Jagdalpur Airport (JGB)

Maa Danteshwari Airport (IATA: JGB, ICAO: VEJR), serving Jagdalpur in the state of Chhattisgarh, is the primary air gateway to the Bastar region. As a crucial infrastructure asset, the airport significantly enhances connectivity for this remote and culturally rich area, supporting tourism, business, and regional development. Its operation provides vital links to major Indian cities, reducing travel times that were previously covered by long road or rail journeys. Located approximately five kilometers from the city center, the airport is easily accessible via National Highway 30. Travelers typically reach the facility using local taxis or auto-rickshaws, with the journey from downtown Jagdalpur taking around 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic.

Originally an airstrip from the 1940s, the airport was redeveloped and inaugurated for commercial passenger flights in 2018 under the Indian government's UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) regional connectivity scheme. This transformation marked a milestone in making the Bastar division more accessible. The airport exclusively handles domestic flights, with no international services. Operations are primarily conducted by airlines such as IndiGo and Alliance Air, which connect Jagdalpur with key hubs like Hyderabad and Raipur. These routes allow for seamless onward travel to other metropolitan areas across India. Given its status as a regional airport, it handles a modest but growing volume of passenger traffic.

The airport features a single, modern, and compact integrated terminal building designed to handle arrivals and departures efficiently. Facilities for travelers are functional and essential, including airline check-in counters, a security hold area, and a basic waiting lounge with seating. Amenities are limited; passengers will find clean restrooms and may find a small kiosk for snacks and beverages, but there are no elaborate restaurants, executive lounges, or extensive retail shops. For those traveling through Jagdalpur, it is advisable to arrive at the airport 90 minutes before their scheduled departure. Due to the airport's small scale, check-in and security procedures are generally swift. Arranging transportation in advance, either through a hotel or a pre-booked taxi service, is recommended, as on-demand options may be limited.