Tirupati Airport (TIR)

Tirupati Airport (IATA: TIR, ICAO: VOTP) serves as the primary air gateway for pilgrims and tourists visiting the sacred city of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, home to the world-renowned Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. Commissioned in 1976, the airport's role has grown significantly with the rise in religious tourism. A major milestone in its history was the inauguration of a new integrated terminal building, named the Garuda Terminal, in 2015. This development significantly enhanced its capacity and passenger comfort. In 2017, the airport was designated as a customs airport, enabling it to handle a limited number of international charter flights, although its operations remain predominantly domestic.

The airport is located in Renigunta, approximately 14 kilometers east of the Tirupati city center and about 40 kilometers from the Tirumala temple itself. Access to and from the airport is exclusively by road. Travelers can easily find pre-paid taxis, app-based ride-hailing services, and car rentals just outside the terminal. For a more economical option, the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) operates regular bus services connecting the airport with the Tirupati railway station, the central bus stand, and the Alipiri checkpoint, which is the main gateway to the Tirumala Hills.

As a small regional airport, Tirupati primarily handles domestic flights connecting it to major Indian cities such as Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi. Airlines like IndiGo and Air India Express are the main carriers operating scheduled services. Passenger traffic typically numbers under one million annually, with volumes fluctuating based on pilgrimage seasons. The modern Garuda Terminal is a single, integrated building that handles both arrivals and departures. Inside, facilities are functional and cater to essential needs, including check-in counters, baggage claim, a few retail shops offering books and local handicrafts, and several snack bars and small eateries. A passenger lounge is also available for eligible travelers, along with basic amenities like ATMs and information desks.

For a smooth travel experience, passengers are advised to arrive 90 minutes to two hours prior to their scheduled domestic departure, as security and check-in can experience queues during peak festival times. Pre-paid taxis are a reliable and hassle-free transport option for reaching hotels or the base of Tirumala. It is important for pilgrims to remember that vehicles from the airport will take them to Tirupati town; from there, a separate, authorized bus or taxi service must be used to travel up the ghat roads to the Tirumala temple. The airport’s compact size makes navigation straightforward, ensuring a simple and efficient transit process for all travelers.