All About Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Chandigarh (IXC): Complete Guide

The story of Chandigarh Airport starts with its early days as a civil enclave within the Indian Air Force base but after few years in the 1970s, Indian Airlines began operating flights to Delhi, laying the foundation for commercial aviation in the region. Over the decades, the airport evolved significantly, growing from a small civil enclave into a modern aviation hub capable of handling domestic and international traffic.

The real transformation came with the construction of a new terminal which opened in 2015. This project was the result of a collaborative effort between the Airports Authority of India (AAI) which holds a 51% stake and the state governments of Punjab and Haryana, each holding 24.5% through Chandigarh International Airport Limited (CHIAL). The investment in this terminal reflected a strong commitment to improving passenger experience, operational efficiency and connectivity.

Over the years this airport has also been recognised for its cleanliness and hygiene standards. In 2021, it received the “Best Airport by Hygiene Measures” award in the Asia-Pacific region from Airports Council International, demonstrating its dedication to passenger safety and comfort. But today, Chandigarh Airport stands as a modern hub, ready to welcome travellers from across India and around the world.

The terminals at Chandigarh Airport is designed to make travel become more comfortable and stress-free experience. Covering over 53,000 square meters. It can handle around 1,600 passengers at a time. The terminal features five aerobridges and eight remote stands, ensuring smooth boarding and deboarding for multiple flights. Arrivals are on the ground floor and departures are on the first floor, allowing for efficient passenger flow.

Inside the terminal, travellers will find everything they need for a pleasant journey. Baggage services are efficient and considerate with complimentary assistance for all passengers and special support for senior citizens and differently-abled travellers. Wi-Fi, ATMs and currency exchange facilities ensure that passengers stay connected and prepared.

For those looking to shop or dine, the airport has a range of options. From cafes and restaurants offering a variety of meals to retail stores selling essentials, souvenirs and reading materials, there is something for everyone. The duty-free shop provides international travellers with the chance to buy products at reasonable prices. Every feature of the terminal has been thoughtfully designed to make your time at Chandigarh Airport convenient and enjoyable.

The airport operates a single, state-of-the-art runway, numbered 11/29 which measures 12,400 feet in length and has an effective take-off length of 10,400 feet. Recent upgrades, including approach lighting and navigational aids like CAT-I and CAT-II Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), allow aircraft to land safely even during foggy conditions common in northern India during winter.

These improvements have made Chandigarh Airport capable of supporting wide-bodied aircraft and round-the-clock operations. The airport also has an integrated cargo terminal with specialised buildings for general and perishable goods, enabling smooth movement of goods alongside passenger traffic. Whether for business travellers or cargo operators, Chandigarh Airport offers reliable, modern infrastructure that meets international standards.

Chandigarh Airport is connected by a mix of domestic and international airlines, making travel super convenient. Major domestic carriers like Air India, IndiGo and Alliance Air link the city to hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad. For international travelers, the airport opens doors to destinations like Dubai and Sharjah, giving Chandigarh a strong global connection.

FlightsMojo, one of India’s top air ticket booking platforms, adds extra perks to make your journey smoother. You can pre-book meals while booking your ticket, choose your favorite seat and get 24/7 customer support to breeze through check-in, security and boarding. Options for excess baggage or pre-booked sports equipment make traveling even easier. With these thoughtful services, Chandigarh Airport ensures every passenger enjoys a personalized, stress-free and comfortable experience.

Getting from Chandigarh Airport to the city is super easy and hassle-free. The airport is just 9–20 kilometres from Chandigarh’s city center and the ride usually takes around 30–40 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis, cabs and car rentals are always ready and some hotels even offer shuttle services for their guests.

If you prefer public transport, buses connect the airport to major spots like the central bus stand which is about 19 kilometres away and the railway station and  roughly 13 kilometres from the airport. With this smooth connectivity travelers can reach the heart of Chandigarh or even nearby cities without any stress. By linking transport options with local attractions, Chandigarh Airport makes sure your visit starts off easy and enjoyable.

At Chandigarh Airport, travelers can explore  into a variety of shopping hubs and dining experiences such as Cafés, restaurants and snack bars serve everything from quick bites to relaxed meals, catering to every craving. Retail stores stock essentials, souvenirs, magazines and jewellery, perfect for grabbing a little something while waiting for your flight.

International travelers can also enjoy duty-free shopping, picking up branded products at great prices. Passenger lounges, free Wi-Fi, ATMs and special services for senior citizens and differently-abled passengers make the airport super comfortable. Every facility is designed to make your wait and transit as smooth and pleasant as possible, giving you a relaxed start to your journey even before you take off.

Travellers using Chandigarh Airport often have questions regarding transport, facilities and best practices. Here are some helpful insights:

• Distance from city center: The airport is around 20 kilometers from Chandigarh’s core with 30 to 40 minutes of travel by road.
• Transport options: Taxis, car rentals and hotel shuttles are readily available while ensuring easy access to the city.
• Lounges and currency exchange: Passengers can relax in lounges and access currency exchange services for financial convenience.
• Booking tips: Using FlightsMojo ensures access to airline add-ons, promotions and smooth check-in processes.

These tips make travelling through Chandigarh Airport straightforward, even for first-time visitors.

Flying into Chandigarh Airport is a gateway to exploring India’s first planned city, designed by the world-renowned architect Le Corbusier. The city is celebrated for its well-organised sectors, wide tree-lined avenues and lush green spaces.

Some must-visit landmarks include:

• Rock Garden: A unique sculpture garden crafted from industrial and household waste.
• Sukhna Lake: A serene artificial lake ideal for boating, picnics and evening strolls.
• Rose Garden (Zakir Hussain Rose Garden): Asia’s largest rose garden with thousands of rose varieties.
• Capitol Complex: A UNESCO World Heritage Site housing the Legislative Assembly and Secretariat.
• Leisure Valley: A green belt stretching across several sectors, perfect for relaxation.
• Elante Mall and Morni Hills: For shopping, entertainment and scenic day trips.

By booking flights through FlightsMojo, travellers can easily plan their visit to Chandigarh, ensuring that Chandigarh Airport is more than a stopover—it’s the first step into a city rich in culture, architecture and natural beauty.

Chandigarh Airport is more than a travel hub; it is a reflection of the city it serves — organised, efficient and welcoming. From its modern terminal and upgraded runway to comfortable lounges, dining options and retail outlets, the airport provides everything a traveller could need. Its excellent connectivity to the city and surrounding regions makes it a vital gateway for domestic and international passengers alike.

Booking a flight to Chandigarh is now super easy with FlightsMojo! The platform puts the best airlines, handy add-on services and real-time flight schedules right at your fingertips so you can plan every part of your journey without any hassle. Whether you’re heading there for work, a fun getaway or a family trip, Chandigarh Airport makes sure your experience is smooth, enjoyable and full of the lively charm that northern India is famous for.