Best Airports for Indian Beaches: Fly Straight to Sun, Sand, and Sea

When you’re dreaming of white sand, ocean breeze, and sunset cocktails, the right airport, the gateway to your beach destination in India. Also known as beach access point, it’s not just about landing—it’s about how fast you get to the water. India’s best beaches aren’t all reachable by road. Some are tucked away on islands, others sit far from major cities. Picking the wrong airport can mean a 6-hour drive after a 2-hour flight. You don’t want that.

For Goa’s famous shores, Dabolim Airport, the main airport serving North and South Goa. Also known as Goa International Airport, it’s just 25 minutes from Calangute and 40 from Palolem. No need to hop on a train or rent a car for hours—just grab a taxi and be at the beach by sunset. If you’re heading to the quieter side of Goa, consider Manohar International Airport, the newer, less crowded airport in Mopa. Also known as Goa’s second airport, it’s perfect if you’re flying in from Delhi or Mumbai and want to skip the traffic.

For the Andaman Islands, there’s only one real choice: Veer Savarkar International Airport, the only airport serving Port Blair and the Andaman archipelago. Also known as Port Blair Airport, it’s your lifeline to Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island, and snorkeling spots you won’t find anywhere else in India. Flights here come from Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, and Bangalore. Book early—seats fill fast, especially between November and March. There’s no ferry that gets you there in time for a beach day.

South India’s beaches? Start at Mangalore International Airport, the closest air link to Kudlu, Panambur, and Maravanthe beaches. Also known as IXE, it’s a quiet hub with direct flights from Dubai, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. From there, it’s a scenic 1.5-hour drive along the coast. If you’re chasing the backwaters and beaches together, fly into Cochin International Airport, the main gateway to Kerala’s beach towns like Varkala and Kovalam. Also known as COK, it’s well-connected and gives you easy access to both temple towns and sandy shores.

And if you’re after something offbeat, try Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, the airport that opens the door to the rarely visited beaches of Northeast India. Also known as Guwahati Airport, it’s your launchpad for the hidden coastlines of Assam’s river deltas and the untouched shores near Dibrugarh. It’s not on every traveler’s map—but that’s exactly why it’s worth it.

You don’t need to fly into a big city and then waste half a day traveling inland. The best beach trips in India start with the right airport. Whether you want the buzz of Goa, the solitude of the Andamans, or the calm of Kerala’s coast, there’s an airport that gets you there fast, smooth, and without the stress. Below, you’ll find real traveler stories, flight tips, and which beaches are actually worth the flight.