Bareilly Airport is a domestic airport serving the city of Bareilly in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The airport operates from the Trishul Air Force Base located in Izzatnagar which is about 6 kilometres north of the city centre. This arrangement allows civilian passenger flights to operate within a military air base while defence aviation activities continue separately.
This airport plays an important role in improving regional air connectivity. The airport supports scheduled passenger flights to and from Bareilly while remaining part of one of the Indian Air Force’s major operational bases. Understanding the airport’s history, infrastructure and aviation role helps travellers recognise how this facility connects Bareilly with major Indian cities.
Bareilly Airport is located inside the Trishul Air Force Base which functions under the Central Air Command of the Indian Air Force. Civilian passenger services operate through a designated civil enclave while the larger air base continues to support military aviation activities.
Important operational details include:
Airport identification codes:
Bareilly Airport is identified by IATA code BEK and ICAO code VIBY. These codes are used by airlines, aviation authorities and navigation systems when scheduling flights and managing airport operations.
Distance from Bareilly city:
The airport is located approximately 6 kilometres from the city centre, allowing passengers to reach the terminal in a short travel time.
Civil–military aviation arrangement:
Passenger services operate within a civilian section of the air force base. This structure allows the airport to support commercial flights while maintaining defence operations.
Because of this operational model, Bareilly Airport functions as both a civilian travel facility and an active military aviation base.
Commercial passenger operations at Bareilly Airport became possible after the development of a civil enclave within the air force base. This project involved coordination between aviation authorities, defence authorities and local administration.
Key steps in the development process included:
Approval for passenger terminal construction:
The Airports Authority of India approved the plan to build a passenger terminal at the Trishul Air Force Base to support civilian flights.
Land acquisition for airport infrastructure:
The district administration acquired 10 hectares (25 acres) of land from local farmers to support construction and airport expansion.
Construction tender process:
In September 2017, the Airports Authority of India began the tender process to award contracts for building the civil enclave.
Taxiway layout adjustments:
During the planning stage, the Indian Air Force requested changes to the taxiway layout connecting the terminal to the runway. These changes were later approved by the Ministry of Defence.
Construction and design agencies:
The development of the civil enclave was assigned to SCC Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. while the engineering design and project planning were handled by Solcon Consultants.
These developments allowed the airport to move from planning stages to operational readiness for passenger flights.
Bareilly Airport currently operates two passenger terminals, which were developed during different stages of the airport’s expansion. The first terminal enabled the start of commercial passenger services, while the second terminal was built later to increase passenger capacity and improve airport facilities.
Together, these terminals support passenger processing, aircraft parking, and ground operations required for domestic flights.
The main features of the passenger terminals include the following:
Terminal building size and expansion capacity
The first passenger terminal covers approximately 2,500 square metres and was designed to support initial commercial operations. The second terminal, which was developed as part of the airport expansion, covers about 3,020 square metres and provides additional space to accommodate a larger number of passengers.
Passenger handling capacity
Terminal 1 can manage around 150 passengers during peak hours, including 75 arrival passengers and 75 departure passengers. The second terminal significantly increases this capacity and can accommodate more than 300 passengers, allowing the airport to handle higher passenger movement.
Check-in and baggage handling facilities
The expanded terminal infrastructure includes six check-in counters that assist passengers during the departure process. The terminal also includes two baggage conveyor belts, which support baggage handling for arriving passengers.
Aircraft parking apron facilities
The apron near Terminal 1 measures approximately 95 × 100 metres, which allows parking for two ATR-72 aircraft at the same time. The expanded apron built for the newer terminal provides parking space for three Airbus A321 aircraft, allowing the airport to accommodate larger aircraft.
Taxiway connectivity
The passenger terminal area is connected to the runway through a link taxiway measuring about 835 metres in length and 18 metres in width, which allows aircraft to move safely between the terminal apron and the runway.
Vehicle parking facilities
The airport includes parking space for around 250 vehicles, making it easier for passengers and visitors to access the terminal area.
Terminal expansion investment
The development and expansion of the second passenger terminal required an investment of approximately ₹70 crore, which helped improve passenger capacity and airport infrastructure.
The development of these two terminals has strengthened the airport’s ability to handle passenger traffic and support regular domestic flight operations.
Bareilly Airport operates within Trishul Air Force Base which is considered one of the major bases of the Indian Air Force.
Important aviation features of the base include:
Fighter aircraft operations
The base hosts a squadron of Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft which play an important role in air defence operations.
Helicopter squadron
The base also operates a helicopter unit equipped with HAL Dhruv helicopters.
High-altitude reconnaissance aircraft history
The base previously operated Foxbat reconnaissance aircraft which were capable of flying at altitudes of approximately 80,000 feet (24,000 metres).
Large underground hangar infrastructure
The base contains an underground aircraft hangar that is regarded as one of the largest such facilities in Asia.
These military aviation facilities demonstrate the strategic significance of the air base while civilian passenger flights continue from the civil enclave.
Bareilly Airport currently supports domestic passenger services operated by IndiGo.
The airport currently connects Bareilly with the following cities:
Travellers who want to compare airline schedules and fares for these routes often review multiple options before completing their flight booking. Travel platforms such as Flightsmojo allow passengers to compare airlines and identify a cheap flight ticket or an affordable ticket for their journey.
Bareilly Airport has developed into an important regional aviation facility through the creation of a civil enclave within the Trishul Air Force Base. The construction of two passenger terminals has expanded the airport’s passenger capacity and enabled scheduled commercial flights.
At the same time, the presence of a major Indian Air Force base highlights the strategic aviation role of the facility. Through this combination of civilian travel services and military aviation infrastructure, Bareilly Airport continues to support both regional connectivity and defence operations.
1. What travel documents should passengers carry while departing from Bareilly Airport (BEK)?
Passengers travelling through Bareilly Airport should carry a valid government-issued photo identity card along with their flight ticket or e-ticket confirmation. Airlines operating from the airport usually accept documents such as Aadhaar card, passport, driving licence or voter ID for identity verification at the terminal entry gate. Travellers who book their flight through Flightsmojo receive a confirmed ticket and booking details which can be shown digitally during the airport entry and check-in process.
2. How early should travellers arrive at Bareilly Airport before their flight departure?
Airlines generally advise passengers to reach Bareilly Airport at least two hours before the scheduled departure time for domestic flights. This arrival window allows enough time for security screening, baggage check-in and boarding procedures. Travellers who book tickets through Flightsmojo can also review airline timing guidelines and airport reporting instructions mentioned in their booking confirmation.
3. Can passengers book flights from Bareilly Airport online through Flightsmojo?
Yes. Travellers can search, compare and book domestic flights departing from Bareilly Airport through Flightsmojo. The platform allows users to check airline schedules, compare ticket prices and choose the most suitable travel option between Bareilly and other major cities. This comparison helps travellers identify a convenient flight timing as well as a cost-effective ticket.
4. Which airlines currently operate regular flights from Bareilly Airport?
At present, IndiGo operates scheduled passenger flights from Bareilly Airport connecting the city with major destinations such as Mumbai and Bengaluru. Flight schedules may change depending on airline planning, seasonal demand and aviation regulations. Travellers often check platforms like Flightsmojo to review updated schedules and available seats before completing their reservation.
5. Does Bareilly Airport offer parking facilities for passengers and visitors?
Yes. Bareilly Airport includes a designated vehicle parking area near the passenger terminal. The parking facility can accommodate around 250 vehicles, which allows travellers, taxi services and visitors to access the terminal comfortably. Passengers who arrive by private vehicle can use this facility before entering the departure terminal.
6. Is Bareilly Airport accessible from the city centre and nearby areas?
Bareilly Airport is located approximately six kilometres from the main city area, which makes it easily reachable by taxi, private vehicle or local transport services. Most passengers can reach the terminal within a short travel time depending on traffic conditions. Travellers who plan their journey through Flightsmojo often check the airport location in advance to schedule their departure travel smoothly.
7. What type of aircraft usually operate from Bareilly Airport?
Bareilly Airport supports aircraft such as ATR-72 and Airbus A321 depending on the airline route and passenger demand. The apron area and terminal infrastructure were designed to accommodate these aircraft types safely. This capability allows the airport to handle both regional turboprop aircraft and larger narrow-body passenger jets.
8. Can travellers compare flight fares from Bareilly Airport before booking?
Yes. Comparing ticket prices before booking helps passengers identify better travel deals. Platforms like Flightsmojo allow travellers to review multiple flight options, airline timings and ticket prices in one place. This comparison helps passengers choose a convenient schedule while also finding an affordable ticket for their journey.
9. Are food and basic passenger services available at Bareilly Airport terminals?
Bareilly Airport terminals include basic passenger facilities such as seating areas, check-in counters, baggage services and waiting lounges. Depending on operational arrangements, travellers may also find small refreshment counters or vending options within the terminal area to support passenger comfort before boarding.
10. Does Flightsmojo provide support for both domestic and international flight bookings from Bareilly?
Yes. Flightsmojo allows travellers to book domestic flights departing from Bareilly Airport and also provides options for international travel through connecting airports across India. Passengers can explore routes, compare airlines and complete their booking through the platform while planning both domestic and international journeys.
