Silchar Airport

UdharbondIndia 24° N · 92° E

Silchar Airport, officially known as Silchar Kumbhigram Airport (IATA: IXS), is a pivotal gateway to Assam’s Barak Valley, blending a rich historical legacy…

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What Silchar Airport Is

Silchar Airport, officially known as Silchar Kumbhigram Airport (IATA: IXS), is a dual-use military and civilian airport serving Assam’s Barak Valley. It connects southern Assam with Indian cities including Guwahati, Kolkata and Delhi. Silchar is also known for cultural and historical sites such as the Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Memorial and Khaspur Rajbari (silchartourism.gov.in, tusktravel.com).

History and Regional Role

The airport was established in 1944 as a Royal Air Force base during World War II. Its location near the Barail range provided natural defence and supported Allied operations in Southeast Asia, especially in the Burma theatre (thereaderstime.in).

After Indian independence, the airport was handed over to the Royal Indian Air Force, now the Indian Air Force. It later developed into a dual-use facility. Today, it is jointly managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Indian Air Force.

Air India, formerly Indian Airlines, began flying to Silchar in 1955. In 1985, the Kolkata–Silchar route was the setting for India’s first flight with an all-woman crew (TopicsXpress). The airport supports regional security and disaster response, as well as trade, tourism and cultural exchange. The government’s UDAN Regional Connectivity Scheme aims to improve affordability and access for remote areas (pwc.in).

Silchar complements Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport and other airports in Assam in connecting the region and supporting tourism and economic development (specialplacesofindia.com). Navigational aids include instrument landing and night landing systems.

The airport handled more than 206,000 passengers in 2013–2014, when it was the fourth busiest airport in Northeast India. In 2018–19, it ranked 47th in India for passenger traffic and 49th for aircraft movements. It is also reported to handle about 200,000 passengers and 70 civilian flights weekly. Modernization efforts are aimed at improving passenger comfort.

What to See in and Around Silchar

Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Memorial

The memorial is near Silchar town centre at 24.8333° N, 92.7787° E. It features a statue, landscaped gardens and educational plaques about Assam’s first Chief Minister and freedom fighter.

Khaspur Rajbari

Khaspur Rajbari, or the Royal Palace of Khaspur, is in Khaspur, 19 km from Silchar. The site was the capital of the Dimasa Kingdom in the 17th–18th centuries. Its highlights include the Lion Gate, Sun Gate, palace ruins and lush surroundings.

Practical Visiting Information

Airport Hours, Flights and Tickets

Silchar Airport is typically open daily from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Confirm specific flight times with the airline or airport. Book flights through airline websites, authorised travel agents or travel portals. Advance booking is recommended during festivals and the monsoon (TravelTriangle).

General airport information lists regular commercial connections to Guwahati, Kolkata, Delhi and Bangalore. As of June 2025, the listed airlines and services are:

  • IndiGo The main operator, with flights to Kolkata, Guwahati and Imphal. It recently introduced a new morning service to Guwahati (Outlook Traveller).
  • SpiceJet Flights to Kolkata and Guwahati (FlyAirports).
  • Air India Operations were suspended as of June 2025, after nearly 70 years of service (Outlook Traveller, Barak Outlet).

Kolkata (CCU) is the primary route and is served by IndiGo and SpiceJet. Guwahati (GAU) has expanded morning flights. Imphal (IMF) connects Silchar with Manipur and the wider Northeast (TravelTriangle). Delhi (DEL) has occasional direct or connecting flights, mainly during peak seasons. There are no direct international flights, but one-stop connections are available via Kolkata, Guwahati and Delhi (HectIndia).

Airport Facilities and Accessibility

The terminal has four check-in counters, one boarding gate and capacity for 300 passengers. Facilities include paid washrooms, a restaurant serving local and varied cuisines, a handicraft shop, ATMs, a chocolate shop and free Wi-Fi. Indian Oil supplies aviation fuel (thereaderstime.in).

Passenger facilities also include waiting areas, snack stalls and parking for private vehicles. There are no lounges yet, though improvements are planned. Ramps and assistance services are available; travellers who need special assistance should contact the airport or notify their airline beforehand.

Getting to and from the Airport

The airport is 26–29 km from Silchar city. Taxis and private cars take about 40–60 minutes to reach the city centre; the fare is approximately INR 200 per person. Taxis and private cars are the most reliable options (HectIndia). Auto-rickshaws and buses are available but are less convenient with luggage.

The Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) provides long-distance connections to Guwahati, Shillong and Imphal (TopicsXpress). Silchar Railway Station offers regional connections, though service disruptions are common during the monsoon (Barak Outlet).

Visiting Khaspur Rajbari

The site is open daily, with visiting times given as 8:00/9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entry is generally free; guided tours may have charges. Taxis and local buses from Silchar take about 40 minutes. Facilities are basic, so visitors are advised to bring water and snacks.

October to March is considered the best time to visit for pleasant weather. Monsoon conditions can make access difficult. Comfortable shoes and sun protection are recommended, and a local guide can provide additional historical context.

Travel Tips and Future Developments

Book flights early, particularly during festivals and the monsoon. Carry light luggage if using local transport.

The Assam government plans to expand connections to cities such as Jorhat and Dibrugarh (Barak Outlet). Construction of a new greenfield airport is expected to begin in late 2025. The planned airport is intended to handle larger aircraft and more passengers. An expressway project to Guwahati is also underway, with reduced travel times anticipated (Outlook Traveller). The UDAN scheme is an ongoing effort to improve regional air connectivity and affordability.

Nearby Places

Silchar Airport provides access to the Barak Valley’s tea gardens, Barail Wildlife Sanctuary and heritage sites. Local markets offer traditional crafts and regional cuisine.

Other historical and religious sites include:

  • Bhuban Mahadev Temple An ancient Shiva temple, 29 km from Silchar.
  • Maniharan Tunnel A historic and scenic site 3 km from Silchar.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Silchar Airport’s operating hours?
The airport is typically open daily from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

How do I get from the airport to Silchar city?
Taxis and private cars are the most reliable options; shared autos and buses are limited.

Does the airport have facilities for differently-abled travellers?
Yes. Ramps and assistance services are available.

Is there an entry fee for historical monuments in Silchar?
Entry is generally free, but check with local tourism offices for updates.

When is the best time to visit Silchar and its monuments?
October to March, when the weather is pleasant.