Guide to Reaching Jagdalpur by Air: Closest Airports and Travel Tips

Surrounded by magnificent forests, waterfalls, caves, and temples, Jagdalpur is rich with ancient history. Identified as the gateway to Bastar’s tribe heartland, it is located in the southern region of Chhattisgarh. Jagdalpur is becoming more accessible to travelers who appreciate history, nature, and authenticity.

Train travel to Jagdalpur is still available, but with the recent implementations of the UDAN scheme, flights to Jagdalpur are now much more feasible. It is important to acknowledge that reaching Jagdalpur’s airport requires a fair bit of flexibility, considering the lack of public transport services in the area.

In this travel guide unders, we will provide you with up-to-date information on flying to Jagdalpur, including:

• Specifications about Jagdalpur Airport
• Closest Airports to Jagdalpur
• Layovers and connecting flights
• Transfers and road infrastructure
• Booking tips and safety information

Now let’s address all relevant questions you wish to consider before exploring this one-of-a-kind destination.

Is There An Airport In Jagdalpur?

Yes, Jagdalpur hasn't operational domestic airport.

Name

Jagdalpur Airport

IATA Code

JGB

Location

Approximately 4-5 kilometers from Jagdalpur city center

Type

It is a regional airport under the UDAN scheme.

Facilities

A basic terminal with security screening, waiting area, and taxi stand.

Jagdalpur airport may still be small, but it is functional and continues to support some limited but important flight connections. It was built primarily to cater to local passengers, promote tourism in the Bastar region, and link tribal regions to major cities.

Flight Connectivity to Jagdalpur

At the moment, flights connecting to Jagdalpur are being offered under the Regional Connectivity Scheme of India. There are only two routes servicing Jagdalpur from major cities Raipur and Visakhapatnam.

1. Jagdalpur (JGB) to Raipur (RPR)

• Airline: Alliance air (subsidiary of Air India)
• Flight duration: 1 hr
• Frequency: 4 to 5 times per week
• Aircraft: ATR 72 Turbo Prop

2. Jagdalpur (JGB) to Visakhapatnam (VTZ)

• Airline: Alliance Air
• Flight duration: 1 hr
• Frequency: 3-4 times a week
• Aircraft: ATR-72

✈️ Note: Flights do not operate every day so checking the schedule is critical before planning.

Closest Airports to Jagdalpur

In instances where flights have fully booked seats, Jagdalpur’s nearest major airport is a better alternative. From there, you can reach Jagdalpur via road or train.

1. Raipur Airport (RPR) – 290 km

Name: Swami Vivekananda Airport

City: Raipur (Chhattisgarh)

Driving duration from Jagdalpur: 6 – 7 Hours

Options from RPR:

• Connecting flight to JGB (if available)
• Taxi or rented car
• Bus from Raipur Pandri Bus Stand
• Overnight sleeper coaches

Advantages:

• Most suited for travelers coming from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, or Kolkata
• Direct flights from more than 10 cities to Raipur
• All major airlines operate here: IndiGo, Vistara, Air India, Akasa

When to choose:

• If there is no available Alliance Air direct flight
• If you wish to visit Bhilai/Raipur on the journey.

2. Visakhapatnam Airport (VTZ) – 300 km

Name: Visakhapatnam International Airport

City: Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh)

Driving duration from Jagdalpur: 7-8 Hours via Araku/Koraput

Advantages:

• Connected to Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata
• Located near tribal regions of Odisha and the Araku valley
• Eastern Ghats picturesque roadway

When to choose:

• If traveling to Odisha or the Andhra Pradesh side first
• For a combined tour of Vizag – Araku – Jagdalpur.

3. Hyderabad Airport (HYD) – 570 km

Name: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport

City: Hyderabad (Telangana)

Driving duration from Jagdalpur: 12 hours

No direct flights to JGB but decent road/bus connectivity.

Advantages:

• Major airport with 24×7 connectivity
• Good for travelers from South India

When to select:

• For extensive overland travel or two city combos (Hyderabad + Bastar)
• When assisted your fine with an additional road trip post flight

How to Book Flights to Jagdalpur

Because Jagdalpur is part of UDAN scheme flights by other airlines may need additional planning.

Instruction for Bookng Step By Step:

• Visit the Alliance Air official Page (https://www.allianceair.in)
• Raipur or Vizag as the starting point, and Jagdalpur as the endpoint.
• Be sure to verify and select your date. Check calendar for active days.
• If you would like to have availability, then book at least one to two weeks in advance.
• For greater convenience, carry a printout or a PDF document of your ticket incase pdf files do not open at the airport.

Travel Guidelines:

• For smooth and hassle free travel, always confirm flight status the day prior; delays can occur.
• Prefer amenities that serve breakfast as they usually are more punctual.
• Note that JGB does not have lounges or food courts. So prioritize eating beforehand.

Airport Transfers from Jagdalpur (JGB)

Jagdalpur Airport has an approximately 15 to 20 minute distance from the city. Thus, it is fairly easy to reach one’s hotel or final destination. Reach by taxi:

Taxi Services:

• Grab an airport taxi at the small kiosk outside the terminal.
• Cost: 150 to 300 rupees for city hotels.
• Timeframe: Expect it to take 10 to 15 minutes.
• You can book taxis to Chitrakote or Dantewada for approximately 2000-3500 rupees for a full day.

Auto Rickshaw:

• Found easily outside.
• Budget friendly option (80 to 150 rupees to town).

Hotel Pickups:

• Many hotels provide pickup on request which is ideal for solo and female travelers.

When is the Best Time to Fly to Jagdalpur?

While all three months remain equally temperate and dry from a weather perspective, more specifically, the winter months of October through February are the best time to travel.

March through June will be more beneficial to avoid day flights, while July through September scenic flights may be hindered by weather dependent delays or cancellations.

Lastly, flights tend to fill up fast during Bastar Dussehra (September-October).

Comparison of Air Travel Versus Road or Rail Travel To Jagdalpur – Which Is Preferable?

Verdict: Travel during festivals or if time is short, flights are preferable. For those that appreciate slow travel, road and train options provide better flexibility.

Important Information Before Travelling to Jagdalpur

• Baggage: Limited check-in allowance of 15kg and 7kg cabin.
• Flight Modifications: Required to read cancellation policy, low-cost flights are more restrictive.
• Check-In: Must be at Raipur/Vizag Airport not less than 2 hours before departure.
• COVID/Security Norms: Masks might be needed to be worn, large baggage not accepted at JGB.

Nearby Landmarks After You Land in Jagdalpur

In addition to the well-known landmarks, listed below are some of the amazing places to explore after arriving.

What if flights are cancelled?

Remain calm. Here are some solutions.

Travel from Raipur:

• Night buses(₹500 – ₹800)
• Private taxi (₹3,500 – ₹5,000)
• Self-drive rentals

Travel from Vizag:

• APSRTC buses via Araku
• Relevant rail to Koraput and taxi from there.

Reschedule Trip:

• Note most tickets need to be booked in advance as flights to surborbs are limited and direct daily flights are available quite infrequently.

Tip: If flying region unmatched domestic flights always expect weather delays where your repositioning is inflated depending directly on time spent flying to unapt regional centers.

Fly Smart, Travel Deeper

Traveling to Jagdalpur is no longer a distant dream. With the help of the UDAN scheme, this beautiful tribal area is now only an hour away from Raipur and Vizag. Of course, it is still important to book your flights in a particular region.

If you take the flight, a lot of time is saved. As you land, Jagdalpur has everything that modern India tends to forget – calm nature, earthy hospitality, and living traditions.

So lets book carefully, stay properly updated, and your trip to the soul of Chhattisgarh can start.