All About Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi (VNS): Full Travel Guide

Varanasi Airport located approximately 26 km northwest of Varanasi, it has become a vital link for both international and domestic travellers. Handling over four million passengers annually, the airport now ranks among the busiest in northern India.
With its increasing passenger flow, smooth operations and modern amenities, the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport continues to symbolize progress, tradition and seamless air connectivity.
Platforms like FlightsMojo often highlight this airport as a key departure point for travellers flying to or from Varanasi due to its expanding flight network and easy accessibility.

Originally known as Varanasi Airport, the facility was renamed Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in 2005 to honour one of India’s most respected leaders. The airport’s code, VNS, is now widely recognised by airlines and passengers across India. Located at Babatpur, it’s easily accessible via National Highway 31, connecting both the city’s heart and nearby districts.

Over the years, this airport has evolved from a modest terminal into an international aviation landmark.It was awarded the Best Airport in Asia-Pacific (2 to 5 million passengers category) by Airports Council International in 2020, in recognition of its operational efficiency and high passenger satisfaction. Another distinctive feature is that it is the first airport in India to make public announcements in Sanskrit, celebrating the city’s rich linguistic heritage.

In terms of scale and traffic, the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is currently the 19th busiest in India and the second busiest in Uttar Pradesh, after Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport. With consistent upgrades and well-planned expansions, it continues to strengthen Varanasi’s position as a major air travel destination.

The integrated terminal at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport operates both domestic airplanes and international flights while providing travellers convenience and efficiency under one roof. Spanning approximately 3,900 square meters, it features 16 check-in counters, four immigration counters and two baggage claim belts to handle passenger flow efficiently.

Inside the terminal, Explorers can enjoy a range of essential amenities, including comfortable seating lounges, snack stalls and bookstores. The terminal also features shops showcasing Banarasi saris and other local merchandise giving visitors a glimpse of the city’s craftsmanship even before they step outside.

The VIP lounge provides added comfort for premium travellers while the CUTE (Common-User Terminal Equipment) system ensures faster check-in for multiple airlines.

The terminal’s design also reflects the spirit of Varanasi. Artistic replicas of the city’s famous ghats adorn the walls, making it feel less like a travel facility and more like a tribute to Varanasi’s heritage. Combined with modern infrastructure, the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport perfectly balances tradition and technology for a memorable passenger experience.

As one of Uttar Pradesh’s primary aviation gateways, Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport connects Varanasi to major Indian and international destinations. Multiple airlines operate daily flights, ensuring travellers have flexible options across routes and timings.

Airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air and SpiceJet operate regular flights from Varanasi to cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar and Kolkata. These domestic routes make it simple for business and leisure travelers to connect with India’s key metros.

Beyond India, the airport also offers international flights from Varanasi, primarily to Kathmandu (Nepal) and Sharjah (UAE). This cross-border connectivity is essential for both tourism and trade, linking Varanasi’s cultural and spiritual influence to global travelers.

With passenger demand steadily rising, several airlines are also exploring new routes to destinations in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The expanding network ensures that Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport remains a central node for travelers seeking both domestic convenience and international access.

Located at Babatpur, around 26 kilometers from the city center, Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is well-connected by road, ensuring travellers can reach it comfortably from any part of Varanasi. Regular taxis, private cabs and app-based rideshare services operate throughout the day.

The airport’s location along National Highway 31 links it seamlessly to key districts and nearby regions, reducing travel time for passengers coming from Ghazipur, Jaunpur and Mirzapur. For budget travellers, local buses and shared cabs offer affordable connectivity options. Parking spaces near the terminal provide ample room for private vehicles, ensuring convenience for those arriving in their own cars.

With continuous improvements in accessibility and route management, Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport ensures that travelers, whether arriving or departing, enjoy smooth and stress-free transit experiences.

The airport’s rapid growth has prompted the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to invest heavily in expansion and modernization. As part of its long-term development vision, the runway will be extended from 2,750 meters to 4,075 meters, allowing it to handle larger aircraft and longer-haul international flights.

The runway expansion project also involves constructing an underpass beneath National Highway 31, ensuring traffic remains unaffected. Alongside this, a new second terminal building is under development with an estimated area of 58,691 square meters, capable of handling 4.5 million passengers annually.

In October 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for several infrastructure upgrades worth nearly INR 2,870 crore. These include terminal expansion, air traffic upgrades and additional parking bays to accommodate the increasing fleet movement. When completed, these developments will transform Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport into one of North India’s most advanced aviation centers, equipped for sustainable and high-volume operations.

To make your travel more comfortable and stress-free so here are a few helpful tips for anyone flying from or to Varanasi International Airport:

• Arrive early: For domestic flights, reach the airport at least 2 hours before departure; for international flights, 3 hours is ideal.
• Check baggage rules: Each airline has its own baggage policy; confirm weight limits before packing.
• Stay updated: Flight timings and gate changes are displayed on digital boards throughout the terminal.
• Use digital check-in: Save time by checking in online through airline websites or mobile apps.
• Explore local crafts: Before departure, browse the terminal’s stores for Banarasi handicrafts, saris and souvenirs.
• Accessibility: The airport provides wheelchairs and assistance for senior citizens and differently-abled travelers.

With these tips, travelers can enjoy a smoother experience while exploring one of India’s most culturally vibrant destinations through Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport.

As Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is continuously blending eco-friendly measures into its operations. Solar panels have been installed to minimize energy consumption while waste management practices are being upgraded to align with sustainable airport standards.

Efficient resource usage, water conservation and LED lighting systems contribute to reduced environmental impact. These improvements make the airport not only a travel hub but also a responsible part of India’s growing green infrastructure network.

From its humble origins to its position as a leading air hub as Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport exemplifies India’s aviation growth story. Blending Varanasi’s timeless heritage with modern connectivity, it stands as a bridge between heritage and progress.

Whether travelers are flying to explore the holy city or departing for destinations abroad, the airport ensures comfort, convenience and efficiency at every step. With new terminals, longer runways and advanced facilities underway, Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is ready to soar even higher in the years to come.