Key Highlights
Here’s a quick look at what you need to know about flying to or from Jamshedpur:
- Jamshedpur is currently served by Sonari Airport (IXW), a domestic airport owned by the Tata Group.
- The airport reopened for commercial flights in January 2023.
- IndiaOne Air is the airline currently operating scheduled flights from this airport.
- You can fly directly to Kolkata and Bhubaneswar from Jamshedpur.
- A new, larger airport at Dhalbhumgarh is in the planning stages to replace Sonari Airport.
- The city’s aviation infrastructure supports its status as a key industrial hub.
Introduction
Welcome to Jamshedpur, India’s first planned industrial city and the home of the renowned Tata Group. If you’re planning a trip, understanding your air travel options is a great start. The city is primarily served by Sonari Airport, a key piece of infrastructure that connects this bustling hub with other parts of the country. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the airports serving Jamshedpur, helping you plan your journey with ease.
Overview of Jamshedpur’s Airports
Jamshedpur’s aviation landscape is centered around two key locations. The currently operational airport is Sonari Airport, a facility owned by Tata Steel that handles the city’s domestic air traffic. It plays a vital role in connecting the region for both business and leisure.
Looking toward the future, plans are underway for a new airport at Dhalbhumgarh. This proposed airport aims to support larger aircraft and expand connectivity, accommodating the growing needs of Jamshedpur. Let’s explore the details of both the existing airport and the future project.
Sonari Airport: Key Facts and History
Sonari Airport (IATA: IXW) is conveniently located within the Sonari area of Jamshedpur, just about 4.4 kilometers from the city center. This makes reaching the airport from anywhere in the city of Jamshedpur quick and straightforward using local taxis or auto-rickshaws. Owned by Tata Steel, this airfield has a long and storied past.
Opened in 1940 by the Tata Group, the airport has seen various phases of operation. In the past, it was served by airlines like Kingfisher and MDLR Airlines. However, these services were discontinued, partly due to the short runway, which made operations for larger aircraft challenging.
After a period of inactivity for commercial flights, Sonari Airport was granted a license for public use and officially reopened in January 2023. This revival marked a significant step in re-establishing scheduled flight services for the city, once again connecting it by air to other destinations.
Jamshedpur International (Dhalbhumgarh) Airport: Latest Developments
Yes, there is significant news regarding a new airport for the region. The Dhalbhumgarh Airport is a proposed new airport designed to replace the smaller Sonari Airport. The primary reason for this project is that Sonari Airport is located within the city and has no room for expansion to handle larger aircraft or increased flight frequency.
This new airport is planned to be constructed on a former World War II airfield in Dhalbhumgarh, with an initial investment of ₹100 crores. The project is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Government of Jharkhand to boost the state’s air connectivity.
Currently, the development of Dhalbhumgarh Airport is awaiting necessary forest clearances from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Once these approvals are secured, construction is expected to begin, paving the way for a modern, larger airport to serve Jamshedpur and the surrounding areas.
Airlines and Flight Options
When it comes to flight options from Jamshedpur, the services are currently focused on regional connectivity. The reopening of Sonari Airport has provided essential flight services that link the steel city with key commercial centers, making travel much more convenient. While many travelers hope for services from major airlines like Air India Express or Akasa Air, the current operations are handled by a regional carrier.
Below, you’ll find more specific details about the airlines currently flying from Jamshedpur and the popular destinations you can reach directly. This information will help you better understand your flight options.
Airlines Operating from Jamshedpur
Currently, the primary airline providing scheduled commercial flights from Sonari Airport is IndiaOne Air. This regional airline was instrumental in restarting commercial operations from Jamshedpur in 2023, connecting the city to important nearby hubs.
Here are the details of the airline and its routes from Jamshedpur:
| Airline | Destinations from Jamshedpur (IXW) |
|---|---|
| IndiaOne Air | Bhubaneswar, Kolkata |
The operations at Sonari Airport are managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), which ensures that all services run smoothly and safely for passengers. While options are currently limited to one carrier, the city is hopeful for future expansion with more airlines like Akasa Air or Air India Express potentially adding Jamshedpur to their networks as infrastructure develops.
Popular Domestic Destinations & Direct Routes
Jamshedpur’s Sonari Airport is a domestic airport that currently offers direct connectivity to a select number of cities, enhancing regional travel. These direct routes are a convenient option for both business and leisure travelers looking to save time.
At present, you can fly directly from Jamshedpur to the following cities:
- Kolkata (CCU)
- Bhubaneswar (BBI)
For travel to other major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, or popular destinations such as Goa, you would need to book a connecting flight from either Kolkata or Bhubaneswar. This improved connectivity is a positive step for Jamshedpur, even with the need for connections to reach more distant locations like Ranchi by air.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jamshedpur Airport serves as a vital gateway to Tata’s home city, offering various flight options and essential amenities for travelers. With two airports catering to different needs, visitors can easily access both domestic and international destinations. Whether you’re flying from Sonari Airport or the newly developed Jamshedpur International Airport, you can expect a welcoming experience that highlights the charm of this vibrant city. As you plan your journey, remember to consider the airlines and routes available to maximize your travel experience. If you have any questions or need tips for your trip, feel free to reach out!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the airport code for Jamshedpur’s Sonari Airport?
The official IATA airport code for Sonari Airport in Jamshedpur is IXW. This three-letter code is used by airlines, travel agents, and booking websites worldwide to uniquely identify the airport. When you are booking a flight to or from Jamshedpur, you will use the code IXW.
Are there direct flights from Jamshedpur to major Indian cities?
Yes, there are direct flights from Jamshedpur’s Sonari Airport, but they currently connect to regional hubs. You can fly directly to Kolkata and Bhubaneswar. To reach major metro cities like Mumbai or Delhi, you will need to take a connecting flight from one of these directly connected cities.
What amenities are available for travelers at Jamshedpur airport?
The amenities at Sonari Airport in Jamshedpur are designed to cater to the current flight services. Travelers can find basic facilities including baggage services and a few options for snacks and refreshments. As a smaller domestic airport, the available amenities are functional and sufficient for the current passenger traffic.