Airport History
Bagdogra Airport (IATA: IXB, ICAO: VEBD) is located at Bagdogra, near Siliguri in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. The airport operates as a civil enclave within the Indian Air Force’s Bagdogra Air Force Station, with civilian operations managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
The airport has long served as the primary aviation gateway to North Bengal, Sikkim, Bhutan, and parts of Northeast India. In 2002, the Government of India granted Bagdogra limited international airport status, enabling international services, particularly to Paro (Bhutan) and, at various times, Bangkok.
Driven by tourism, defence importance, and increasing regional connectivity, Bagdogra has evolved into one of Eastern India’s busiest airports and continues to witness steady infrastructure expansion.
Airport Overview
Bagdogra Airport is the second-busiest airport in West Bengal, after Kolkata, and serves as the principal gateway for destinations such as Darjeeling, Gangtok, Kalimpong, Kurseong, Mirik, Dooars, and neighbouring Bhutan. Its strategic location makes it an important hub for both tourism and regional business travel.
The airport is owned by the Indian Air Force and operated by the Airports Authority of India under a civil enclave arrangement. It has a single runway (18/36) measuring approximately 2,754 metres, capable of handling narrow-body aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families.
Major airlines operating from Bagdogra include IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air, SpiceJet, and Druk Air, connecting the region with major Indian cities and Bhutan.
Airport Snapshot
| Parameter | Details |
| Airport Name | Bagdogra Airport |
| IATA Code | IXB |
| ICAO Code | VEBD |
| Airport Type | Customs Airport (Civil Enclave) |
| Owner | Indian Air Force |
| Operator | Airports Authority of India (AAI) |
| Location | Bagdogra, Siliguri, West Bengal |
| Elevation | 126 metres (412 ft) |
| Runways | 1 |
| Runway Length | 2,754 metres |
| Runway Surface | Concrete / Asphalt |
| Passenger Traffic (FY 2024–25) | 3.22 million |
| Aircraft Movements (FY 2024–25) | 22,390 |
| Cargo Handled (FY 2024–25) | 8,952 MT |
| Primary Catchment | North Bengal, Sikkim, Bhutan & Eastern Himalayas |
| Major Airlines | IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air, SpiceJet, Druk Air |
Market Intelligence
Bagdogra Airport occupies a unique strategic position in India’s aviation network. It serves not only the rapidly growing cities of North Bengal but also functions as the principal air gateway for Sikkim and an important entry point for Bhutan-bound travellers. This creates a diverse passenger profile comprising leisure tourists, business travellers, government officials, defence personnel, and international visitors.
Passenger traffic has demonstrated strong long-term growth, increasing from approximately 1.98 million passengers in FY 2021–22 to 3.22 million in FY 2024–25, with AAI’s recent commercial documents indicating further growth beyond 3.65 million passengers during FY 2025–26.
The airport benefits from year-round tourism driven by destinations such as Darjeeling, Gangtok, Kalimpong, and the Dooars. Seasonal peaks occur during summer vacations, festive periods, and winter holidays, creating significant opportunities for passenger-facing commercial businesses.
From a commercial perspective, Bagdogra continues to generate healthy financial performance for AAI. Recent tender documents indicate airport revenues exceeding ₹180 crore with strong profitability, reflecting sustained passenger demand and increasing non-aeronautical business opportunities.
As passenger volumes continue to rise, the airport is expected to see further investments in terminal capacity, passenger amenities, retail, food & beverage, advertising, mobility services, and other commercial concessions.
SirriS Intelligence Summary
Bagdogra Airport is one of the most strategically significant regional airports in Eastern India. Its role extends well beyond serving Siliguri, acting as the primary aviation gateway to North Bengal, Sikkim, Bhutan, and the Eastern Himalayan tourism circuit.