About Silchar Airport Guide: Flights & Facilities

Silchar Airport is located in Kumbhirgram, Assam 788031, India. It lies on the foothills of the Barail mountain ranges which gives the airport a scenic natural backdrop. Booking flight to Silchar is now simple with flightsmojo while the Silchar airport is approximately 29 kilometres from Silchar city centre, although the distance may vary slightly depending on the road route taken.

Important geographical and administrative details include:

• IATA Code: IXS
• ICAO Code: VEKU
• Elevation: 352 feet above sea level (107 metres)
• GMT Offset: +5:30 Hours
• Latitude: 24°54'48.0" N
• Longitude: 92°58'51.5" E
• Owner: Indian Air Force
• Operator: Indian Air Force and Airports Authority of India

Since the airport functions as a civil enclave, its daily operations follow strict guidelines set by the Airports Authority of India which ensures safety and efficiency.

Silchar Airport has a history that dates back to World War II. It was constructed in 1944 by the British and served as a military base known as RAF Kumbhirgram. During February and March 1943, No. 31 and No. 194 Squadrons of the Royal Air Force operated from here. Later, the 4th Combat Cargo Group of the United States Army Air Forces also used the airport between December 1944 and January 1945.

After India’s independence, the airport was transferred to the Royal Indian Air Force and later became a joint civil-military facility. Over time, it transformed from a wartime base into a vital regional airport serving the Barak Valley.

Because of this transformation, Silchar Airport today represents both historical importance and modern regional connectivity.

The airport operates with a single asphalt runway numbered 06/24. This runway measures 7,500 feet (2,286 metres) in length. It is capable of handling aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 which are commonly used for domestic commercial operations.

The airport also includes important navigational systems:

• Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) on both sides of the runway which helps pilots maintain the correct landing angle.
• Instrument Landing System (ILS) which provides both lateral and vertical guidance to aircraft during approach.
• Glide slope station which assists in maintaining safe descent alignment.

These systems ensure that flight operations remain safe and reliable, especially during challenging weather conditions.

Silchar Airport has one domestic terminal. The airport covers 36.70 acres while the terminal building itself spans approximately 2,586 square metres.

The terminal is designed to handle 300 passengers at a time which is divided equally between arrival and departure sections. It includes:

• The terminal includes 5 check-in counters help manage passenger movement smoothly during departure hours.
• There are 2  security counters where screening procedures are carried out carefully to maintain safety standards.
• 4 boarding gates are available, allowing passengers to board flights in an organised and timely manner.
• In the arrival section, 2 conveyor belts are installed so that luggage can be delivered efficiently without long waiting time.

Because of this structured layout, the terminal supports steady passenger movement without overcrowding.

Silchar Airport is currently the fourth busiest airport in North-East India, after Guwahati, Agartala and Imphal. Its passenger growth reflects increasing demand in the region.

Traffic statistics show steady expansion:

• 2017–18: 366,955 passengers with 72.9% growth
• 2018–19: 386,665 passengers with 5.4% growth
• 2023–24: Over 412,600 passengers
• April 2024 – March 2025: 483,464 passengers, marking a 17.2% increase

During the same 2024–25 period:

• Aircraft movements: 3,854 (15.4% increase)
• Cargo handled: 651 tonnes (24.1% increase)

National rankings based on recent data place Silchar Airport as:

• 45th busiest in India by passengers
• 47th busiest in aircraft movements
• 46th busiest in cargo

These numbers show that the airport plays a crucial role in connecting southern Assam to major Indian cities.

Several airlines operate from Silchar Airport. Current active routes include:

• Alliance Air: Aizawl, Imphal, Kolkata
• IndiGo: Aizawl, Agartala, Guwahati, Kolkata

In addition, past and mentioned operators include Air India, Jet Airways and Air India Regional. Approximately 32 flights per week connect Silchar with major cities such as Imphal, Guwahati, Kolkata and Agartala.

There have also been announcements of services such as Mumbai to Silchar via Kolkata which further expand connectivity options.

Because of these regular services, Silchar remains well connected within the North-East and to metro cities.

Silchar Airport provides several facilities to ensure passenger comfort.

Baggage and assistance services include:

• Safe baggage handling
• Free trolleys
• Wheelchair assistance
• Escort services for senior citizens and differently-abled passengers

Eating and shopping options include:

• Restaurants serving fresh food
• Snack counters and kiosks
• Shops selling local handicrafts
• A dedicated store named Canework which sells bamboo and cane souvenirs
• Chocolates shop
• Duty-free shop in the departure area
• ATMs and free WiFi services

Aviation fuel services at the airport are managed by Indian Oil which supports operational efficiency.

Because of these amenities, passengers experience a balanced mix of convenience and local cultural flavour.

Reaching the airport is convenient through multiple transport options.

By Road:

• ASTC Volvo air-conditioned buses operate from Rangirkhari Point and the Inter-State Bus Terminus.
• The ASTC Bus Stand is approximately 25 kilometres away.
• Taxi services are available to Silchar city as well as to Hailakandi and Karimganj.
• App-based taxi services such as Uber are not available locally in Silchar, although Uber operates in Guwahati for long-distance travel.

By Rail:

• Silchar Railway Station is about 26 kilometres from the airport.
• The travel time from the airport to the railway station is approximately 30 minutes via Kumbhirgram Airport Road.

This strong ground connectivity supports smooth passenger movement to and from the airport.

Silchar is known for its green landscapes and cultural heritage linked to the Dimasa Kingdom. Visitors arriving at the airport can explore attractions such as:

• Maniharan Tunnel
• Dolu Lake
• Bhubaneswar Temple

Because the airport connects these locations to the rest of India, it supports tourism growth in southern Assam.

Silchar Airport has travelled a long journey from a wartime RAF base in 1944 to a modern regional airport serving nearly half a million passengers annually. With its structured terminal, navigational systems, growing passenger numbers and expanding connectivity, it continues to strengthen southern Assam’s link with major Indian cities.

While it retains its historical roots, it also demonstrates steady operational growth under the supervision of the Airports Authority of India and the Indian Air Force. Therefore, Silchar Airport stands today as a balanced blend of legacy, infrastructure and regional development.