Gondia sits in the far northeast corner of Maharashtra, sandwiched between Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh — a district known as the Rice Bowl of Maharashtra for its paddy-growing fields, dense forest cover, and connectivity to the Pench and Navegaon wildlife corridors. For decades, its residents travelled over 100 kilometres by road or relied entirely on rail to reach the nearest commercial airport. That gap narrowed considerably when Gondia Airport — formally known as Birsi Airport — recommenced scheduled commercial flights in March 2022 under the UDAN Regional Connectivity Scheme. The airport recorded 32,116 passengers in 2024–25, a 119.6% year-on-year jump, and it hosts the National Flying Training Institute (NFTI) — giving it a dual purpose as both a commercial gateway and one of India’s important pilot training centres.
Quick Overview: Gondia Airport
| Detail | Information |
| Official Name | Gondia Airport (also: Birsi Airport) |
| Location | Zilmili, near Birsi village, Gondia district, Maharashtra |
| IATA Code | GDB |
| ICAO Code | VAGD |
| Owner/Operator | Airports Authority of India (AAI) |
| Opened | 1940 (WWII military airstrip); commercial ops from March 2022 |
| Address | Bhajipale Complex, Kamtha, Zilmili, Maharashtra – 441601 |
| Runway | 04/22; 3,200 m × 45 m (one of eastern Maharashtra’s longest) |
| Apron | 100 m × 150 m |
| Elevation | 301 m / 987 ft AMSL |
| Coordinates | 21°31′19″N, 80°17′17″E |
| Distance from City | ~17 km northeast of Gondia city centre |
| Passengers (2024–25) | 32,116 (+119.6% YoY) |
| Scheduled Airline | Alliance Air (Indore, from 1 August 2026; Hyderabad till April 2026) |
| Special Facility | National Flying Training Institute (NFTI) — pilot training |
Gondia Airport Location: Northeast Maharashtra’s Forest Gateway
Gondia Airport is situated approximately 17 km northeast of the city centre, near Zilmili in the vicinity of Birsi village. The terrain is flat and open — typical of the Wainganga basin that runs through this part of Maharashtra before it enters Chhattisgarh. The coordinates are 21°31′19″N, 80°17′17″E, at an elevation of 301 metres above sea level.
The airport’s catchment extends well beyond Gondia city. It serves residents of neighbouring districts including Bhandara in Maharashtra, Balaghat in Madhya Pradesh, and Rajnandgaon in Chhattisgarh — all areas without their own commercial airports. Nearby attractions include Navegaon National Park (approximately 35 km), Pench Tiger Reserve (approximately 120 km), and the Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary (approximately 65 km). For wildlife tourists, Gondia Airport offers the closest air entry to several of central India’s significant forest reserves.
Gondia Airport Code: IATA GDB and ICAO VAGD
The airport’s IATA code is GDB and ICAO code is VAGD. Use GDB when searching on IndiGo, MakeMyTrip, or any airline platform. The airport has a single runway oriented 04/22, measuring 3,200 metres by 45 metres with a parallel taxiway — a runway length that exceeds many newer UDAN airports and comfortably supports ATR-72 turboprop and smaller narrow-body operations.
Gondia Airport Terminal: NFTI Hub With Basic Passenger Infrastructure
The airport is home to the National Flying Training Institute (NFTI), where activities related to general aviation and pilot training take place. Established in 2008, NFTI is a joint venture that trains commercial pilot licence candidates and gives Gondia Airport a significance in Indian aviation beyond its passenger traffic numbers.
The single terminal is modest in size, designed to handle domestic flights, and provides basic services including check-in counters, security checks, baggage claim, and waiting areas. The original airstrip traces to the 1940s when the British constructed it during World War II. Commercial operations were dormant for many years before the UDAN scheme-driven revival brought scheduled passenger flights in March 2022.
Gondia Airport Connectivity: Indore Route and Regional Road-Rail Links
By Air: Alliance Air operates the primary scheduled service. Flights to Indore (IDR) restart from 1 August 2026 on a tri-weekly basis (Monday, Wednesday, Saturday), also providing a one-stop connection to Mumbai Airport (BOM). Flights to Hyderabad operated until 30 April 2026. Confirm current schedules directly with Alliance Air before booking — UDAN routes at small regional airports adjust seasonally.
By Road: The journey from Gondia city centre to the airport typically takes 35 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. Auto-rickshaws, local taxis, and private vehicles are the standard options. NH-6 connects Gondia to Nagpur (approximately 140 km west) and Raipur in Chhattisgarh (approximately 150 km east), making road access to the region straightforward for multi-district travellers.
By Rail: Gondia Junction Railway Station is located within the city, approximately 4 to 6 kilometres from the terminal. Gondia Junction is a significant Central Railway hub on the Howrah–Mumbai main line, with trains connecting to Nagpur, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Raipur — making rail the dominant travel mode for most Gondia residents. For passengers flying, the taxi from the junction to the airport takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
Gondia Airport Amenities: Functional Essentials for a Regional Airport
The terminal at Gondia Airport is clean and functional. Passengers will find check-in counters, security screening, baggage claim, and basic seating in the departure area. Drinking water is available. Restrooms are maintained. There are no commercial lounges, duty-free shops, or multi-cuisine food courts — this is a small regional airport, and the amenities reflect that honestly. Local snack vendors near the terminal cover light refreshment needs.
Ground transport from the airport is by local taxi or pre-arranged vehicle. No formal pre-paid taxi counter operates at this scale of airport, so arranging a cab in advance — especially if arriving on an early morning flight — is advisable.
FAQs: Gondia Airport
Q1. What is the IATA code for Gondia Airport?
GDB is the IATA code and VAGD is the ICAO code. The airport is also known as Birsi Airport, located about 17 km from Gondia city.
Q2. Which flights currently operate from Gondia Airport?
Alliance Air operates tri-weekly (Mon/Wed/Sat) flights to Indore with a one-stop connection to Mumbai, restarting 1 August 2026. The Hyderabad route operated until April 2026. Always confirm current schedules before booking.
Q3. What is the National Flying Training Institute at Gondia?
NFTI is a government pilot training centre established at Gondia Airport in 2008 as a joint venture. It trains Commercial Pilot Licence candidates and is one of India’s dedicated flight training institutions — separate from the commercial passenger operations.
Q4. How do I reach Gondia Airport from the city?
Gondia city centre is about 17 km from the airport — roughly 35 to 45 minutes by taxi or auto-rickshaw. From Gondia Junction Railway Station, a cab to the airport takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
Q5. Is Gondia Airport useful for visiting Pench Tiger Reserve?
Pench Tiger Reserve is approximately 120 km from Gondia Airport — about 2 to 2.5 hours by road. Navegaon National Park is closer at about 35 km. The airport is a reasonable entry point for central Indian wildlife safaris if flights align with your itinerary.
