Airport, port blair, andaman & nicobar islands · AI-written from Wikipedia, not independently verified
A Guide to Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair
Discover the history and operations of the primary gateway to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Official airport website
IXZ · VOPB · Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Airport name, codes and official link checked 26 Oct 2026. Confirm current flights and travel requirements with the airport and your airline.
All airportsThis guide was written with AI help by Indias.com. Check details such as timings, access and bookings with official sources before you travel.
Tags: Veer Savarkar International Airport · Port Blair · Andaman and Nicobar Islands · Indian Navy · Airports Authority of India
Veer Savarkar International Airport, also known by its IATA code IXZ, serves as the primary aviation hub for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Located approximately 2 kilometers south of the capital city, Port Blair, the airport officially opened its doors in 2000. In 2002, the facility was named in honor of Indian politician Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.
The airport functions as a civil enclave, sharing its airside infrastructure with the Indian Navy's INS Utkrosh. While the Airports Authority of India manages the civilian terminal operations, the Indian Navy is responsible for overseeing all air traffic operations at the site.
Historical Foundations
The origins of aviation in Port Blair date back to 1937 when the British Indian government established a temporary air strip for fighter aircraft. This early infrastructure played a role in military logistics during the mid-20th century.
During the Second World War, the site became part of a strategic alternate route for the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC). As Japanese forces advanced through the Malay Peninsula and Burma, the Port Blair airport was utilized as a vital refueling stop for allied aircraft traveling between Calcutta and the Dutch East Indies.
Operations and Management
The airport operates under a dual-management structure typical of Indian civil enclaves. The civilian aspects, including passenger facilities and terminal management, fall under the jurisdiction of the Airports Authority of India.
Because the facility shares its grounds with INS Utkrosh, the Indian Navy maintains control over the airside facilities. This collaboration ensures the airport can serve both commercial passengers and military requirements simultaneously.
Related articles
- Biju Patnaik International Airport: Odisha’s Premier Aviation GatewayDiscover the history and significance of Bhubaneswar’s international airport
- A Guide to Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in ImphalDiscover the history and ongoing development of Manipur's primary aviation gateway.
- A Guide to Birsa Munda Airport in RanchiDiscover the history and facilities of Jharkhand's domestic aviation hub.
- A Guide to Chennai International Airport: The Gateway to South IndiaEverything you need to know about the aviation hub serving Tamil Nadu's capital.