Pondicherry Airport Guide 2025: Terminals, Facilities, and Travel Tips

Pondicherry or Puducherry is a breathtaking coastal city in South India. The current formation of Pondicherry is composed of the former French Colonies, including Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam. Where Puducherry and Karaikal region came under Tamil Nadu State, Mahe comes under Kerala, and Yanam under the state of Andhra Pradesh. Hence, this mesmerising Union Territory of India, Pondicherry, is popularly renowned for the perfect blend of its French and Indian cultures, which has beautifully earned it the nicknames "India's Little France" and "French Riverena of the East." While you visit the destination, you will experience the multi-cultural and amazing explorations throughout your trip. You can delve into the scrumptious culinary experience, rich historical places, iconic landmarks, pristine and serene beaches, a tranquil environment, and spellbinding sunsets. In short, Pondicherry is a lump sum destination that you can visit for your beautiful vacation. However, while you are visiting Pondicherry by flight, you must have basic information regarding the airport to make your overall travel great, starting when you walk away from your home for the airport. Thus, you can delve into the following article and grasp comprehensive information regarding Pondicherry Airport.

Introduction to Pondicherry Airport

Pondicherry Airport is Pondicherry's domestic airport. It is located in the Lwaspet district and was completed in 1989. From its construction until 1991, only the regional airline Vidyut flew to the airport. However, the airline was dismissed after that, and the airport remained in disuse for the two decades. Then the government of Pondicherry decided to expand its airport, and thus signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Airport Authority of India in 2007. And it was in 2013 when the airport received its first flight after the long wait. The current structure of Pondicherry Airport only supports 150 passengers at peak hours.

See also: Bhubaneswar Airport Guide 2025

Terminal Overview

Pondicherry Airport only has one terminal and a single asphalt runway through which it operates its regional and domestic flights, known as the New Domestic Terminal. The area of the airport is extended to 402 acres. The basic information about the only Terminal of Pondicherry Airport can be seen as follows:

• The new domestic terminal is made up of glass and steel.
• It contains user-friendly equipment.
• It has a registered baggage X-ray machine.
• There are four check-in counters at the new domestic terminal.
• There is one hand baggage X-ray machine.
• Moreover, one conveyor belt is available at the new domestic terminal upon arrival.

See also: Jewar Airport Guide 2025

Airlines Operating from The New Domestic Terminal of Pondicherry

Pondicherry Airport is a small domestic airport in Pondicherry with a capacity of 150 passengers at a time. Thus, not many airlines currently operate from the airport. Only IndiGo operates some of its flights from and to Pondicherry Airport. Major cities from which Pondicherry Airport is connected include Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Thus, if you want to explore the beauty of Pondicherry, you can take a connecting flight from Mumbai, Bengaluru, or Hyderabad.

See also: Hindon Airport Guide 2025

Transportation to and from Pondicherry Airport

Though Pondicherry Airport is not an airport that caters to so many people, it is still a gateway to the mesmerising Union Territory of India, Pondicherry. It thus provides great connectivity options for all its passengers, whether trying to be in the city to experience a great vacation or going out of town after a fantastic vacation. Some of the excellent connectivity options from and to Pondicherry Airport can be seen as follows: 

• Train

The nearest railway station to the airport of Pondicherry is the Pondicherry Railway Station, which is approximately 7 km away. You can take a taxi from the railway station and reach the airport within 20 to 25 minutes. Apart from taxis, some local buses also head towards the airport from the railway station occasionally, which you can take. 

• Taxi & Cab Services

Whether you are arriving or leaving Pondicherry, various taxis and cab services are available near the airport and all around the city. Thus, you can easily take advantage of the service and make your arrival and departure process easy and convenient.

• Airport Shuttle & Buses

Various local bus services operating to Pondicherry Airport are available in different parts of the city. Thus, you can take the bus based on location and directly come to the airport. Apart from the local bus service, you can also make your journey before and after from Pondicherry Airport luxurious by pre-booking the Airport Shuttle service. Airport Shuttle service offered at the Pondicherry Airport is also one of the options for travelling in a convenient and budget-friendly manner.

See also: Ranchi Airport Guide 2025

Baggage Services & Lost and Found

Baggage is one of the most essential considerations when travelling to any destination by flight. Whether or not you have any precious things in your bag, every belonging provides you with a sense of attachment that you don't want to lose. Nor do you want to pay any unexpected extra amount at the airport for your baggage. Thus, you have to grasp all the essential information regarding your baggage while you are travelling to Pondicherry Airport, which can be seen as follows:

•  Only IndiGo Airlines operates from Pondicherry Airport, so you must comply with IndiGo Airlines' baggage allowance while travelling in or out of the airport. Hence, you can check the baggage allowance of the IndiGo flight before flying.
• There are four check-in counters at Pondicherry Airport, and you can visit any of the check-in counters to submit your checked baggage at the airport.
• To help you carry your heavy luggage in and out of the airport, you can easily find the baggage trolley at the gates and the baggage belt at the airport. 
• The airport also contains a registered checked and hand baggage X-ray machine that allows airport staff to check baggage without opening it. 

You do not have to worry if you cannot find your baggage after taking your flight or if you are at the airport. The airport has a dedicated lost and found facility that only assists you if you have lost your baggage at the airport. Thus, when you lose your baggage at Pondicherry Airport, you have to take care of the following things: 

• Lost property by Pondicherry Airport is defined as any property found without proper custody, either on the airport's premises or the aircraft.
• The lost property is handed over to the lost and found authority of Pondicherry Airport.
• Thus, you can contact Pondicherry Airport's lost and found authority if you cannot locate your items. 
• When the airport authority finds your belongings, you can claim them by providing the following documents:
  • A letter from the authorisation that allows you to collect your belongings.
  • Copy of your boarding pass.
  • Copy of your passport or ID card.
  • A photo ID card of the person is required at the airport to collect the items.
• You are required to collect your item from the airport within 90 days of receiving the receipt. After 90 days, your belongings will be disposed of according to the law, and the airport or airport authority is no longer responsible for you.
• However, suppose a perishable item is in the hands of the airport authority's Lost and Found. In that case, the item will be disposed of after 48 hours, and the authority will not be responsible further.
• You can collect your belongings between 09:30 and 18:00 hours of the day, except on holidays.

See also: Nagpur Airport Guide 2025

Check-in and Security Procedures

You must go through a prescribed process before you take your flight at Pondicherry Airport. Thus, it is always advisable to be available at the airport at least two hours before your departure flight time. You must also go through the security procedure before you take your flight at Pondecherry Airport, where the procedure can be seen as follows:

• To ensure you go through the security gate at the airport's entry, you must carry a valid government-approved identification card, your airfare ticket, and other required documents. 
• When you enter the airport, you can head to the check-in counter.
• Finish all the check-in formalities at the counter as the representatives prompt.
• Give your checked baggage at the check-in counters after going through the procedure, as their representatives mentioned.
• Thereafter, you can go through a security check, where your boarding pass would be stamped by the CISF personnel.
• Then, before going for your boarding, you carry your boarding pass and carry-on, and you go through the security procedure.
• Afterwards, you have to give your carry-on to be checked by the security.
• Moreover, the airport security staff provides a separate tray for your coins, electronic items, and pocket purse.
• You have to show your boarding pass to the security in charge.
• Then, you can proceed towards your flight for the boarding.

See also: Delhi Airport Guide 2025

Airport Facilities and Amenities

Various facilities and amenities have been offered to make your travel with Pondicherry Airport convenient and comfortable. Some of the descriptions of facilities and amenities provided to passengers by the airport can be seen as follows:

• Charging Stations: You can find various charging stations at Pondicherry Airport, which help you charge your electronic items, including your mobile devices, to stay connected at the airport and contact your loved ones. 
• Dining Option: Pondicherry Airport has some cafes and other dining outlets. Whether you are vegetarian or non-vegetarian, the airport offers scrumptious meal options for its passengers.

See also: Kolkata Airport Guide

Tips for a Smooth Experience at Pondicherry Airport

Going on vacation with your loved ones requires you to enjoy every moment of your travel, whether on your flight or at the airport. Though people generally find one way or another to make their flight enjoyable, they forget to explore their airports profoundly. On the other hand, you can also have a delightful experience at the airport. Thus, if you are travelling to or from Pondicherry Airport, you can follow some of the following tips to make your airport journey smooth and enjoyable:

• There are only limited flights to and from Pondicherry Airport. So, to avoid any hassle, you can ensure the timings and the availability of seats on your flight beforehand.
• You can also check the live status of your flight so that you know if there is any delay in your flight and can plan your departure from your home accordingly.
• You must arrive at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled flight departure to go through the security and check-in process without any inconvenience.
• You can go through the online check-in process, so you do not need to wait in the long queues for check-in at the airport.
• Ensure you carry all the required documents, such as your boarding pass, flight ticket, valid identification card, or anything else to make your boarding process trouble-free.
• Make sure your baggage is in accordance with the airline's guidance and avoid bringing any prohibited items.

See also: Jaipur Airport Guide 2025

Future Expansion Plans for Pondicherry Airport

At present, the airport doesn't have much space, and thus, it doesn't have the capacity to hold a large number of passengers. However, the government of Pondicherry and the Airport Authority of India are planning to expand their airport, and thus, it has marked the extension of the airport. Some of the construction work that the airport currently witnesses is as follows:

• New ATC Tower cum Technical clock cum Fire station (CAT-VI).
• Make an extended runway so the B-737-80/ A-320 aircraft can operate smoothly.
• Construct an expanded apron so B-737-800/ A-320 aircraft can be handled conveniently.
• Fabricate a perimeter road in the operational area of the airport.
• Construct the staff quarters.
• When the airport receives the land from the government of Pondicherry, as mentioned under their memorandum of understanding, it will be further developed so that it can accommodate wider aircraft.

See also: Chennai Airport Guide 2025

Conclusion

In short, it can be concluded that despite being a small domestic airport in India, Pondicherry Airport tries to accumulate all the services and facilities it can provide based on its current facilities and structure. Moreover, the airport is trying to expand its area, and airlines are operating from it. Thus, it can be assumed that in the near future, the airport will become the gateway to Pondicherry and will handle plenty of passengers simultaneously. Nevertheless, whether you are going to take your flight to Pondicherry now or anytime in the future, with the comprehensive information regarding the airport, you can easily experience a hassle-free travel journey.

See also: Cochin Airport Guide 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Which terminal does IndiGo use at Pondicherry Airport?

Pondicherry Airport has only one terminal, which IndoGo uses to operate its flights. 

Is there a metro connection to Pondicherry Airport?

No, Pondicherry Airport is not connected to the Metro; however, it is connected to the Indian railway network.

Can I sleep at Pondicherry Airport overnight?

No, as there is no compulsion that the airport opens all night, you are not guaranteed to sleep at the airport overnight. 

Are there food options for vegetarians at Pondicherry Airport?

Yes, Pondicherry Airport does offer some cafes and dining options, even for vegetarians. 

How early should I arrive at Pondicherry Airport for an international flight?

Pondicherry Airport doesn't offer international flights; however, you can arrive at least two hours before for your domestic flights. 

What are the different terminals at Pondicherry Airport, and how do I know where to go?

Pondicherry Airport is a single-terminal airport; thus, you must go to its only terminal for every procedure. 

Which airlines operate from Terminal 3 at Pondicherry Airport?

Pondicherry Airport doesn't have Terminal 3, and currently, only IndiGo Airlines operates through the airport. 

How can I travel between terminals at Pondicherry Airport?

Pondicherry Airport has only a single terminal, so you are not required to travel between the terminals while being at the airport. 

Is there free Wi-Fi available at Pondicherry Airport?

No, Pondicherry Airport doesn't offer free Wi-Fi service to its passengers.

Where can I find lounges at Pondicherry Airport, and how can I access them?

Currently, there are no lounges at Pondicherry Airport.

Are there hotels near Pondicherry Airport for layovers or overnight stays?

Yes, various budget-friendly and luxurious hotels and resorts are available near Pindicherry Airport for layovers or overnight stays. 

How early should I reach Pondicherry Airport for a domestic flight?

You must arrive at least two hours before your domestic flight to avoid any hassle during the proper security and check-in process at the airport. 

What are the transportation options from Pondicherry Airport to the city?

Pondicherry Airport has various transportation options to the city, including Airport Shuttle, buses, taxis, cab services, and railways. 

Can I book a prepaid taxi at Pondicherry Airport?

Yes, you can book a prepaid taxi at Pondicherry Airport and easily visit any part of the city.

Does Pondicherry Airport offer facilities for disabled or elderly passengers?

Yes, Pondicherry Airport provides various facilities for disabled or elderly passengers, including supporting staff, wheelchairs, an escort service, and more. 

Where is the lost and found counter at Pondicherry Airport?

No specific "lost and found" counter is mentioned for Pondicherry Airport; thus, if your baggage is lost, you can directly contact the Airport Manager's office. 

Is Pondicherry Airport open 24 hours for travellers?

No, Pondicherry Airport doesn't operate 24 hours and only operates during its flight schedule time. 

Are there duty-free shops at Pondicherry Airport for international travellers?

No, currently, there are no duty-free shopping centres at Pondicherry Airport, either for international or domestic travelers.

How do I check flight status for departures from Pondicherry Airport?

At Pondicherry Airport, you can check the status of departure flights in various ways, including the digital screen, which displays all the required details for your flight, such as flight number, name, and departure time. 

Can I carry food inside Pondicherry Airport or on the plane?

Yes, you are generally allowed to bring food inside Pondicherry Airport or on the plane with some restrictions on liquids and others.