Port Blair Airport at a glance
Port Blair Airport is officially called Veer Savarkar International Airport, and its code is IXZ. It serves Port Blair, which is now officially Sri Vijaya Puram, though private ferry operators still use the old name. Most visitors arrive here by air.
The airport has one terminal, and civilian flights use a naval airfield. A new integrated terminal opened in July 2023.
From the airport you can take a taxi to town and then a ferry to Havelock and Neil. Our Port Blair to Havelock ferry guide covers the crossings.
Andaman flights and flights to Port Blair
The most direct way to reach the islands is by air. A nonstop flight from Chennai to Port Blair takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. Other routes, such as Kolkata, Delhi and Bengaluru, are also flown, but do not assume a daily nonstop on any of them. Airlines change their timetables, so check the current schedule on the date you plan to fly.
If you are searching for flights to Port Blair, compare departure times with the ferry times on the day after. A late arrival may leave you a night in town before the first boat. Our guide on where to stay in the Andamans helps with that night.
Our pick: a tour with airport assistance
This three-day package starts with assistance at Port Blair airport.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Andaman tours and transfers
Island trips, boat tours and activities to book once you have arrived, with live prices and availability.
Taxi and transfer from Port Blair Airport (IXZ)
Taxis wait at a signed pick-up area outside the airport. Ask about the fare before you get in, and ask your accommodation about the usual price and travel time into town. Agree the fare or the meter rule with the driver before you set off.
If you are going straight to a ferry, tell the driver which jetty you need. Your ferry ticket names the departure jetty, so check it first. The private catamarans ask you to be at the jetty 45 minutes before departure.
Rental car, scooter and parking
On Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), motorbikes, buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws are on offer. That a service is offered does not mean a current rate or a free vehicle for your dates. Before you rent anything, check which licence class you need, whether a foreign licence or an International Driving Permit is accepted, and what the helmet and insurance rules are.
Airport parking rates and rental prices on Havelock and Neil change, so ask the provider. If you plan to bring a vehicle across, confirm in advance whether the ferry takes it. Do not assume a private catamaran carries cars.
From Port Blair to Havelock and Neil
There is no road to the islands. Every crossing is by ferry.
| Route | Typical time | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Port Blair to Havelock | About 90 minutes | Durations vary slightly between timetables |
| Havelock to Neil | About 60 minutes | Some Havelock departures return to Port Blair via Neil |
| Neil to Port Blair | 60 to 75 minutes | Allow extra time on sailings that call at other stops |
These times are based on private catamaran timetables for 2025 to 2026. Government ferries run by the Directorate of Shipping Services have a ticket counter open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 16:00 and Saturday from 09:00 to 12:00, and online booking runs from about 00:30 to 23:30 or round the clock. New passenger fares for the 2026/27 financial year were published in February 2026. Check the current fare for tourists on your ticket page, and do not assume a resident price applies to you. Ferries can be changed for weather or technical reasons.
For most travellers, flying into Port Blair and taking a morning ferry the next day is the most reliable plan.
Ships from the mainland
Government ships also connect Port Blair with Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam. The voyage takes about three days. Check the exact departure and arrival times in the current timetable, because they are not the same on every sailing.
Whether you fly or sail, read our Andaman permit guide before you travel, and see the weather and best time to visit page to choose your dates.
Plan the rest of your arrival
Port Blair Airport: frequently asked questions
What is the code of Port Blair Airport?
IXZ. The airport is called Veer Savarkar International Airport and has one terminal.
How long is the flight from Chennai to Port Blair?
A nonstop flight takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. Check the current schedule before booking.
Are there direct flights to Port Blair from Delhi, Kolkata and Bengaluru?
Do not assume them as daily services. Check the airline timetable for your date.
How do I get from the airport to town?
Taxis wait at a signed pick-up area outside the airport. Ask about the fare before you set off.
Can I reach the islands by road?
No. Havelock and Neil are reached by ferry from Port Blair.
Can I arrive by ship from the mainland?
Yes. Government ships connect Port Blair with Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam, and the crossing takes about three days. Check the current timetable before you plan around it.