Bagdogra Airport overview

Bagdogra Airport (IXB) serves Siliguri in northern West Bengal, India, and is the main air entry point for the hill country to the north. It operates as a civil enclave inside Bagdogra Air Force Station, with the Airports Authority of India running the civilian side. Travellers bound for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Mirik and Gangtok in Sikkim often start their journey here.

Bagdogra's location near Siliguri

The airport is in the town of Bagdogra, southwest of Siliguri city centre. The drive into Siliguri is short. The hill stations take several hours by road, climbing steadily into the Himalayan foothills.

Terminal and facilities at Bagdogra

A single passenger terminal handles flights, with check-in counters, food stalls and taxi booking desks. Because the airfield is shared with the Indian Air Force, security is strict and the layout is compact. A new, larger terminal is under construction to handle growing passenger numbers.

Airlines and routes from Bagdogra

Domestic flights connect Bagdogra with major Indian cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Airlines include IndiGo, Air India Express and SpiceJet. The airport also has limited international service, including flights to Paro in Bhutan with Drukair, which may run seasonally. Check the latest schedule before planning.

Getting from Bagdogra Airport onward

• Prepaid taxi: the most common way to reach Siliguri, Darjeeling or Gangtok.
• Shared jeeps and cars: run to hill stations from Siliguri and are a popular budget choice.
• Rail: New Jalpaiguri station near Siliguri links the region with the rest of India.

Places to visit from Bagdogra

Darjeeling is famous for its tea gardens and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Gangtok is the gateway to Sikkim's monasteries and mountain passes, while Kalimpong and Mirik offer quieter hill towns with views of the eastern Himalaya.

Travel tips for Bagdogra

Hill roads can be slow, especially in the monsoon, so leave a buffer before an onward flight. Some areas of Sikkim and the border region need permits, so check the rules for your destination. Compare Bagdogra flights and book on Traveloka.