Raipur to Addis Ababa Air India Flights

  About Raipur

Raipur is the state capital of Chhattisgarh and is known to have tremendous religious significance. Owing to the many temples that the place inhabits while also being the town where reformer Swami Vivekananda resided for a brief period, there are many things that make Raipur a tourist spot. The city has an agreeable climate and beautiful greenery. The flight connectivity to Raipur from other major cities in the country is also exceptional. While the city is not as developed in comparison to the other big cities in India, Raipur has a charm of its own which makes it worth the visit.

Best time to visit Raipur

For Raipur, the winter months from November to January are considered as ideal. Thanks to the cold and pleasant atmosphere with temperatures ranging between 14 degree Celsius to 28 degree Celsius, it only adds to the beauty of the city. However, the summer months can get extremely hot with temperatures almost reaching 48 degree Celsius. Hence, the best thing to do would be to visit the city only during winters. The flight tickets to Raipur remain standard irrespective of the season.

Places to visit in Raipur

Purkhauti Muktangan

Purkhauti Muktangan is a beautiful park that aims at preserving the bio-cultural medley of Raipur. Inaugurated by the Hon'ble A.P.J Abdul Kalam, the park attracts people for its intriguing setting and the art exhibitions. The place with its stimulating environment has further caught the attention of filmmakers too, who continuously flock over to the park for film shootings.

Mahant Ghasi Memorial Museum

Mahant Ghasi Memorial Museum is a cultural heritage where you will find tribal artefacts, coins, inscriptions and other such objects of historical and cultural relevance. What makes the experience of visiting the Mahant Ghasi Memorial in Raipur special is how it is beautifully nestled amid lush greenery. The complex also has life-size sculptures.

Jatmai Temple

Jatmai Temple is nearly 85 km away from the main city of Raipur. However, the popularity of the Jatmai temple often makes tourists take up that travel expedition. The temple is ideally located amid a dense green expanse and is dedicated to Devi Jatmai. The temple brings together nature, culture, cuisine and calmness.

Kevalya Dham Jain temple

Your pilgrimage can further continue in the city as there are a lot of beautiful temples to check out. The Kevalya Dham Jain Temple is located a little away from the city and is one of the main tourist attractions. What makes this temple an architectural bliss is how it has been constructed entirely with marble. The serenity in the air would certainly do you right.

Things to do in Raipur

Explore Nandan Van Zoo

The Nandan Van Zoo houses a plethora of wildlife and conserves various species from extinction. The zoo also expands into a safari with four main zones. The park can be visited at all times, and you can also book your safari rides to explore more of the wildlife found in the zoo.

Educate yourself at the Energy Park

Also known as Urja Park, the vast expanse of Energy Park follows the theme of renewable energy and propagates the same. The idea behind coming up with such a park is to promote and encourage the use of renewable source of energy. It is an educational tour with special emphasis given to promoting the idea of investing more in renewable energy sources. Visiting the park would be quite an experience as you will get to learn a lot about how renewable energy sources work, how you can incorporate a mechanism to sap energy and more.

Trek up to Champaran

Originally known as Champajhar, Champaran is an important religious site for Hindus. The site is known to be the birthplace of Saint Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya. He was the founder of the Vallabh sect and also a renowned reformer. Around the vicinity, two temples have been constructed, namely Prakatya Baithakji Temple and Mood Prakatya. The temples see a whole new light during festivals conducted by the locals.

Swami Vivekananda Sarovar

The influence of Swami Vivekananda is quite strong in Raipur. Not only is the airport named after the philosopher, but even a structure has been constructed to honour him. The Swami Vivekananda Sarovar is basically built close to the Burha Thalab, which is a lush green lake. It easily becomes one of the most-visited attractions in Raipur as it has a serene and tranquil atmosphere. The lake's calmness adds to the charm of the place. You can actually take up boating on the lake as well as delve into consuming street food that is found close to the Sarovar.

Food and Restaurants in Raipur

Chhattisgarh cuisine is what comfort food is all about. Much of their dishes involve rice, jowar and bajra interspersed with spices that make for a wholesome meal. Right from their classic muthiya, which is a famous breakfast dish, to their spin on the traditional Punjabi chole bhature, their recipes are basic and comfortable. The diversity of their food culture comes from their inspiration from the dishes made in the rest of India. You will find bafauri, a dish made from chana dal and spices is a love substitute for pakodas that the other parts of India enjoy. This dish abounds with flavours that would stay with you even after the plate is empty. Other famous dishes include Dubki kadhi, which is basically kadhi with dumplings prepared from chana dal and Chousela, a sort of poori prepared from rice dough which is usually consumed with masala chhole.

Finding authentic Chattisgarh cuisine could be a challenge in Raipur as the city side has accommodated more popular recipes. Some of the places that you should definitely visit when in Raipur are Dialogue in the Dark, Nukkad, the Teafe, Girnar Restaurant, Cafe Junoon, Pashmina, Sukhsagar, to name a few. These places offer multitudes of cuisine that would satiate the craving for every different mood. For amazing Asian cuisine, you should opt for Yo China. The Arabian Oasis would give you the traditional Arabic treatment with a melange of Chinese and European cuisine as well. If the heart wants some chole bhatures or sweet lassi, then don't think much and directly visit Amritsari restaurant. As for some rendezvous with Italian or Mexican cuisine, check out The Monet. Raipur's food culture is quite interesting as it would give your palette a taste to some of the best dishes and cuisine that can be made available.

How to reach Raipur

By Air

As the state capital, Raipur has an airport of its own called Swami Vivekananda Airport. It is located between Raipur and Naya Raipur and is not one of the busiest airports. The airport is equipped with a single runway. Although the airport was originally it was called Raipur airport, the state re-christened it to honour Swami Vivekananda, who is known to have spent his two teenager years in the city. The airport is relatively small but has recently been reconstructed with the authorities adding a new terminal. The flight connectivity to Raipur from major cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Goa, Kochi, Hyderabad, etc., is quite good. In fact, these cities have regular flights flying in and out of Raipur.

The airport is touted to be one of the fastest developing airports in India owing to how it has managed to expand its terminals. The airport is also surrounded by some fancy accommodations with hotels like VW Canyon and Courtyard by Marriott. If business is what you're travelling for, then you can simply book your hotel close to Raipur airport with one of these options. There are private taxi cabs also available to hire from the airport. Airlines, namely IndiGo, Air India and Vistara operate from the Raipur airport.

By Rail

Flights to Raipur easily become the best way to reach the city. However, the trains also have good connectivity. Raipur Junction is the railway station that operates inter-state trains. In fact, Raipur is touted to be the highest grossers in India with respect to train collections. Thanks to its impeccable connection with various other cities and the convenient domestic routes that connect to Raipur railway station, it receives a majority of tourists via trains. Not to mention how its connectivity enables people to travel to various parts of the country. There are express and well as mail trains that travel in and out of Raipur. Cities such as Kolkata, Hyderabad, Lucknow and more have a great connection with the Raipur station. It is best to book tickets to Raipur ahead of time as the demand for trains to the city is quite high.

By Road

Raipur's road connections are also quite impressive. The highways are perfectly maintained, and the connectivity is also remarkable. From National Highway 26, travellers can take up road trips to visit Raipur from Vizag. There are government-run bus services too which connect Raipur to cities such as Nagpur, Amravati, Sambalpur, Mandla, Ambikapur, to name a few. The location of the bus station is also within the city centre, making transportation easier. You can book your hotels in Raipur's city centre and reach your rooms without any hassle. The local transportation is mainly by rickshaws, taxi cabs and public buses. You can transit various corners of the city via either of these modes of transport.

  About Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia and is one of the most important cities in Africa. It is also the largest city in Ethiopia. The city is also considered as the political capital of Africa since it houses the headquarters of the African Union and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. It is situated in the foothills of Entoto Mountains and is one of the five highest capital cities of the world. Ethiopia is known for producing the best coffee in the world, and there's nothing better than actually flying to the country to try some. The city has a rich economic, scientific and political history and several museums that showcase these findings. In fact, you will also come across a museum that solely focuses on telling people how politics can make bad history. Not to mention, it is also a great place to go on a shopping spree for Ethiopian products, lots of coffee grounds and souvenirs. While Addis Ababa is not a popular vacation destination, a lot of travellers usually explore the city when they have a long layover. If you do not have any time constraints as such, you can definitely explore the city and be amazed at how it has progressed.

Best Time to Visit Addis Ababa

Ethiopia is called the Cradle of Mankind and is one of the best places to visit in Africa. January to March is a high season in Ethiopia. The temperature ranges from 10 to 24 degree Celsius with slight rainfalls. It doesn't rain as much in Addis Ababa, but it does in the other cities. Summer is the perfect time for you to spot wildlife like giraffes, wolves and ibex. You can also attend events like Timkat and Leddet in summer. Hiking in the Bale or Simien mountains is one of the only things that you will not be allowed to do in summer. Since this is high season, make sure you book your flight tickets to Addis Ababa in advance and book your hotels in Addis Ababa several weeks in advance. The prices begin to surge since the city welcomes a lot of tourists in this season.

April to September is a low tourist season in Addis Ababa since this is when the monsoon begins. The city can get pretty hot, sticky and uncomfortable in monsoon. While you might get cheap flight tickets to Addis Ababa in monsoon owing to the dip in tourism, it is best to postpone your trip. However, if you still visit the city in monsoon, you will be allowed to go sightseeing at certain parks like the Omo and Mago Valley, but the major attractions remain shut. The temperature ranges from 12 to 25 degree Celsius during summer. October to December is also summer in Addis Ababa, and the temperature ranges from 10 to 20 degree Celsius. However, it is still a shoulder season in the city where only a few tourists will be seen. The weather remains cooler as compared to the high season. October to December is also an ideal time to go hiking in the Simien mountains. You might come across some excellent flight deals to Addis Ababa online during the shoulder season. If you plan to visit any time between October and December, ensure that you make the most of this deal. You will also get great discounts at the hotel you will be staying in, or maybe you pick one that comes with a lot of offers.

Places to Visit in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa has a lot of museums that narrate the sad story of its past. The 'Red Terror' Martyrs Memorial Museum is one of those museums that will shake you. It recalls the terrible incidents that have taken place in the city and give you a perspective in life. The National Museum is yet another popular tourist attraction that you can visit. St George Cathedral and Museum and Holy Trinity Cathedral are few of the other popular spots in the city that you cannot miss. Head over to Merkato if you want to go on a shopping spree. Fair warning: It will be crowded so be prepared for it. You can also visit the Lion of Judah Monument that holds a lot of significant positions in the city. The Derg Monument is a reminder to the people of Addis Ababa about the pain and struggles that they went through during the communist rule. You can also roam around the Addis Ababa University and be amazed at the beautiful campus. You can also climb up the Entoto Mountain and catch the panoramic view of the city from up here. It can get pretty overwhelming. However, make sure that you are hiking up the hill during the right season. It is not safe to hike in the mountains during monsoon. You can also visit the Addis Ababa Museum, which was founded in 1986. The city has a lot of museums and historical landmarks that you cannot miss.

Things to do in Addis Ababa

You can catch the magnificent view of the entire city from Mount Entoto. Hiking in the forest of Eucalyptus trees sure does count as quite an adventure. You can also sign for a sightseeing tour covering all the museums in the city. Mercato is Africa's biggest open-air market, and you will buy everything from handmade baskets to spices at the market. It also has a separate section where shopkeepers sell second-hand items. Head over to Tomoca Coffee for the most refreshing cup of freshly brewed Ethiopian coffee in different flavours. You can also order for Macchiato, which is equally excellent. The Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum is a great place to learn more about Ethiopia's tragic past. If you want to go on a shopping spree for traditional clothes, you can try the Shiro Meda; it is near the US Embassy in Addis Ababa. The restaurants in the city have a very active dance and music scene along with delicious food. Make sure you do try some of that. You can also check out the statue of Emperor Menelik II, who was the founder of Addis Ababa.

Lagar Railway Station is yet another tourist attraction that you cannot miss. It is the first-ever railway station in the city, and its unique architecture is what makes it special. Medhane Alem Church at Bole District is one of the biggest Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Churches, and it is breathtakingly beautiful. Head over to check out the Tiglachin (Dreg) Monument, which stands as a reminder that Ethiopia was victorious over all of its invaders. You can also sign up for a food tour in the city and get to know more about the culinary speciality here.

Food and Restaurants in Addis Ababa

Ethiopian food is known for being spicy, and while it may not be as popular as European or Asian food worldwide, it is worth trying. If you are new to Ethiopian food, your first experience will be out of this world. Addis Ababa has a lot of restaurants that serve traditional Ethiopian food with music and dance. They also have a lot of restaurants that serve other cuisines from all over the world and cannot be missed. Totot is a restaurant that specialises in Ethiopian cuisine. Make sure you order the Kitfo here that melts in your mouth and is quite spicy. The restaurant is packed on weekends so make sure you reach the restaurant early, so you don't have to wait for a long time. Yod Abyssinia is yet another restaurant that reflects the country's food, dance and music culture. The decor of the place is unique, and it is also quite close to the airport. You can order the tibs, Shiro and Doro wat here along with kitfo. The Addis Ababa restaurant in Arada can be a little difficult to find, but it is completely worth it. A lot of locals believe that the food here tastes like homemade food.

How to reach Addis Ababa (Transportation)

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is about 6 km from the city centre. The flight connectivity to Addis Ababa from India is excellent. Ethiopian Airlines has direct flights to Addis Ababa from India. Egyptair, Kenya Airways and Emirates Airline also have flights to Addis Ababa with layovers at Cairo, Nairobi and Dubai. It might be difficult to get cheap flight tickets to Addis Ababa if you book at the last moment. If you book several weeks in advance, you might get exciting flight deals to Addis Ababa online that are worth exploring. It is quite convenient to get a cab or car rental service from the airport to your hotel. However, it is advisable to pre-book your cab online. You can also opt for an airport shuttle service that your hotel might offer. The airport also has premium lounges, restrooms and a lot of other services for the convenience of the passengers. The airport opened its first business class lounge in 2012, and they are also planning to add spas and another lounge soon.

 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 Raipur Airport

Swami Vivekananda Airport or better known as Raipur Airport is the primary airport that caters to the state of Chattisgarh. It is situated between Raipur and Naya Raipur and is close to 15 km and 10 km away from the two cities respectively. The airport has been acknowledged as the 28th busiest airport in the country with respect to passenger traffic. It is also recorded as the 29th busiest airport in terms of aircraft movement. The airport, originally called Raipur Airport, was renamed as Swami Vivekananda Airport, to honour the venerated saint, Swami Vivekananda, who spent a brief period of his teenage years in the city of Raipur. The airport accommodates one integrated terminal which was upgraded to handle international and domestic operations. Currently, there are not many international flight activities that are witnessed by Swami Vivekananda Airport. Despite being an airport with international stature, the authorities haven't been able to attract a lot of international airlines. However, with their expansion plans and regular upgradations, they aim to upscale the airport and get more flight activities.

About Raipur Airport Terminal

The airport has one integrated terminal that was inaugurated in 2012 by former President of India, Pranab Mukherjee. The new integrated terminal was built at the cost of nearly INR 158 crore. The building area is sprawled across 4.9 acres and has been designed to accommodate 1300 passengers at once. This number excludes the 400 international passengers that the airport seeks to handle. The new terminal is blessed with better modern amenities to enhance the passenger experience and to attract more airlines to operate from Swami Vivekananda Airport. Currently, there are two aerobridges, eight boarding gates, eight X-ray baggage machines, 20 check-in counters and four security counters that have been installed to cater to the efficient functioning of passenger services.

Further, they have also installed two baggage claim conveyor belts as part of their grand airport upgradation scheme. The airport also has a cargo terminal that was brought in the picture in 2016. The Common User Domestic Cargo Terminal was inaugurated in 2016 after the constant demand for an air cargo operation by the state of Chattisgarh. The Airports Authority of India worked to convert one of the old terminal buildings into a Common User Domestic Cargo Terminal to accommodate cargo operations. The project was handled by Ahmedabad-based firm, GSEC Limited. Presently, the airport has a single runway which measures approximately 10,666 ft in length and 148 ft in width. Much recently, the airport also facilitated the airfield with night-landing options. The apron of the airport has seven parking bays which can accommodate Airbus A320 and Boeing B737 type of aircraft, along with a helipad.

About airport authority

Swami Vivekananda Airport is owned and operated by the Airports Authority of India. The government body has taken up the responsibility to manage the airport's expansion and management operations. Over the years, they have been able to make quite a few changes in the airport's infrastructure. This includes the installation of a new integrated terminal that caters to handle more passengers. Not to mention, they have also worked on accommodating parking bays that would enable handling of aircraft from the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 carrier family. The equipment of the airport has also seen a consistent upgradation. Further, to make the airport accessible from both the cities, Raipur and Naya Raipur, the Airports Authority has brought forth services and installed them in the airport premise.

Facilities at the Raipur Airport

Baggage – The baggage services that can be availed at Swami Vivekananda Airport is quite good. They have baggage wrapping services which you can take up to avoid mishandling and theft of items from your bag. The airport also offers storage facilities for bags, but there are some conditions that need to be adhered to. Trolleys are also present at the airport vicinity to help you take your luggage around at the airport.

Lounge – The airport has a fancy lounge called the Cinnamon Lounge. The facilities at the Cinnamon Lounge have been designed specifically to help ease the passengers who are waiting for boarding. The leather seats installed at the lounge space is cosy and very comfortable. Not to mention, the restaurant in the lounge also offers exquisite food and good hospitality services. One can relax at the lounge and even pay a sum to enter the space.

Restaurants and cafe – Although the airport is considerably small, it does have a bunch of restaurants and cafes for travellers. They are located in the departure as well as the arrivals section. Some of the globally recognised food establishments are also present at the airport's food court. Not to mention how budget snacks corners are also available at Swami Vivekananda Airport. Further, as part of its facilities, you can find small joints which serve coffee, tea and other beverages.

Duty-free shops – Even though Swami Vivekananda Airport is predominantly not an international airport, it does facilitate duty-free shops at the departure section to cater to the entertainment needs of the passengers. One can check out the shop with all its culturally rich textile goods as well as artefacts. The place is perfect for purchasing souvenirs, in case you might have missed out on shopping for the same.

Retail store – Shoppers Stop, a famous retail shop chain in the country, owned by Tata Group, has a franchise at the airport's departure section. The shop offers a plethora of goods and commodities from the clothing and lifestyle segment. You can peruse through the shop and even make some purchases at the shop.

ATMs – One of the perks of Raipur Airport is the installation of ATM kiosks at the departure and the arrival gates. This is to ensure that you are able to withdraw money as and when needed. It also becomes convenient to travel within the city from the airport by withdrawing cash directly at the airport premise. You can also make purchases in the airport.

Medical services – To assist in medical emergencies, the airport has provisions for medical services as well. There are dedicated rooms for medical services as well as professionals available on duty at the airport premise. Along with this, the airport also has pharmacies with common medicines.

Special assistance – The airport provides special assistance to cater to the needs of passengers. You can ask for the airport to send staff to escort the passengers with special needs. The special assistance is usually reserved for travellers with mobility and physical disability. They cater to senior citizens, pregnant women and individuals with mobility concerns. It would be best to intimate the airlines about the special assistance needs so that the airport staff can be prepared for the same.

Top airlines flying from the Raipur Airport

The airport mainly caters to domestic airlines with a few provisions for international airline operations. Presently, Swami Vivekananda Airport has operations of airlines such as Air India, Alliance Air, IndiGo and Vistara. These airlines have direct flights connecting to cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Vizag, Nagpur, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Patna, Srinagar, Ranchi, Jaipur, Indore, Goa, Jagdalpur, Jharsuguda, Bhopal and more. According to the official website of Swami Vivekananda Airport, the airport is scheduled to cater to United Airlines, which has a scheduled flight to Delhi.

How to reach Raipur Airport

By Rail

Swami Vivekananda Airport is a little away from the city centre. It is approximately 16 km from the Raipur Junction railway station and 14 km from the main bus terminal. Hence, if you are travelling to Raipur from other parts of Chattisgarh, from the railway station, you can avail taxi cab and rickshaw services to reach Swami Vivekananda Airport. Due to the distance from the railway station to the airport, the prepaid taxi and rickshaws might charge an exorbitant amount. It is advised that the traveller fix a final fare to reach the Swami Vivekananda Airport before starting the journey.

By Bus

Dedicated bus services are available to reach Swami Vivekananda Airport from within the city of Raipur as well as nearby destinations. You can find buses heading to Telibandha, Pachpedinaka, Tatibandh and Durg Railway Station too. A schedule of the buses travelling to Swami Vivekananda Airport has been shared on the official website of Raipur Airport. Private buses can also be booked at a price that has been mentioned on the website. These luxury buses will be air-conditioned and have individual seats, high definition LED screens, and trained staff take you to the Swami Vivekananda Airport.

By Taxi cabs and ridesharing apps

One of the best ways to reach the Swami Vivekananda Airport from the main city is by hailing a taxi cab service or by booking a ride on a ridesharing app. The city offers Ola and Uber cab services. You can make your bookings and reach Raipur Airport without much hassle. Further, the city is also blessed with enough prepaid taxi cab services that can be availed. These services can be found within the city as well as the airport.