Jodhpur to Ranchi Flights

  About Jodhpur

The second-largest city in Rajasthan after the capital Jaipur is historically rich Jodhpur. The city is often a haven for travellers seeking to learn more about the history and delve into the cultural heritage. From magnificent forts flaunting the architectural prowess to the luxurious escapades offered, Jodhpur easily becomes one of the best cities to head for a vacation.

Due to its stature as a big city, Jodhpur's flight connectivity to other major cities is excellent. Not to mention how the range of accommodations ranges from lavish to affordable. Ahead of your big trip, make sure to book your hotels in Jodhpur and let the city pamper you with its richness.

Best time to visit Jodhpur

The winters in Jodhpur have a comforting vibe that would make anyone extend their trip. The city faces beautiful and serene winters as the temperature drops to 10 degree Celsius while it only rises to 24 degree Celsius during the day. The winter season starts from October and lasts till March. These five months in Jodhpur are blissful as the sun isn't too hot and scorching. If you plan to book flight tickets to Jodhpur, then opt for one of the winter months. Newlyweds who are planning a honeymoon should give Jodhpur a thought for their destination. The place is historically and culturally rich, not to mention romantic.

The months from March to June are observed as summer season. Since it is a desert state, the summers are lethal as the temperatures soar up to 42 degree Celsius. While the evenings can be considerably pleasant if you do visit Jodhpur, you will be too tired by the data's heat to enjoy the evenings. Engaging in sightseeing will especially be tough considering how the temperatures would suck the life out of you. Flight tickets to Jodhpur are exceptionally cheap during summer. You might even crack some flight deals online for booking Jodhpur tickets.

Jodhpur receives scanty rainfall since it is in a dry state. While the temperatures do drop come monsoon, the humidity also skyrockets. The season is definitely not the best time to visit Jodhpur. However, to ensure that travellers continue to visit them, the hotels come up with flash sales and interesting deals. With a view to attracting travellers, crazy accommodation deals are offered by hoteliers. If the weather can't bring down your spirit, then go ahead, book a hotel room in Jodhpur and have an off-season vacation.

Places to see in Jodhpur

One of the biggest highlights of Jodhpur is the Mehrangarh Fort. Built by Rao Jodha back in 1460 AD, it is one of the most exquisite hill forts that you will find in Rajasthan. Not to mention the flawless construction and architecture matched with the grandiose of red sandstone make it a sight for sore eyes. The experience will be one of a kind. Well, when you're in Jodhpur, wouldn't you want to check out the place where Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas tied the knot? The palatial wedding took place at the Umaid Bhavan Palace, another major attraction in the city. Perhaps you too can plan out your fairytale wedding as Taj Group of Hotels partly operates the palace.

Jodhpur has far too many forts that must be explored. Owing to their illustrious history and the Raja-Maharaja heritage, places like Jaswant Thada, Chand Baori, Raas Haveli, Umaid Heritage Art School, Masuriya Hill Garden, etc., should definitely be in your itinerary as you explore Jodhpur. Plus, there are many temples in the city such as Osian temple, Mahamandir, Om Banna Temple, Chamunda Mata temple and more that you can visit.

Things to do in Jodhpur

Tripolia market

No trip is complete without a little indulgence in splurging at shopping complexes. At Jodhpur, you can find some exquisite Jodhpuri style footwear, accessories and clothes. From pretty batik sarees to chunky metal accessories, the market will cater to your shopping needs.

Party at the Trophy Bar

Jodhpur is for the royals, and those who enjoy extravagant experiences should go to the city's Trophy Bar. Located in the Umaid Bhavan Palace, party like a royal at this sports-themed place while downing rich Rajasthani cuisine.

Photography at the Machia Biological Park

If you are a photography enthusiast, then the Machia Biological Park would give you the best models to cover. Visit the biological park along with your professional cameras. At the park, you will get to spot animals such as lions, wolves, tigers, jackals, gharial, leopards, sloths, porcupines and deer. The park also hosts bird-watching tours so if you wish to enhance your experience further, you can enrol for the expedition.

Camel safari followed by dinner

Camel safaris are a rage in Rajasthan and Jodhpur is no different to this fervour. A little away from the main city, there are many campsites that conduct adventure activities in the desert. You can indulge in camel safari followed by sublime food and camping. The perks of Jodhpur is the extravagance it comes with. You can opt for luxurious camping amid sand dunes and let the tranquillity of the desert coddle you.

Food and Restaurants in Jodhpur

When it comes to food, Rajasthani cuisine is wholesome and too good for words. The vegetarian spread of a thali with bajra roti, gatta curry, Dal paneer, Dal baati churma, Marwari pulao and more form quite the harmony of taste in the mouth. No matter how much you try, the delicious spread with dollops of ghee tempt you to eat till your stomach can't take it. And even if you do manage to finish what has been served to you, they come with more variety and food that you've never heard of. They believe in great hospitality and ensure that you return with a satiated smile.

When you visit Jodhpur, be prepared for a feast because their restaurants with lengthy food menu will entice you to order platter after platter of dishes. Speaking of which, when you're in the city, do visit Shandar Sweet Home and immerse yourself in the traditional desserts of the Rajasthanis. From Dahi vada to gulab jamun ki sabzi, you will be amazed and intrigued by their dishes. Ghost's fame comes from its traditional thali that comprises of 29 dishes. The appetizing good with myriad scents and flavours will leave you in a trance.

Hanwant Mahal, Indique and Janta Sweet Home are some more restaurants and food joints that have found fame in Jodhpur for their delicious spread of ingenious cuisine.

How to reach Jodhpur (Transportation)

By Air

Jodhpur might share its airside with the Indian Air Force, but the city does have a dedicated runway that helps connect with other big cities in India. Flights to and from Jodhpur are connected to cities like Delhi and Mumbai. The duration of travel is quite less, so expect flight tickets to Jodhpur to be on the cheaper side. However, depending on whether it is a peak or off-season, you might not be able to get your hands on cheap flight tickets to Jodhpur. As winter brings various festivals with it, the peak season sees an abundance of travellers flocking over from international cities. The domestic routes between Jodhpur and Delhi are always busy as consistent flights are flying to and from Jodhpur. Similarly, Mumbai and Jodhpur also have regular flights flying to the city.

Airlines such as Air India and SpiceJet have dedicated flights to Jodhpur. The airport is only 3 km away from the main city, which makes travelling easier. You can get rentals or taxi cabs at the airport. While you're making your flight bookings to Jodhpur, you should also book a hotel in the city. Peak season will see a surge in prices for everything ranging from transport to accommodation. Hence, make sure to book a hotel room in Jodhpur before your trip commences.

By Train

Train travelling is ideal, and the cheapest option one can look for. The ticket prices to Jodhpur via train is also cheap and quite affordable. Jodhpur takes popular rail routes to connect to Mumbai, Delhi Chennai and Kolkata. There are a bunch of express trains travelling from different parts of the world that use this domestic route to reach Jodhpur. From Chennai Jodhpur Expressed to Jaisalmer Delhi Express, there are several express trains that pass through the city. Details about the train timings and other such inputs are shared on the website of the Indian Railways. Depending on whether the train's timing fits your schedule, you can book tickets to Jodhpur.

By Road

The roadways are connected brilliantly in Rajasthan so you can literally reach Jodhpur from any domestic route you pick. All the major cities in Rajasthan are well connected with each other. It'll take you approximately four hours to reach Jodhpur from Udaipur, close to five hours from Jaisalmer, five hours again from Bikaner and five hours and 30 minutes from Jaipur. One of the main reasons why it is recommended that travellers opt for road trips when in Rajasthan is because of how close the main cities are and how you can reach in less duration of time.

  About Ranchi

Ranchi is not only the city of waterfalls but is also the summer capital of Jharkhand. It is easily one of the most beautiful cities and a popular tourist destination, too. It does complete justice to its title 'City of Waterfalls'. You will come across the most breathtaking views of the waterfalls, hills and lush greenery. The city is also popular for its golgappas that will be a treat to your taste buds. Since the city is a popular tourist destination for its natural beauty and cultural wonders, getting to Ranchi will not be that difficult for you. It's also a great spot for adventure lovers who love trekking.

Best Time to Visit Ranchi

November to February is considered to be the ideal months to visit Ranchi. The winter makes the weather pleasant and the nights cold. This is also the best time to go sightseeing or pursue any other activities. The temperature drops to 2 degree Celsius at nights and about 27 degree Celsius during the day. You won't have to worry a lot about sweating or getting drenched in the rain during this time. Don't miss out on the Makar Sankranti celebrations in the city during January. However, since it is peak season, getting cheap flight tickets to Ranchi or booking a hotel in Ranchi at cheaper rates might not be possible. You might come across decent flight deals to Ranchi though if you book way in advance. Since this season is also a peak season, you will see a lot of tourists in the city.

The city experiences summer from March to June and the temperature ranges from 18 to 36 degree Celsius. You can plan a trip or a trek to the hills and the waterfalls to beat the heat. It's not the most popular time to plan a visit to Ranchi, and you will see lesser tourists in the city. This will be a great time to travel to Ranchi if you don't like a lot of crowds and want to enjoy your solitude. In fact, you can also visit all of the tourist attractions without getting caught in the hustle and bustle of a lot of tourists.

July to September is when Ranchi experiences monsoon, and it only makes the city look spectacular. The lush greenery, the waterfalls, the hills look enchantingly beautiful. This is also the perfect time for you to go on a hike. You can even catch the Jagannathpur mela or the Rath mela that is organised in the city. This is a 10-day event and is organised on a grand scale. You can buy souvenirs from the different stalls, go on a food tasting tour at the different food stalls and you can also watch the performances put up by artists during the mela.

Places to Visit in Ranchi

Ranchi is a city of waterfalls, and you must definitely visit each and every one of them. The Panch Gagh falls, in the village of Khunti, is quite special. It has five waterfalls cascading through the steep hills, which is why it is called the Panch Gagh falls. Visiting this place will only make your trip ideal and memorable. The Patratu Valley, about 40 km away from Ranchi is another popular tourist destination in Ranchi. The drive along the Patratu valley ghat is magnificent, and you can soak in the scenic landscape on your drive. The valley has lush greenery on one side and the waters of the Patratu dam on the other. However, it is advisable to not travel to the valley after dark. The Johna Falls in Ranchi is also worth visiting. River Ganga and Raru merge to form these falls that fall from a height of about 45 meters. It is also called the Gautamdhara Falls, courtesy a Buddhist shrine that is near the falls. The Dasham Falls near the Taimara village in Ranchi is another destination that you should add to your itinerary. Sita Falls, Hudru falls, Hirni falls, Lodh falls, and Murga Mahadev falls are few other waterfalls that will leave you awestruck.

Apart from these, you can also visit the different lakes in the city. The Ranchi lake and Topchanchi lake are buzzing with tourists, especially during the peak season. The Tagore Hill is one of the most popular spots in the city and an apt place to enjoy some peace and quiet. The Pahari Mandir in Ranchi that is at an altitude of 2140 feet promises one of the most stunning views of the city. You will have to climb approximately 300 steps. The temple sees a lot of devotees climb all of those steps to offer their prayers during the Shravan season. The city is also popular for the Jagannath temple, which is a smaller replica of the one in Puri. It is a popular landmark in Ranchi. The Rock Garden in Ranchi offers you a blend of waterfalls, beautiful sculptures, art and a scenic beauty that makes for the best pictures. The garden is located on a hillock near the Kanke Dam. This is the perfect place for you to spend some quality time with your family amidst a beautiful view of the city.

Things to do in Ranchi

Ranchi is like paradise for everyone who loves adventures and nature. Pack your bathing suits, an extra pair of clothes, a picnic and head over to the Johna Falls. You will see River Ganga and River Raru combine and fall from a height of about 140 feet. You will have to climb about 700 steps, and this will prove to be quite the tedious hike but completely worth it. You can also try the jalebis and other delicacies from the local shops on your way or from the fair. You must also try the local food in Ranchi that promise you a gastronomic experience. Hit the local Golgappa stalls, kulfi parlours and do try the Litti Chokha, a popular dish in Ranchi. The Birsa Zoological Park is one of the most beautiful zoos in the country and is a delight to wildlife photographers and animal lovers. Taking a tour of the zoo will make your day!

Head over to Tagore Hill and plan a picnic with your family. Make sure you also stay till sunset or reach the hill right in time to combine your picnic with a breathtaking sunset. The Rock Gardens is a popular destination in Ranchi, and you will surely have a great time here. You can also visit the Kanke Dam, which is closer to the gardens. The whole vibe of the place will leave a smile on your face, and it also makes for a great place to take pictures. If you are feeling spiritual, you can head over to any one of the temples and offer your prayers or meditate over there. If you are in Ranchi during festival season, make sure you attend as much as you can. A morning trek to the Panch Gagh falls is yet another activity you must add to your trip itinerary.

Food and Restaurants in Ranchi

Ranchi is popular for its Golgappas and the unique chaats. You will find delicacies like Pua, Litti Chokha, Handia, Aloo Chokham Dubhni Roti and so on. You can even try the kebabs and the various tribal food in the city. Ajam Emba is a very popular place and unique, too. The restaurant serves authentic Adivasi food and delicacies that you might not get elsewhere. The restaurant has a very rustic decor and very different from other places. They also only use locally-produced raw ingredients in their food. The Waterfront Restaurant inside the Radisson Blu hotel combines a wonderful ambience with great food for its customers. While you are there, you can also head to The Great Kebab Factory. If you are attending any of the fairs in the city during your visit, you can also try the desserts from the local stalls.

How to reach Ranchi

By Air

The Birsa Munda Airport connects Ranchi to major domestic cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Patna, Delhi and Bangalore. The flight connectivity from Ranchi is quite limited to a few cities in the country, but you will also find direct flights to Ranchi from certain cities. However, connecting flights from Delhi is a popular route to Ranchi by air. The nearest international airport is the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. You can also change flights from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. If you are travelling during the offseason, you might get great flight deals to Ranchi or even cheap flight tickets to Ranchi.

By Rail

Ranchi Junction is well-connected to other cities. You can pick a regular express train or superfast trains, too. Boarding a train or getting a train ticket from or to Ranchi is not very difficult. Travelling by train is also a very convenient way to reach the city.

By Road

There are frequent bus services that run from Jamshedpur, Patna and Kolkata to Ranchi. You can also take a taxi from nearby cities.

  About Jodhpur Airport

Jodhpur Airport is a joint-use civil enclave airport located in the city of Jodhpur in the state of Rajasthan. The airport is operated by the Airports Authority of India. The airport was originally set up by Maharaja Umaid Singh of Jodhpur in the 1920s to accommodate the Jodhpur Flying Club. A small airfield was constructed right next to the Chittar Palace. The airfield witnessed a consistent expansion and growth in the following three decades as it was also acquired by the Royal Air Force to cater to fighter planes during World War II. Eventually, after independence and the exit of the Britishers from India, the airfield was upgraded in 1950 which became part of the Indian Air Force. Until 1965, the airfield was majorly used by the Indian Air Force's Air Force Flying College. This continued until the 1965 war. Eventually, the operations were shifted to creating an airport out of the already existing airfield. Jodhpur Airport is about 3.2 km away from the city centre of Jodhpur. Even though it is operated for passenger flights, the airport continues to see parts of its premise being used by the Jodhpur Air Base which is connected to the Indian Air Force.

About Jodhpur Airport Terminal

Jodhpur Airport has only one domestic terminal which caters to almost three gates. The interiors of the airport terminal are well-equipped with essential facilities ranging from check-in counters to baggage conveyor belts. Overall, the terminal has seven check-in counters, three boarding gates, both located in the domestic terminal premises. The airport also has an apron measuring 140 x 100 metres which are made of concrete and consists of three parking pays for aircraft such as two A320 and one ATR. The runway is also extended to around 2743 metres in length and 45 metres in width. Further, the airport has also facilitated night landing. It has installed an instrument landing system (ILS) along with navigation equipment such as DVOR/DME (Very High-Frequency Omni-Directional Range/Distance Measuring Equipment) and a non-directional radio beacon (NBD). As for the squadrons present in the airport vicinity, HAL Dhruv, Mikoyan MiG-27, Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Mil Mi-17 aircraft are present. These aircraft are operated under the Indian Air Force from the shared airfield.

About airport authority

Jodhpur Airport is owned and operated under the Airports Authority. Although it shares the airside with the Jodhpur Air Base of the Indian Air Force, the air force does not have any management or operational role in the functioning of Jodhpur Airport. In 2017, the government of Rajasthan signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Air Force to enable expansion plans that the airport's authority has for the civil enclave. The Indian Air Force agreed to hand over 37 acres of their land to the Airports Authority of India so they can commence expansion and upgradation projects. Over the years, the airport has witnessed a tremendous surge in its passenger traffic, owing to the massive tourism activities that take place in the city. Besides, since Jodhpur's grand palaces have become the ideal spot for wedding destinations, the demand for the airport has also increased. Not to mention how it has even become the 44th busiest airports in the country. Airports Authority of India is yet to reveal expansion designs and plans on what they aim to add to the facilities of Jodhpur Airport. However, they have shown promise to accommodate better equipment and essential modern upgrades to add more charm to the airport's vibe.

Facilities at the Jodhpur Airport

Baggage – Baggage facilities at the airport include free trolleys, porter services and security checks of the checked and hand baggage.

Restaurants – The cafeteria of Jodhpur Airport has a bunch of famous food joints as well as local restaurants that promote Rajasthani cuisine.

Duty-free shops – The airport has a few duty-free shops located in comfortable locations, within the departure hall. The shops majorly have Rajasthani-inspired handicrafts, clothes, shoes, artefacts and more. Ethnic jewellery can also be found at these shops, along with affordable food items.

Special assistance – To cater to the needs of physically disabled, Jodhpur Airport also has special assistance facilities. The passenger can request for wheelchairs and even ask the staff to help escort the passenger. It is essential to inform the airlines about the same in advance so that they can inform the airport to reserve services.

ATMs – ATM kiosks have been facilitated at specific points in the airport's vicinity. Passengers who need to withdraw cash at the airport to travel to the city or to make purchases within the airport can use the ATMs.

First aid stations – Jodhpur Airport has reserved specific first aid stations within its premise to cater to medical emergencies. There are dedicated rooms where the patient can rest. These rooms are equipped with essential medical facilities too. Further, the airport has pharmacies also present to help passengers with their medication needs.

Smoking zones – The airport prohibits smoking in public. They have instead installed smoking lounges that passengers can use to smoke. These zones are well-maintained and are at a distance from the main public lounge. They can be found at the airport's departures and arrivals halls.

Top airlines flying from the Jodhpur Airport

Jodhpur Airport has found a lot of fame in recent years with a surge in the wedding market as couples are opting for palatial nuptials and wedding destinations. Currently, there are only three airlines that operate from Jodhpur Airport. These include Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet. The airport only caters to four Indian destinations, namely, Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Indore. Jodhpur Airport doesn't have a single flight even to the state's capital, Jaipur. However, with the expansion plans commencing, the airport's authority aims at attracting more airlines to operate from the airport premise. Now defunct airlines such as Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines operated from Jodhpur Airport and had far more connectivity with various major cities in India.

How to reach Jodhpur Airport

By Bus

Jodhpur Bus Stand is located near the airport as it stands at a distance of 8.7 kilometres. Often, a majority of the crowd opts for bus services to travel within the state. Hence, if you have to reach Jodhpur Airport from the main city, you can first get to the bus stand and take a taxi cab service from here. The perks of Jodhpur are that there are taxi cabs available at all intervals. You can hail a cab from anywhere within the city. Since it is a tourist haven, there are rickshaw services also available that would reach you to Jodhpur Airport. However, with rickshaws, you will need to fix a fare ahead of the journey. Chances of the rickshaw driver upscaling the fare to reach Jodhpur Airport is quite high. Hence, to avoid being swindled, the best way to go about a rickshaw ride would be by fixing a fare ahead of the journey. The same applies to prepaid taxi services in the city. You can avail these services, or you can also book a vehicle to travel through the city and reach Jodhpur Airport, by signing up with a travel agent.

By Rail

Jodhpur Airport is about 5 km away from Jodhpur Railway Station. Located in the south of the city, the railway station is well-equipped with transport services such as buses, taxi cabs and other such modes of transport. For travellers who are reaching the city by train from other parts of Rajasthan, can hail a taxi cab or a car rental to reach Jodhpur Airport. The services are exemplary and available at all times.

About Jodhpur

Jodhpur is recorded as the second largest metropolitan city in Rajasthan, following its capital, Jaipur. It is also recognised as the former seat of a princely state going by the same name. Jodhpur's historical relevance comes from the Kingdom of Marwar. The city was the historic capital of the kingdom. In present times though, Marwar is part of the state and is an independent city. Thanks to the exquisite palaces, first and temples along with the stark landscape expanse of the Great Indian Desert, Thar Desert, makes Jodhpur a tourist's paradise. It is easily one of the top tourist destinations in India. The city is also popularly referred to as the Blue City and Sun City for its clear skies and gorgeous locales. A major part of the old city lies within the borders of the Mehrangarh Fort, which is bounded by a wall and has several gates. Over time though, the city has expanded its wings to acquire more spaces neighbouring the wall. Geographically, Jodhpur is at the epicentre of the state of Rajasthan. Hence, it is convenient with respect to travel options for travellers to reach other parts of the state.

The city of Jodhpur is also known for hosting numerous educational institutions with the most prominent ones being IIT Jodhpur, AIIMS Jodhpur, DSRRAU Jodhpur, NIFT Jodhpur, SNMC Jodhpur and NLU Jodhpur. Research institutes such as Indian Space research Organisations (ISRO), Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI), Desert Medicine Research Centre (DMRC), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), to name a few, are also present in Jodhpur.

  About Ranchi Airport

Birsa Munda Airport or popularly known as Ranchi airport, is the primary airport that serves the city of Ranchi, which is the state capital of Jharkhand. The airport has been named after the freedom fighter Birsa Munda, who strived for the freedom of tribal living in the state of Jharkhand. Belonging to the Munda tribe, he spearheaded the religious Millenarian movement in the late 19th century. He has been recognised for his extensive contribution to the history of Jharkhand. Currently, Birsa Munda Airport is being managed by the Airports Authority of India. It is situated in Hindoo, which is approximately 5 km from the main city. Hence, in terms of connectivity, it is easy to reach Birsa Munda Airport. The airport is sprawled across an area of 1568 acres of land. The airport has a capacity to accommodate approximately 2.4 million passengers in a year. Birsa Munda Airport is also recognised as the 25th busiest airport in the country. Expansions plans are to help the airport accommodate more flights and passenger traffic.

About Ranchi Airport Terminal

Birsa Munda Airport currently has one integrated passenger terminal that caters to all domestic flight operations. The airport only has domestic flights and airlines function from its premise. The new passenger terminal was built in 2013 and inaugurated by Ajit Singh, the then civil aviation minister. The new integrated terminal building is spread across 19,600 square metres. It was constructed at a whopping cost of INR 1.38 billion. The upgraded building accommodates two aero-bridges and six escalators with equipment imported from countries such as Singapore, China and Germany. The new terminal's facilities have enabled a smooth transit for passengers travelling to Ranchi. Thanks to the expansion and installation of the new terminal building, Birsa Munda Airport's capacity to accommodate passengers has increased to 500 at a time. Further, to attract more domestic airlines to Birsa Munda Airport, the airport reduced the tax on aviation turbine fuel from 20 per cent to 4 per cent. Adding to the attractive offers, the airport also announced that they would allow free overnight parking of aircraft in the vicinity free-of-charge. Plans to expand the runway are currently in talks.

About airport authority

Birsa Munda Airport is owned and operated by the Airports Authority of India. The statutory body has been responsible for conducting management operations of the airport. It works under the Ministry of Civil Aviation which is part of the Government of India. Since the genesis of the airport, AAI has been working on constantly upgrading and expanding the facility.

In 2019, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced that they would be working on expanding the Birsa Munda Airport further to accommodate newer facilities. They are rooting to add six parking bays to the airport to allow more flights to park. The main idea behind the expansion of the parking bays is to enable flight operations of about 11 aircraft at a time. Due to the increase in the air traffic witnessed by Ranchi Airport in the last four years, the Airports Authority of India has proposed the upgradation plan. Along with this, the airport also plans to utilise two aerobridges to enable passengers to board the aircraft from the terminal's departure area directly.

As of 2020, Birsa Munda Airport has the space to accommodate three Airbus A320 and two 19-seater ATRs. The new apron is set to accommodate five Airbus aircraft and one ATR plane at one moment. The airport would expand to accommodate about eight Airbus and three ATR plans in total to be parked at a time. A senior official of the Ranchi Airport has further stated that the new apron would be able to accommodate operations of 80 flights in a day.

Facilities at the Ranchi Airport

Baggage – Baggage facilities such as wrapping services, free trolleys and porter systems are available at the Ranchi Airport.

Food court – At the departure section of the airport, a food court has been installed with various small establishments and food joints. One can pass their time by availing the food services that the food joints provide.

ATMs – In case of last-minute cash withdrawals, the airport has enabled ATM services too. There are kiosks available at the departure as well as arrival section of the airport.

Smoking Zones – There are dedicated rooms for smoking. Passengers are not allowed to smoke in public lounge spaces as it would cause discomfort to fellow passengers. The smoking zones are kept clean and are perfectly sanitised.

Medical services – The airport has reserved some medical services for passengers. There are first aid kits that are available across the airport's terminal. You can visit the information desk to get more details on their medical assistance. Simultaneously, you can also avail the services of the pharmacies that are present at the airport. Any last-minute medical purchases can be made at the airport. Or, if you are feeling under the weather, ahead of the flight, you can visit the pharmacies. The staff are quite friendly and would help you through your purchase.

Special assistance – You will need to request for special assistance services from your airlines before travelling to the airport. They do have facilities to help the elderly and dedicate staff to take passengers through the procedures. If need be, the staff will escort the passenger to the aircraft as well. Special assistance services are usually reserved for passengers who fall under certain categories such as senior citizens, expecting mothers, disabled individuals, children travelling alone and more. Depending on the situation, the airport allows for special assistance services.

Duty-free shops – Despite offering fewer facilities, Ranchi Airport does have a duty-free shop that is cheap and affordable. You can find some of the interesting artefacts and items that reflect the cultural heritage of Ranchi and Jharkhand at these shops. From ethnic jewellery to intricate showpieces, you will find some interesting purchases at the airport's duty-free shops.

Top airlines flying from the Ranchi Airport

There are a handful of domestic airlines that operate from Birsa Munda Airport. Despite catering to international airlines, the airport doesn't witness many flights flying out of the country or operating from the city's airport. Much of the connectivity within India from Ranchi Airport is also minimal. Presently, airlines that operate from Birsa Munda Airport include AirAsia India, Alliance Air, GoAir, Vistara and IndiGo. These airlines mostly cater to Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Patna, Hyderabad, Indore, Raipur, Jharsuguda and Bhubaneswar. The airport is striving to make some massive upgradations and expansions to attract more flight activities. Although there are no international activities that take place from Birsa Munda Airport, the management is trying to get hold of some airlines that would cater to international cities that are in the proximity of the country. The aircraft movement has seen a significant rise as in 2020 as it has increased to 19,137, which is quite good considering how the airport is quite limited with its flight and airlines options.

How to reach Ranchi Airport

Birsa Munda Airport is about 7 km away from the city centre. Hence, the best way to reach Birsa Munda Airport is by prepaid taxis. The facilities are available within the city of Ranchi. In fact, there are bus services also available in the city that would reach you to Birsa Munda Airport. However, hailing a taxi cab is considered to be the best way to reach Ranchi Airport. Not to mention how airport shuttle services can also be availed at the hotel. You will need to ask them ahead of the journey if there are any such airport shuttle services that the hotel provides. Further, you can also approach a travel agent to book a ride for you so you can travel within Ranchi as well as reach Birsa Munda Airport.

About Ranchi

Ranchi is the capital of the state of Jharkhand and is located in the centre of the state. It became the centre of the Jharkhand movement which announced or rather fought for a separate state that would be reserved to the tribal regions of South Bihar, western West Bengal, northern Orissa and eastern Chattisgarh. A portion of Bihar's Chota Nagpur and Santhal Parganas was divided to form the state of Jharkhand. Ranchi's proximity to the Tropic of Cancer gives it a tropical climate. While Hindi is the official language of the city, there are many tribes that reside in the area, making diverse dialects such as Kurmali and Khortha, just as famous. Nagpuri, Mundari are also spoken. Over the years, it has turned into a major industrial city in Eastern India with an abundance of mineral-based industries. Ranchi has also managed to attract a lot of tourism over the years with the installation and upgradation of its airport, Birsa Munda Airport. Many tourists have started visiting the city to learn more about their tribal culture and various other dimensions of touristy activities that can or rather should be explored in the city.