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Aurangabad Airport

Aurangabad, MaharashtraIXUVAAU· Gateway to Ajanta, Ellora and the Marathwada Heartland
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Aurangabad Airport, officially known as Chikkalthana Airport and coded IXU, is a civil enclave airport situated approximately 10 kilometres east of Aurangabad city in Maharashtra's Marathwada region. It serves as the primary air gateway for tourists visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. Operated by the Airports Authority of India within a defence aerodrome, the airport handles a growing volume of domestic traffic driven by cultural tourism and the expanding industrial economy of the region.

Operator
Airports Authority of India
Opened
1960
Elevation
582 m
Runways
1
Also known as
Chikkalthana Airport
Region
West India
Distance to city
Approximately 10 km east of Aurangabad city centre
annual passengers: Approximately 7-8 lakh passengers per year (pre-COVID baseline) growth: Passenger traffic has shown steady recovery post-COVID with UDAN scheme routes contributing to growth.
Official website Plan a trip to Aurangabad on TravelerPulse

Flights & airlines

Domestic destinations
MumbaiDelhiHyderabadPuneBengaluruTirupati
Airlines serving this airport
IndiGoAir IndiaSpiceJet

Cargo: Limited domestic cargo handled through the terminal; perishables and courier consignments are the primary cargo categories.

Terminal facilities

Passenger Terminal
A single integrated terminal building handling both arrivals and departures with air-conditioned waiting areas and check-in counters.
Food & Beverage Outlets
Snack bars and a cafeteria inside the terminal offering Indian meals, snacks, and beverages to departing and arriving passengers.
Car Rental & Taxi Desk
Pre-paid taxi and car-rental counters available in the arrivals hall facilitating onward travel to Ajanta, Ellora and city hotels.
ATM & Currency Exchange
ATM kiosks from nationalised banks available within the terminal; limited currency exchange services may be arranged through the bank counter.
Duty Free & Retail
Small retail outlets offer souvenirs, travel essentials, and regional handicraft items for departing passengers.
VIP/CIP Lounge
A dedicated lounge facility managed by AAI for VIP and CIP passengers with seating, refreshments, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Parking
Surface-level parking area available outside the terminal for private vehicles with short-term and extended parking options.

Getting to the airport

Pre-paid TaxiAAI-authorised pre-paid taxi service from the arrivals hall to Aurangabad city centre and major tourist sites.INR 200-400 15-25 minutes to city centre
App-based Cab (Ola/Uber)Ola and Uber cabs are available at the airport pickup zone; availability may vary during off-peak hours.INR 150-350 15-25 minutes to city centre
Auto-rickshawShared and private auto-rickshaws are available near the airport gate for short-distance travel within city limits.INR 100-200 20-30 minutes to city centre
Hotel ShuttleSeveral major hotels in Aurangabad offer complimentary or paid airport pickup and drop services on prior request.INR 0-500 20-40 minutes depending on hotel location
MSRTC BusMaharashtra State Road Transport Corporation city buses operate on routes near the airport connecting to the central bus stand.INR 20-50 30-45 minutes

Hotels near IXU

Taj Hotel & Convention Centre Aurangabad5-Star Luxury
7 km from airport · INR 7,000-18,000 per night

Iconic luxury property set amidst Mughal-inspired gardens; a landmark hospitality address in Aurangabad.

Lemon Tree Hotel Aurangabad4-Star
6 km from airport · INR 3,500-7,000 per night

Contemporary business-friendly hotel with a pool, restaurant, and good proximity to the airport and Aurangabad caves.

Hotel Rama International3-Star
8 km from airport · INR 2,000-4,500 per night

Well-regarded mid-range property popular with leisure and business travellers visiting the Ajanta-Ellora circuit.

MTDC Holiday Resort AurangabadBudget
9 km from airport · INR 1,200-2,500 per night

Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation property offering affordable accommodation close to main tourist attractions.

WelcomHotel Rama International4-Star
8 km from airport · INR 4,000-9,000 per night

ITC Hotels' WelcomHotel brand property offering comfortable rooms and dining options suited for tourism-focused guests.

Beyond the airport

Ellora Caves UNESCO World Heritage Site / Archaeological
A complex of 34 rock-cut temples spanning Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain traditions carved between the 6th and 11th centuries CE, representing one of India's greatest ancient artistic achievements.
30 km away · best: October to March
Ajanta Caves UNESCO World Heritage Site / Archaeological
A group of 30 Buddhist rock-cut cave monuments dating from the 2nd century BCE, celebrated for their extraordinary frescoes and sculptures depicting the life of the Buddha.
100 km away · best: October to February
Bibi Ka Maqbara Historical Monument
A 17th-century Mughal mausoleum built by Aurangzeb's son in memory of his mother, often referred to as the 'Taj of the Deccan' for its resemblance to the Taj Mahal.
5 km away · best: November to February
Daulatabad Fort Historical Fort
A formidable 14th-century hilltop fortress known for its complex defensive architecture and panoramic views of the Deccan plateau; a major stop on the Aurangabad heritage circuit.
15 km away · best: October to March
Panchakki (Watermill) Cultural / Heritage Site
A 17th-century water mill and garden complex built around the dargah of Sufi saint Baba Shah Musafir, featuring a large artificial lake and scenic water channels.
8 km away · best: October to March

Travel tips

  • Book taxis or cabs in advance during peak tourist season (October–February) as demand at the airport can be high.
  • Carry adequate cash as ATM and card facilities beyond the terminal are limited in the immediate airport vicinity.
  • Plan your Ajanta Caves visit separately from Ellora as they are around 100 km apart; Ellora is easier for a half-day trip from the city.
  • The airport is a civil enclave within a defence aerodrome — arrive at least 90 minutes before departure as security checks may take longer than at standalone airports.
  • Aurangabad's summers (April–June) are very hot; schedule outdoor heritage site visits in the early morning or late afternoon.
  • Hire a government-approved local guide at Ajanta and Ellora to fully appreciate the historical and artistic significance of the caves.

Development: The Airport Authority of India has proposed terminal expansion and runway upgradation works at Aurangabad Airport to enhance capacity and potentially enable international operations, with the UDAN scheme supporting new route connectivity to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities across India. Local government has also advocated for international flight operations to attract heritage tourism from overseas visitors.

Frequently asked questions

Aurangabad airport news

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Last verified 2026-09-11. Airport information changes — always confirm critical details with the airport or your airline. Source: IndianAirports.com airport directory. Found something outdated? Report incorrect information.