No airport in Andhra Pradesh handles the particular pressure that Tirupati does. The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple — among the most visited religious sites on earth — pulls millions of pilgrims annually, and a meaningful share of them arrive or depart through this airport. Tirupati Airport has been built and expanded with that reality in mind, earning its international designation in 2017 and operating its first actual international flight in December 2024. The Garuda-shaped terminal is both functional and symbolic, designed to reflect the spiritual character of the city it serves.
Quick Overview: Tirupati Airport
| Detail | Information |
| Airport Name | Tirupati Airport (also known as Sri Venkateswara Airport) |
| Location | Renigunta, Tirupati District, Andhra Pradesh |
| Airport Type | Public — International |
| IATA Code | TIR |
| ICAO Code | VOTP |
| Owner & Operator | Airports Authority of India (AAI) |
| Year Opened | 1971 |
| Garuda Terminal Inaugurated | October 22, 2015 |
| Runway Designation | 08/26 |
| Runway Length | 3,810 metres (longest runway operated by AAI) |
| Distance from Tirupati City | ~14 km |
| Passengers (2024–25) | 9,95,640 |
| First International Flight | December 6, 2024 |
Tirupati Airport Location: Renigunta and Its Pilgrimage Context
Tirupati Airport is located at Renigunta, a suburb in Tirupati district, approximately 14 kilometres northeast of Tirupati city. The airport address is Tirupati Airport Road, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517520. Renigunta itself is a busy transit junction — it has its own railway station on the Chennai–Vijayawada rail line — which gives the area multi-modal connectivity that few small cities can match.
The airport’s elevation of 107 metres above mean sea level is relatively low for the region, and its proximity to the Eastern Ghats adds scenic character without creating operational complications. The 14-kilometre distance from Tirupati city makes it accessible without being inconveniently far, and the road connecting the airport to the city handles steady pilgrim traffic throughout the year.
Tirupati Airport Code: IATA TIR and ICAO VOTP
Tirupati Airport carries the IATA code TIR and the ICAO code VOTP. TIR is what appears on flight tickets and boarding passes for all travellers using this airport. The airport is also referred to as Sri Venkateswara Airport in some airline listings, but both names point to the same facility with the same codes.
Tirupati Airport Terminal: The Garuda Terminal and International Capability
Tirupati Airport’s main terminal is the integrated Garuda Terminal, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 22, 2015. The terminal’s design draws on the form of Garuda — the mythical bird of Lord Vishnu — giving it an architectural identity that directly connects the facility to the religious character of Tirupati. Built at a cost of approximately ₹191 crore and spread over 16,500 square metres, it replaced the older domestic terminal that had served the airport since its early years.
The Garuda Terminal handles both domestic and international passengers. It can accommodate 500 domestic and 200 international passengers simultaneously. Check-in counters, security screening with separate queues for families and senior citizens, and a dedicated departure lounge are all within the terminal. Immigration and customs facilities are present for international operations, which came into active use following the airport’s first international flight on December 6, 2024.
The runway deserves mention in its own right. At 3,810 metres, it is the longest runway operated by AAI across its airport network. Extended and strengthened to accommodate wide-body aircraft, it was commissioned at its current length in February 2025 and supports Code-E aircraft including the Boeing 747. A new air traffic control tower and technical block were also under construction as of 2023, with completion anticipated by 2026.
Tirupati Airport Connectivity: Airlines, Routes and Getting There
By Air: As of early 2026, four airlines operate scheduled commercial services from Tirupati. IndiGo runs non-stop weekly flights to Bengaluru and Hyderabad, among other destinations. The airport also connects to Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, and select other cities. International operations commenced in December 2024 — the specific current international routes should be confirmed on airline booking platforms as they may have evolved since launch.
By Road: APSRTC operates regular bus services from various points in Tirupati and surrounding areas to the airport. Taxis and app-based cabs are available at the terminal. Travel time from central Tirupati is approximately 20 to 30 minutes. The airport is also 2.8 km from National Highway access, making private vehicle travel convenient.
By Rail: Renigunta Junction railway station sits close to the airport and connects to the Chennai–Vijayawada main line. Tirupati railway station, a larger and busier hub, is approximately 14 km from the airport and offers connections to Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, and numerous other destinations.
Nearest International Alternatives: Chennai International Airport, approximately 140 km away, has historically been the international gateway of choice for Tirupati travellers before the airport’s own international status became active.
Tirupati Airport Amenities: Pilgrim-Focused Services and Terminal Facilities
Tirupati Airport has been recognised as the Best Tourist Friendly Airport — an acknowledgment that reflects a deliberate design philosophy. The terminal’s amenity mix is shaped by its predominantly pilgrimage-driven passenger base.
Food and beverage outlets inside the terminal serve vegetarian meals suited to pilgrims. Retail shops carry religious items, prasadam products, and locally relevant souvenirs. Facilities for purchasing Tirumala temple tickets and darshan bookings are available within the airport precinct — a genuinely useful feature for first-time visitors who have not completed their temple visit logistics. ATMs and cash machines are operational.
The terminal also provides comfortable waiting lounges with adequate seating, wheelchair assistance, medical first aid facilities, and dedicated security queues for senior citizens and families. The airport is geared to handle the specific traveller profile that Tirupati generates — large families, elderly pilgrims, and devotees who may not be frequent flyers — and the facilities reflect that understanding.
FAQs: Tirupati Airport
Q1. What is the IATA code for Tirupati Airport?
The IATA code is TIR and the ICAO code is VOTP. The airport is also called Sri Venkateswara Airport in some airline directories.
Q2. Is Tirupati Airport an international airport?
Yes. Tirupati Airport was designated an international airport in 2017, and its first international flight operated on December 6, 2024. International route availability should be checked on airline platforms before travel.
Q3. How far is Tirupati Airport from the city centre?
The airport is approximately 14 km from Tirupati city, located in the Renigunta suburb. Road travel typically takes 20 to 30 minutes.
Q4. Are there vegetarian food options at Tirupati Airport?
Yes. Given the airport’s pilgrimage-oriented passenger base, food outlets within the terminal serve vegetarian meals. This is one of the few airports in India where the food menu is specifically aligned to religious dietary preferences.
Q5. Which is the longest runway at any AAI-operated airport?
Tirupati Airport’s runway (08/26), at 3,810 metres, is the longest runway operated by the Airports Authority of India across its entire network. It was extended to this length and commissioned in February 2025.
