Flying is the quickest and most convenient way for most travellers to reach the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. No bridges connect the archipelago to mainland India. So, the main entry point for visitors from India and abroad is Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, officially renamed Sri Vijaya Puram in 2024. Here’s what you need to know before you book your trip in 2026.
Which Cities Offer Direct Flights to Port Blair?
Direct flights to Port Blair from Indian metros such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore range from just over two hours to nearly four hours, depending on the city of departure (as of 2026).
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Chennai—one of the shortest and most frequent routes, roughly 2 hours
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Kolkata—the closest mainland gateway, with the shortest flying distance
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Bengaluru—daily direct connections, popular with South Indian travellers
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Delhi—direct flights are available, though frequency is lower outside peak season
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Mumbai—limited direct flights, increasing during tourist season
Also read: Andaman Tour Packages from Chennai in 2026: Complete Travel Guide
While metropolitan cities offer direct flights, travellers from other cities typically need to take connecting flights through one of these hubs. Direct flights from Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Chennai to Port Blair tend to operate almost daily, while Delhi and Mumbai direct flights are comparatively limited but increase during the tourist season.
If your itinerary needs multiple legs stitched together—flight, ferry, and hotel transfers—an Andaman and Nicobar package that bundles all three saves you from coordinating each booking separately.
International Flights: A New Option for Overseas Travellers
Until recently, every international visitor had to route through a mainland Indian city before flying on to Port Blair. That changed in November 2024, when AirAsia became the first international airline to offer direct flights to India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands, connecting Kuala Lumpur directly to Port Blair. The route operates three flights a week and was the first time an ASEAN airline offered international service to Port Blair.
For travellers from Southeast Asia, this direct option can shave hours off the journey compared to connecting through Chennai or Delhi. Visitors from other regions, however, will still typically fly into a major Indian gateway city first.
Planning your honeymoon in the islands? The Honeymoon Sunset Escape covers flights, transfers, and beachfront stays across Havelock and Neil Island — explore the Honeymoon Sunset Escape.
Booking Tips to Andaman for 2026
Book early, especially for peak season. Flights to Port Blair see high demand between November and February, and fares climb quickly as seats fill. Booking a few weeks ahead typically secures better pricing and preferred timings.
Compare connecting vs. direct routes. If you're not travelling from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi, or Mumbai, check whether a connecting flight through one of these cities is faster than routing through a smaller hub.
Match your flight to your ferry schedule. Once you land in Port Blair, onward travel to Havelock or Neil Island happens exclusively by sea. If your flight lands late in the day, you may need to spend a night in Port Blair before catching the next available ferry from Port Blair to Havelock.
Carry valid photo ID. A valid photo ID is mandatory for both check-in and boarding in all domestic and international sectors.
Foreign nationals need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP). This is issued free of charge on arrival at Port Blair airport and is generally valid for 30 days.
Also read: Bioluminescence in Andaman Island: Where the Sea Glows Blue After Dark
Where to Stay in Andaman After You Land
Most itineraries start with a night or two in Port Blair before heading to the outer islands. Hotels in Port Blair close to the airport and jetty make early-morning ferry connections much easier.
From there, most travellers continue on to Havelock Island, which is home to Radhanagar Beach. A Havelock Island Beach Resort near the main beaches cuts down on local transfers. For a quieter final leg, hotels in Neil Island offer a slower pace before heading back for your return flight.
For a broader look across all three hubs, browsing the best hotels in Andaman gives you a full picture of what's available by budget and location.
First time visiting the islands? The Discover Andaman Isles package is built for travellers who want a well-paced introduction to Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Island — see the Discover Andaman Isles package.
Sample Flight-to-Island Timeline
Day 1: Land in Port Blair, settle into your hotel, and explore Corbyn's Cove or the Cellular Jail.
Day 2: Morning ferry to Havelock, then check into your beach resort
Day 3-4: Havelock sightseeing—Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach snorkeling
Day 5: Ferry to Neil Island for a quieter stretch
Day 6: Return ferry to Port Blair, connecting to your departure flight
Travelling with the whole family? The Family Island Starter package is designed around manageable flight and ferry connections, with kid-friendly beaches built into the itinerary — check out the Family Island Starter.
Planning It All Together
Coordinating flights, ferries, permits, and hotel stays across three or four islands has more moving parts than a typical domestic trip—and getting the sequencing wrong can mean lost days waiting on ferry availability.
Online Vacations has operated in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands since 2014, holds IATA TIDS accreditation and Ministry of Tourism registration, and has served over 1.1 lakh travellers with a 4.88 Google rating. Packages are built around direct hotel contracts and coordination with all four ferry operators—Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean, and ITT Majestic—with transparent, GST-compliant invoicing and a 20% booking deposit.
