exploring Silchar’s Historical Monuments
Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Memorial
- Location: Near Silchar town center
- Coordinates: 24.8333° N, 92.7787° E
- Description: Features a statue, landscaped gardens, and educational plaques about Assam’s first Chief Minister and freedom fighter.
Khaspur Rajbari (Royal Palace of Khaspur)
- Location: Khaspur, 19 km from Silchar
- Highlights: Lion Gate, Sun Gate, palace ruins, lush surroundings. Capital of the Dimasa Kingdom in the 17th–18th centuries.
Visiting Hours and Entry
- Timing: 8:00/9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
- Entry Fees: Generally free; guided tours may have charges.
Access and Transportation
- Getting There: Taxis or local buses from Silchar (approx. 40 minutes).
- Facilities: Basic amenities; bring water and snacks.
Best Time to Visit
- October to March for pleasant weather; avoid monsoon due to accessibility issues.
Practical Tips
- Comfortable shoes and sun protection recommended.
- Hire a local guide for richer historical context.
Related Historical Sites
- Bhuban Mahadev Temple: Ancient Shiva temple, 29 km from Silchar.
- Maniharan Tunnel: Historic and scenic site 3 km from Silchar.
Internal and External Links
- Assam Tourism Official Website
- Silchar Tourism Official Site
- Best Places to Visit in Silchar
- FlyAirports Silchar Guide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are Silchar Airport’s operating hours?
A: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.
Q: How do I get from the airport to Silchar city?
A: Taxis and private cars are most reliable; shared autos and buses are limited.
Q: Does the airport have facilities for differently-abled travelers?
A: Yes, ramps and assistance services are available.
Q: Is there an entry fee for historical monuments in Silchar?
A: Entry is generally free, but check with local tourism offices for updates.
Q: When is the best time to visit Silchar and its monuments?
A: October to March, when the weather is pleasant.
Visuals and Interactive Elements
High-quality images of Silchar Airport, maps of Assam’s airports, and virtual tours of key monuments are recommended for an enhanced visitor experience.
Summary for Travelers
Silchar Airport is a vital regional hub merging military heritage with modern air travel, supporting connectivity across Assam and the Northeast. With IndiGo and SpiceJet operating major routes, and infrastructure upgrades underway, the airport remains key to accessing the culturally rich Barak Valley. Historical sites like the Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Memorial and Khaspur Rajbari further enrich any visit, offering insights into Assam’s diverse heritage. Early flight bookings, local transport planning, and exploration of Silchar’s monuments are advised for a rewarding experience (Outlook Traveller, Barak Outlet, silchartourism.gov.in, tusktravel.com, thereaderstime.in, specialplacesofindia.com).
Call to Action
Plan your trip to Silchar today! Download the Audiala app for real-time travel updates, guided tour bookings, and exclusive tips. Follow us on social media for the latest stories and event news on Assam’s heritage and travel.
Sources
- Silchar Kumbhigram Airport Visitor Information, 2023, The Reader’s Time (thereaderstime.in)
- Airports in Assam Overview, 2023, Special Places of India (specialplacesofindia.com)
- Transforming Last Mile Connectivity in India through Aviation, 2021, PwC India (pwc.in)
- Silchar Airport Flights and Airlines Update 2025, 2025, FlyAirports (FlyAirports)
- Air India Ends Silchar-Kolkata Service, 2025, Outlook Traveller (Outlook Traveller)
- Flight Connectivity to Silchar Amid Air India Suspension, 2025, Barak Outlet (Barak Outlet)
- Silchar Historical Monuments and Tourism, 2023, Silchar Tourism Official Site (silchartourism.gov.in)
- Best Places to Visit in Silchar, 2023, Tusk Travel (tusktravel.com)
- Silchar Airport Guide and Connectivity, 2024, TopicsXpress (TopicsXpress)
- Silchar Airport Information, 2024, HectIndia (HectIndia)
