Hyderabad to Vishakhapatnam Air India Flights

  About Hyderabad

Hyderabad, in Andhra Pradesh, is a city that flourished during the rule of the Nizams is a place that you must visit. While it is popular for the monuments and palaces that it boasts of, it also became popular for the increasing craze of cinema and the creative liberty that the artists took to create masterpieces. It is the capital of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, both. Hyderabadi is also known for introducing the best Biryanis to the world.

Though Hyderabad has flourished and developed a lot, it has also maintained some of its old charms to keep history alive. The Charminar, which literally translates to four minarets, is a major tourist attraction in Hyderabad. You must also visit the Ramoji Film City, which is a little further away from the main city but it is totally worth it. Not only will you get to visit the magnificent film sets but you will also come across a lot of stories about the place. If you're lucky, you might even run into your favourite actor.

Hyderabadi food tends to be more on the spicier side, and if your taste buds can handle it, you'll want to pack some of it and take it back home. Apart from the monuments and palaces, Hyderabad also has a spot for all you shopaholics. It is known for its pearl jewellery. You get the best pearl and silver jewellery in the city and at an affordable price, too. The city is also popular for the Karachi Bakery, where you get the most delicious cookies, biscuits and other snacks. There's one near the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, too. Make sure you stop by to take home some delicious snacks for your family and friends.

Hyderabad also has quite a lot of clubs, fancy restaurants and malls for the youngsters. You'll find a lot of upcoming new cafes and coffee breweries in the city, too. The city has a blend of old and new traditions. The Golconda Fort is a popular tourist attraction in Hyderabad. It is one of India's many architectural wonders and is built on a 400-feet high granite hill. There is a particular location below the entrance dome under which, if you clap, it will be heard a kilometre away at a pavilion. This is one of the major accomplishments of the fort, and this was made so a message could be delivered to the royals in advance, in case there was an impending attack. It was built in the 12th century and is a highly recommended place to visit.

The Chowmahalla Palace was built in the 18th century, and it spells grandeur. Spot the Belgian crystal chandeliers and white marble floors that will make you want to redecorate your own house. The Hussain Sagar Lake is an artificial lake that used to be Hyderabad's water supply before two more lakes were built. A statue of Buddha is lit up at night and stands tall in the middle of the lake. You can go boating here and soak in the serene view. The sunset is breathtaking from the lake.

The Ramoji Film City is the world's biggest film studio complex and welcomes tourists from all over the country. You can even book a hotel within the complex since it is quite far away from the city. You can opt for a tour guide who will show you around the city or one of the tour buses that have a group of tourists to get around the complex. If you are lucky, you might even come across your favourite celebrity in the film complex.

Best Time to Visit Hyderabad

Hyderabad witnesses winters from November to February. The temperature drops down to 13 degrees Celsius and goes up to 25 degree Celsius maximum. Winters are quite chilly and are also ideal for sightseeing in the city. This is also the best time for you to go shopping and there are chances that the markets will be crowded since it's the peak season for the city.

It rains in Hyderabad from August to October. It gets rainfall that's moderate to heavy, which works really well since the city becomes greener. The rains are quite unpredictable, and it might make you sit in your hotel room instead of venturing out. But you can head out when the rainfall is mediocre.

Hyderabad sees a long summer that starts from March and lasts till July. May and July witness the highest temperatures that also brings in humidity. Summer is not a very favourable time for you to plan your trip to Hyderabad, but you can visit the city during winter or the initial days of monsoon.

Places to visit in Hyderabad

The Golconda Fort is one of the oldest and an important place to visit in Hyderabad. Ruins of the fort are worth visiting. It gives you a sneak peek into the history, and you'll even come across a few untold stories. Charminar is yet another monument that is deemed important and is buzzing with tourists all year round.

Ramoji Film City is also one of the most popular destinations in Hyderabad. It is the world's biggest film studios complex, and it even says so in the Guinness World Book of Records. Since Ramoji Film City is quite far from the city, you should dedicate an entire day to exploring the film studio complex. You can book an accommodation stay or within the complex to avoid hectic travelling.

The Hussain Sagar Lake is another major attraction and best way to spend the evening. Catch the sunset at the manmade lake and grab your favourite chaat at the stalls around the lake. Chowmahalla Palace is another place you must visit to experience the grandiose and luxe of palace life.

Things to do in Hyderabad

Hyderabad is a city for all kinds of tourists. You can go on a historical tour to all the monuments, forts and museums or you can go partying at some of the most happening places. Or just make a list of restaurants that are popular in the city and eat at all of them. Book a tour to the Ramoji Film City instead of trying to take things in your own hands. It will be more comfortable, and you won't feel all lost when you reach the location on your own. Not to mention, a tour guide always has interesting, untold stories to tell while taking you on tour. Go for a drive at the Queen's Necklace in the evening, and you won't regret it. It will be an evening well spent.

You can also visit the NTR Gardens which was made as a tribute to former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and celebrated actor, NT Rama Rao. If you are travelling with your kids, they will surely enjoy spending time here. Learn more about the history of Hyderabad and everything that has changed over time. Hyderabad is also known for the gems that it sells. You can buy as many pearl or silver jewellery as you please. There are a lot of authentic jewellery stores in the city where you will find precisely what you want without shelling out more money.

Food and Restaurants in Hyderabad

You can order a Hyderabadi Biryani wherever you go in Hyderabad. It's one of the most famous biryanis in the country, and you can order it without hesitating from any restaurant that you find. Try the Boti Kebab at Hotel Shadab in Ghansi Bazaar or Paradise at Paradise Circle in Secunderabad. It's a special kebab that you will enjoy from the first till the last bite. Qubani Ka Meetha is yet another Hyderabadi dessert that you must try. While you are at Hotel Shadab, do try the Mirchi ka Salan, another popular dish in Hyderabad.

How to reach Hyderabad

By Air

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is the nearest airport to Hyderabad but is quite far away from the main city. The flight connectivity is pretty strong. It connects all the domestic routes to Hyderabad and international routes from the city, too. All the major cities are well-connected by air. Do look for decent flight deals online and see if you can manage to get cheap flight tickets. Though the main city is quite far from the airport, you will get a private taxi or bus quite easily from the airport.

By Rail

Hyderabad is well-connected to all the other cities by rail through Secunderabad, Hyderabad and Kachiguda railway stations. Most trains that are travelling to and from major metropolitan cities pass through Secunderabad station. Train journeys are quite comfortable, and if you do not have any time constraints, you can opt for a train journey.

By Road

Buses and private taxis run to and from Hyderabad quite frequently. In fact, you can get private buses that run to Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai, too. There are quite buses connecting Andhra Pradesh to other neighbouring states, too.

  About Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam also called as Vizag in Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the oldest port cities in the country and is known for its beautiful beaches. Not only is it one of the best holiday destinations in the country, but it is also quite affordable. Holidaying in Vizag will not burn a hole in your pocket. Yarada Beach, Katiki waterfalls, the Submarine Museum, Rishikonda beach, Ross Hill church are some of the places in the city that you can visit. There is more than these, and it's like paradise for beach bums who cannot get enough of the beaches and caves. For the ones who love mountains, Araku Valley in Vizag is the place for you to go.

Best Time to Visit Visakhapatnam

October to March is the most ideal time to plan a trip to Vizag. The temperature is just right for this vacation destination that is on the coast of the Bay of Bengal. It won't affect your beach time or your plans to experience other outdoor activities, too. Book a hotel room in Vizag with a beach view to make the most of the weather. Winter starts in October and lasts until March. The temperature ranges from 15 to 27 degree Celsius. You will also get to be a part of festivals like the Visakha Utsav, Pongal and other beach festivals that are celebrated here. This is also considered to be the best time to indulge in water activities and competitions that are hosted here. You will also find decent flight deals to Vizag during this time.

Monsoon starts from July till September end. The port city receives moderate to heavy rainfall during this time, and the temperature ranges from 27 to 35 degree Celsius. The weather is quite humid, and the heavy downpour will only make it difficult for you to venture out. Although, if you are planning a staycation of sorts, this might be the perfect time to do so. You will get cheap flight tickets to Vizag since it is offseason. You can book a hotel in Vizag with the beach view or that of the Araku Valley to feel rejuvenated.

April to June is when the city witnesses summer. The scorching heat makes it quite exhausting and unbearable to hit the beach. The temperature ranges from 22 to 41 degree Celsius during this time. You will not be able to enjoy the breathtaking view of the city or explore other parts of the city during this time. It is best to plan a trip during the winter only.

Places to Visit in Visakhapatnam

Since Vizag is a port city that is situated on the banks of the Bay of Bengal, it is known for its sparkling blue beaches. Yarada beach is popular for its spectacular view. The Rama Krishna Mission Beach is yet another beach that you must visit to feel all rejuvenated. It will feel like the best, most peaceful escape from your hectic life. The Rishikonda Beach is called the Jewel of the East Coast, and you won't deny it when you visit the place. The beach also has water sport activities for the adventure lover in you. It is called the Rishikonda beach since it is overlooked by the Rushikonda Hill and is a popular spot for tourists to visit. The Bheemili beach is where the Gosthani river meets the Bay of Bengal. The beach and the area around it reflects the Dutch era and was built in the 17th century. Make sure you check out the remnants of the old forts and cemeteries. This is the perfect place to go to if you want to avoid being in a city. Lawson's Bay beach is a top-rated beach and an extension of the Ramakrishna beach. It is also a secluded beach and the best one if you want to unwind, relax and enjoy the tranquillity.

Apart from the beaches, Vizag also has hills and wildlife to experience for tourists. Araku Valley is a must-visit if you love and want to be around greenery. You will find coffee plantations in the valley, and this place is also like paradise for nature lovers. It is also a great spot to take beautiful pictures. Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across 71 square kilometres area and is named after the mountain Kambalakonda. You will come across endangered species of animals like the Indian Leopard, Russell's Viper, Indian Muntjac and so on. You won't regret planning a trip to the Araku valley at all. The Katiki Waterfalls is another popular tourist spot in the city near the Araku Valley. You can also go trekking at this location.

Things to do in Visakhapatnam

One thing is certain, you will never get bored in Vizag, even if you have nothing planned for the entire day or if you have run out of things to do. If you are done with all your sightseeing and outdoor activities, you can always either sit by the beach with a book or take a walk at the Ramakrishna beach followed by the Lawson's Bay beach. It will rejuvenate your mind and take you to your happy place. The sunset, especially, is so pleasant and enchanting that you wouldn't even have to put in efforts to create a romantic setup. Catch the Dhimsa performance, a dance act that is performed by artists in Araku Valley's cultural event. You'll be stunned with all the expert moves and the colourful performances. You can also go visit the coffee plantations along with the mesmerizing waterfalls in the valley. It is overwhelming and will certainly make you happy. Of course, it also calls for a lot of pictures.

Check out the water sport activities available at the Rushikonda beach like water skiing, jet skiing, parasailing and so on. If you go during the right season, you might get to try all of it. You can also just go for a swim if adventure sports is not your thing. Not to mention, the snacks and seafood stalls around the beach serve the most delicious food. Kailasagiri is a hilltop that is popular for its large idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. You can either reach the hilltop via the cable car or trek up to the top.

Food and Restaurants in Visakhapatnam

Food in Vizag is a combination of all the cities and cultures around it. Hyderabadi Biryani is a favourite among the locals here and tourists, too. You'll get North Indian food with a blend of Andhra cuisine. It goes without saying that dosas, idlis and upmas are popular in the city. But apart from these, people also love the pickles, chutneys, Appadams, Pachadi, Pappu Koora, Vepudu and Garelu. Muri Mixture is also a very popular snack in the port city. The food here in Vizag will instantly lift your spirits. While a lot of the Andhra-inspired cuisines will be spicy and tangy, you also get Chinese, Continental and other cuisines because it is a popular vacation spot. The desserts, too, are worth a try.

If you get a Biryani craving at around midnight, make sure you head straight to Greenpark Midnight Biryani. The menu doesn't change very often here, but the food is mouthwatering, and the ice cream with gulab jamun is highly recommended after you are done savouring the biryani. Sri Sairam Parlour is another restaurant that is popular in Vizag. You can head here for breakfast, lunch, dinner or evening snacks, too. It won't burn a hole in your pocket, the food is delicious, and it serves only vegetarian food.

How to reach Visakhapatnam (Transportation)

By Air

Visakhapatnam is well-connected to a lot of other cities in the country by air. The Visakhapatnam Airport is about 8 km away from the city. Flights from Visakhapatnam fly to domestic cities but also to a few international locations like Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. The flight connectivity from Vizag is excellent. Make sure you book your flight tickets to Vizag well in advance if you are travelling during the peak season. You might also come across decent flight deals to Vizag if you book in advance.

By Rail

Visakhapatnam Junction is connected to all major cities in India like New Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata and so on. You will find the Janmabhoomi Express, Konark Express, Samta Express and a couple of other trains stopping at Vizag. From the railway station, you will get a taxi or a bus from outside the station without any hassle. You might have to book your train tickets well in advance to block better seats because it might get difficult to get a decent one at the last moment.

By Road

Domestic routes to Vizag are from cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, Vijayawada, Puri and Kolkata. You will get quite a few buses and taxis that will drop you to or leave from Vizag. It's not one of the most popular ways to travel, but it's not an inconvenient option, too. The NH5 is a popular route to Vizag that connects the port city to Kolkata. The travel time depends on which part of the country you leave from and which route you take.

 About Air India

Air India was the first Indian airline that went by the name Tata Airways when it was launched. Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata launched it in 1932 in Karachi. The first flight was from Karachi to Mumbai and then to Chennai. The airline became a public limited company after World War II, under the name Air India. In 1948, a Lockheed Constellation L-749A called the Malabar Princess landed in London Heathrow from Bombay, which was the airline's first international flight. Air India got its first Boeing 707-420 and became the first Asian airline to enter the Jet Age. It launched services to New York in 1960. It took delivery of its first Boeing 747-200B in 1971 and named it Emperor Ashoka. It acquired its first Airbus A310-300 in 1986 and Boeing 747-400 in 1993 which was named Konark later. The airline also operated its first non-stop flight between New York and Delhi during this year. In 2007, Air India merged with Indian Airlines under Air India Limited. They acquired their first Boeing 777 that year. Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is Air India's main hub. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai is the secondary hub. Chennai International Airport, Cochin International Airport, Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad and Trivandrum International Airport are its focus cities domestically.

Air India made Frankfurt Airport its international hub in 2009 for onward connections to the United States of America from India. Still, they had to shut it down because of high operating costs. In 2010, Air India decided to open a new hub for its international flights in Dubai. The airline's financial growth has been a topic of conversation for decades. For years, there were debates around the privatisation of Air India, but the Government of India refused to go ahead with it. When it did decide to hand over responsibility to private companies, no one came forward. Air India launched its low-cost airline, Air India Express, a couple of years back that majorly flew to countries in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Despite suffering losses in the market and going through a lot of ups and downs, the airline is functioning since it is the national carrier.

Air India has also gone through a lot of modifications with its brand logo and mascot. The Maharajah is the main mascot of the airline and was created by Bobby Kooka, the commercial director of Air India then and Umesh Rao, who was an artist with J Walter Thompson Limited in 1946. The mascot was given a makeover in 2015, and the airline decided to go with a younger version of Maharajah. Since India's colour scheme is red and white, the airline's logo also incorporates the same in its logo. The name of the airline is written in Hindi and English in red. The first logo of the airline was a centaur shooting an arrow in a circle which represented the wheel of Konark. However, the airline decided to give its logo a makeover in 2007, which was a flying swan with the wheel of Konark in it.

Fleet Size of Air India

Air India had started its operations with a de Havilland Puss Moth aircraft back in 1932. It inducted its first Boeing 707-420 later on and named it Gauri Shankar. It became the first Asian airline to add a jet aircraft in its fleet. Since it is the oldest airline in the country, it has both Boeing and Airbus aircraft in its fleet. It inducted its first Boeing 747-400 in 1993 and named it Konark. The airline inducted its first Airbus A320-200 aircraft in 1989 which now covers both domestic and international short hauls. The airline has a total of 70 Airbus aircraft including one A320 Classic, 4 A320ceo, 19 A319 aircraft, 20 A321, 5 A320ceo (Single Configuration), 27 A320neo and 3 A319 (Single Configuration). It has a total of 172 narrow-body aircraft and 49 wide-body aircraft. Air India uses one of the five Boeing 747-400s as VIP flights. Air India grounded its last Airbus A320 classic fleet in 2019, and the last flight flew from Delhi to Mumbai.

Air India had also sold five of its Boeing 777-200LR aircraft to Etihad Airways in 2013 to make up for its financial losses. The airline also had plans to introduce long flights to Seattle, Los Angeles and San Francisco but had to cancel, owing to weak demand and high fuel prices.

Baggage Allowance

Air India has certain baggage allowance rules and regulations that every passenger must follow. As per Air India's baggage allowance rules, you cannot carry cabin luggage that exceeds 8 kg, and your check-in luggage cannot exceed 20 kg. If you are flying internationally and if you are a premium club member, you will be allowed up to 40 kg of baggage. Even if you are ready to pay extra, your hand baggage cannot exceed 10 kg. First Class passengers are allowed a maximum of 40 kg baggage while Business Class passengers can only carry 35 kg. If you are travelling by the Economy Class, your baggage cannot exceed 25 kg. However, if you have an infant travelling with you, an extra 10 kg baggage allowance is offered by the airline. Make sure you inform the airline staff well in advance if your luggage is going to exceed the allowed weight. The airline has also made web check-in quite convenient for its passengers. You can either log in to the website and get it done, or you can get in touch with the call centre. The executives will help you get your web check-in done. It is best to get your web check-in done in advance, so you get to pick the right seat instead of settling for something chosen by the staff at the airport.

In-flight Services

Air India's First Class is royalty and luxury personified. The seats recline up to 180-degree, and the interiors are a sight for sore eyes. In addition to the ultra-comfortable seating, Air India's in-flight services are extremely efficient, and the best part is that the first-class cabin only seats 12 passengers. You can order your favourite cocktails and cuisines that are a treat to your taste buds. You can also do all of your duty-free shopping onboard. The first-class and business class cabins are also equipped with the Thales i3000 in-flight entertainment system. You can access five channels in Hindi and English. You can also browse through Air India's in-flight magazine called Shubh Yatra. First Class and Business Class passengers can also access the Maharaja Lounge. Business-class passengers are treated to plush seats and lip-smacking entrees that are accompanied with wine. You also get an exclusive check-in and lounge facility. Don't fret if you are not travelling by the premium class. Economy class passengers have complimentary refreshments and meals on all of their flights. You will also get complimentary liquor or wine on the international flights. The airline staff makes sure that passengers have a great time during their journey.

Popular Routes and Top Cities for Air India

Air India connects to various domestic and international routes daily. Since it is one of the oldest and the first airlines, it connects to more cities domestically and internationally. It connects to approximately 102 destinations like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and so on. It also flies to international destinations that cover the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Air India has frequent flights running to other destinations and makes sure you have had a great journey as well. Do make sure that you get your web check-in done well in advance.

Why Travel by Air India?

Air India is the national airline and has been in the airline industry since 1932. The airline makes sure that you have had a comfortable journey and seldom leaves any room for complaints. It has maintained its legacy of making sure that every passenger gets a royal treatment. It is also one of the very few airlines in the country that offers first-class flights to its passengers. You can check Air India's flight schedule and your flight status on their website. Even if you cannot access the website for some reason, you will certainly get updates and messages from the airline regarding the same. It also makes web check-in quite easy for its passengers. The staff is well-equipped to solve any grievances or requests put forth by passengers. You can book an Air India flight from the website. You can also get in touch with your travel agent and get them to book the ticket for you. It would be best if you experienced the royal treatment and luxury of being Air India's first-class passenger at least once in your life. The airline has come a long way and continues to give its passengers the best services and experience. The airline also makes sure that the flights run on time.

  About Hyderabad Airport

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport or Hyderabad Airport serves as the international airport to the city of Hyderabad in Telangana state. The airport is situated about 24 km in the South of Hyderabad, in Shamshabad. The Hyderabad Airport has one passenger terminal which caters to both, domestic and international airlines. The airport also has a cargo terminal as well as two runways. An aviation training facility is also prevalent at the airport along with a fuel farm and a solar power plant. It is recognized as the sixth busiest airport in India, in terms of passenger traffic. The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport also caters as a hub to airlines such as Alliance Air, SpiceJet, Lufthansa Cargo, TruJet, Quikjet Cargo and IndiGo. Hyderabad is a focus city for Air India.

About Hyderabad Airport Terminals

The Hyderabad International Airport has one only terminal which integrates the domestic and international sides of terminals. The area covered is 1,133,000 sq ft and has a scope to accommodate 12 million passengers in a year. While the western wing of the airport terminal takes care of the international flights, the eastern side takes cate of domestic flight operations. There are about 96 check-in counters, 19 self-check-in kiosks and close to 46 counters of immigration. A total of nine gates are present at the airport, located on the south of the terminal whereas there are two more in the north. Passenger lounge facilities are available and provided by the Plaza Premium Lounge. Separate lounges for VIP are also available in the terminal. The airport has ten aerobridges and about 57 parking bays. GHIAL recently added 26 more parking bays to the are, taking the new tally to 83 parking bays.

About airport authority

The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport or RGIA is possessed and operated by GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd. (GHIAL). It is a public-private undertaking which comprises of public entities, including the Airports Authority of India and the Government of Telangana, along with private organizations namely, GMR Group and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad. While the AAI and Government of Telangana hold 13 per cent respectively, the private entities such as GMR Group and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad have 63 and 11 per cent holdings respectively. According to the agreement acknowledged by GHIAL and the Central Government, GHIAL has the right to function the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport for 30 years. Further from the completion of the years, GHIAL further receives an option to choose if they wish to continue another 30 years of association.

Facilities at Hyderabad Airport

Special assistance - The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport has provisions to cater to the travellers ranging from escorting senior citizens to portage facilities. Some of the special assistance features include asking for baby strollers, to help expectant mothers or senior citizens with wheelchairs, helping passengers with mobility issues, helping accompany minors, catering to passengers who are travelling with pets, buggy services and other such concerns. You can avail the services at the information desk. Or you can make prior intimation with the airlines that would help the staff be prepared for your demands.

VIP facilities - The airport does have several VIP services available. As it is one of the top 10 international airports in the country, the services are quite world-class, including the lounge accommodation. There are meeting rooms and lounge areas for travellers with first-class or business class tickets. There are showers and spas also available at the airport to help in-transit passengers to relax. In fact, the VIP lounges and hotels where travellers can relax before they take their connecting flight.

Restaurants and cafes - You will find some excellent restaurants and food establishments at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. This includes small food and beverage kiosks and a dedicated food court. There are global food joints such as KFC, Subway, McDonald's and more. Some of them are also available at the departure and arrival areas. The departure zones at domestic and international terminals also have upscale restaurants and bars that you can check out.

Lost and found - The airport also offers lost and found services that you can avail. The centre is open 24/7, so you can visit the room whenever there is an item that you have lost. You will need your boarding card, photo identity card (this could include passport, visa, driver's licence, voter's card, etc.) and a proof that substantiates the fact that you are the rightful owner of the lost item. In case you are unable to visit the lost and found centre yourself, you can send a representative. However, while you do that, you will need to provide an authorized letter from the passenger and include a description of the lost item. The said person will also need to show relevant ID proofs.

Prayer room - Rajiv Gandhi International Airport also has convenient prayer/multifaith rooms within the premise of the passenger terminal building. There are two rooms present at the airport.

Baggage - The luggage facilities at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport are also top-notch. As the airport caters to domestic and international passengers, the airport does have luggage services include wrapping and porter facilities. To avoid theft and mishandling of luggage, you can opt for baggage plastic wrapping. There are trolleys also available at the departure and arrival gates of the terminal building.

Child care centre - There are dedicated child care rooms available at the arrival and departure zones of the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. The rooms are well-maintained and cleaned properly. The airport staff also keep the child care rooms clean and sanitized. There are baby products also available as are provisions of a comfortable chair for feeding and changing table for a diaper change.

Medical services - The airport also reserved medical services to aid to emergency cases. They are available at proper intervals to ensure that the help arrives quickly in time of immediate assistance. You can also visit the information desk to get hold of some medical assistance. The medical services are provided by Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited. It is a 24/7 service with pharmacy and paramedics. The airport also has well-trained doctors available who cater to the treatment centre. There is a dedicated ambulance service also available at the airport.

Airport transit hotel - One of the highlights of the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is that the airport accommodates a hotel for in-transit passengers. You can get more details on the same at the information desk, available at all intervals. The airport has lodge services with AC and Non-AC dorms. The prices of the same are mentioned on the website of GHIAL as well as at the information desk. You can further opt for deluxe rooms and shower booths as well, to freshen up.

Top airlines flying from Hyderabad Airport

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is known to serve about 18 international destinations and 45 domestic cities. As one of the top ten busiest airports in India, Hyderabad Airport's connectivity in terms of domestic as well as international cities is excellent. It manages to connect several cities and is also known to operate a plethora of airlines. The Hyderabad airport is recognized to serve domestic airlines such as Air India, Alliance Air, Vistara, GoAir, IndiGo, SpiceJet and TruJet. Not just major cities in India but Hyderabad also provides great service to connect to smaller cities and towns too. While the prominent domestic airlines from Hyderabad Airport cater to major cities such as Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Jaipur, Pune, Visakhapatnam and Guwahati, it also has connectivity with smaller cities.

As the city also caters to connecting 18 international destinations, the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport also has tremendous globally recognized airlines. Air Arabia, Air Asia, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, Gulf Air, Jazeera Airways, Malaysian Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Silkair, Srilankan Airlines, Thai Airways and Flynas, are some of the airlines that operate from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. The airport also plays the role of connecting domestic cities to international airlines to fly abroad. Cities such as Sharjah, Kuwait, Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, London, Colombo-Bandaranaike, Doha, to name a few, have good connectivity from the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.

How to reach Hyderabad Airport

Thanks to the services provided by the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation, the accessibility to reach Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is excellent. There are direct buses that are provided for individuals travelling from the city centre to the airport. It is one of the most comfortable transport facilities to reach Hyderabad Airport. A flyover was constructed to reach the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport without facing excess traffic. The flyover has been constructed on the National Highway 44 and National Highway 765, interspersed with the Outer Ring Road. Called the PV Narasimha Rao Expressway, the flyover is perfect and helps reach the Hyderabad Airport without dealing with the city traffic. Although the Hyderabad Metro Rail's second phase is in the works to connect a line to the airport terminal, it is still in the process. Taxi cabs are the best modes of transport that can be considered to reach Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.

  About Visakhapatnam Airport

Visakhapatnam Airport is a recognised custom airport that is located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The airport also operates as a civil enclave on an Indian Navy air base called INS Dega. The airport is sandwiched between the locales of NAD Cross Road as well as Gajuwaka. Over the years, the airport has witnessed significant growth after entering the 21st century. A new terminal was constructed with a concrete runway and provisions for international flight operations. The airport is sprawled across 350 acres of land in the coastal city. In the 1990s, Visakhapatnam Airport was undergoing a redevelopment phase which resulted in low air traffic. Not to mention, the airport only catered to one daily flight. However, in the following ten years, the airport saw some extensive redevelopment. The runways were extended from 6,000 ft to 10,500 ft, allowing narrow-body aircraft such as Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 to land. The same year, an instrumental landing system was also installed which enabled night landing facilities at the airport. Initially, Visakhapatnam Airport only used this for military operations. However, the ILS soon became operational for passenger aircraft. In 2009, the airport finally inaugurated its new terminal which started functioning, the same year.

About Visakhapatnam Airport Terminals

The airport has a domestic terminal and a cargo terminal. The airport's domestic terminal operates services for regional cities. Basically, the airport caters to services from around the country. While Visakhapatnam Airport started by accommodating single flights in a day, it soon rose to become a sought-after airport with more domestic flights. Various airlines such as Air India, SpiceJet and IndiGo, along with a few more, operate from the domestic terminal. The airport connects to a vast number of major and minor cities in India. These include Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Kochi and Patna, to name a few. The terminal has been divided into two sides, one that opens to the city side and the other that goes straight to the airside. A designated cargo terminal is also available at the airport. The cargo terminal basically caters to import and export services from international cities such as Colombo and Dubai. The two leading cargo airlines to connect to Visakhapatnam Airport include Expoair Cargo and Naki Air. The carrier offers transportation of goods to and from India to two international cities.

About airport authority

Visakhapatnam Airport is owned and operated by the Airport Authority of India while the Indian Navy also plays a pivotal role. Management functions and operations are primarily taken care of by the Airport Authority of India. The airport is recognised as the second busiest in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Currently, the airport is said to function between 8 am and 8 pm only as they are yet to accommodate night flights. Visakhapatnam Airport is a non-towered airport that is often integrated with the latest air traffic control system. There are a total of 11 parking bays located in the airport premise while it has the capacity to handle 300 passengers arriving and 700 passengers departing. The aviation operations of Visakhapatnam Airport was started by the Indian Navy in the late 1970s. They constructed four helipads that are adjacent to the civil airstrip. The airport's operations were then transferred to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation in 1981. Following the transfer of management, the airport added hangars, maintenance facilities and an operational complex. Eventually, though, the airport's management operations were taken up by AAI.

Facilities At Visakhapatnam Airport

Baggage - The airport has installed hi-tech baggage facilities to scan the bags as well as to upscale its security. There are X-ray scanners that the bags need to be put in for security checks. The whole idea behind installing high technology bag scanners is to ensure that the bags are preserved, and the airport's safety measures are followed. Aside from the scanners, Visakhapatnam Airport also has special baggage services available. You will find trolleys at every junction of the departure and arrival section of the terminal. Plus, there are wrapping services also available at the airport to safeguard your bags from mishandling and theft.

Restaurants and cafes - Within the airport premise, there are small food establishments as well as restaurants available. Famous food joints such as Subway and McDonald's are present at the premise of the airport. Not to mention, there are quaint food joints located as well as beverage points. You can find coffee and tea stalls within the airport premise.

Special assistance - Visakhapatnam Airport offers special assistance to passengers who have mobility issues or require to be escorted in the airport premise. You can inform the airlines about the requirement, and the airport will find an ideal professional to help you with assistance.

Duty-free shops - As an airport that caters to cargo services, there are duty-free shops also available in the premise. You can find these shows at the departure as well as the arrival sections of the terminal. Dry Fruit Shop and garment shops are also present at the airport, in case you need to purchase some last-minute gifts for family members and friends. There are convenience stores also available that you can peruse through as you wait for your flights.

ATMs - There are provisions for ATMs also prevalent at the airport. To ensure that the passengers are able to withdraw money or even make other bank-related transfers.

Lounge - There are dedicated VIP lounges and basic lounges available at the airport. The VIP ones are usually reserved for the passengers who have special tickets or memberships. Basic lounge facilities are also available at the departure area for passengers to wait at before boarding the flight.

Medical services - With a view to helping out medical emergencies, Visakhapatnam Airport has installed rooms and facilities. There are medical emergency rooms available, as well as pharmacies. For last-minute medication purchases, the airport does offer the same services.

Smoking rooms - As smoking is an offence in the public space, the airport has also reserved smoking lounges. Travellers can access the smoking lounges at the airport's departure and arrival sections of the terminal.

Top airlines flying from Visakhapatnam Airport

As of 2020, Visakhapatnam Airport caters to a few domestic airlines and international ones too. The airport accommodates airlines such as AirAsia India, Air India, Alliance Air and IndiGo. These airlines operate from Visakhapatnam Airport to major cities in the country. Much of the cities though are limited to southern states. Cities such as Bangalore, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Chennai, Rajahmundry, Port Blair, have flights flying to and from Visakhapatnam Airport. Along with this, Visakhapatnam Airport also caters to flights flying to and from Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. Besides these cities, the airport connects to a few international destinations as well. Air Asia and Scoot are the two international airlines that operate from Visakhapatnam Airport. Further, the flights from these international airlines connect to cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Dubai.

How to reach Visakhapatnam Airport

By bus and taxi

The central bus stand of Visakhapatnam is approximately 18.5 kilometres away from the Visakhapatnam Airport. Although reaching the Visakhapatnam Airport from the bus is challenging, there are cabs and taxi services that can reach the bus stand without much hassle. There are no dedicated bus stands that are located in the proximity of the airport. Travellers often choose to reach the Visakhapatnam Airport by first reaching the bus stand. Since it has interstate bus services, often from the bus stand, there are provisions of taxi cab services to reach Visakhapatnam Airport. It is essential to discuss the fare with the taxi cab drivers ahead of the journey. It shouldn't take more than 20 minutes to reach Visakhapatnam Airport from the bus stand. However, it does depend on the traffic situation.

By Rail

The Visakhapatnam railway station is just seven kilometres away from the airport. Hence, it is considered to be one of the most sought-after modes of transport to reach Visakhapatnam Airport. The railways have good connection within the city and the state. Hence, travellers opt for railways as a convenient and affordable means to reach the Visakhapatnam Airport. The taxi cab fare also reduces considerably from the railway station to the airport. It is also very comfortable and convenient in terms of travel time.

About Vishakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam is known to be the largest city in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The city is located on the coast and is sandwiched between the Bay of Bengal and the Eastern Ghats. After the decentralisation of Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Visakhapatnam was appointed as the administrative capital of the state. It is the fourth most populous city in South India. Visakhapatnam Port is also recognised to be one of the most important ports in the country and the fifth-busiest cargo port. It is also the headquarters to the Indian Navy's Eastern Command. The city is a big tourist hub in Andhra Pradesh and is especially known for its gorgeous beaches and lovely shores.