Night-Operated vs. Night-Closed Airports in India: A Traveler’s Dilemma

India has many airports, but not all remain open 24/7. While major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai operate round-the-clock, several regional airports shut down at night, leaving passengers stranded. This article explores night-closed airports in India and shares Vikram’s frustrating experience at Madurai Airport while traveling from Kurukshetra to Rameshwaram.

Which Airports in India Close at Night?

Some airports shut operations at night due to:

• Low flight traffic

• Staff shortages

• Noise restrictions

• Security protocols

List of Major Night-Closed Airports

✈ Madurai (IXM) – Closes 10 PM to 6 AM ✈ Kolkata (CCU) – Partial night closure ✈ Pune (PNQ) – No flights 10 PM to 6 AM ✈ Goa (GOI) – Limited night operations ✈ Ahmedabad (AMD) – Shuts after midnight

(Note: Chennai Airport (MAA) operates 24/7—unlike regional airports, it remains open for late-night He reached Madurai Airport at 10 PM the previous night to avoid missing it nand early-morning flights.)

Vikram’s Nightmare: Stuck at Madurai Airport

Vikram, a pilgrim traveling from Kurukshetra to Rameshwaram, had a 7 AM flight from Madurai to Delhi. To avoid missing it, he reached Madurai Airport at 10 PM the previous night.

What Went Wrong?

• Airport was closing – Security asked all passengers to leave.

• No waiting area – Unlike Delhi or Chennai, Madurai Airport doesn’t allow overnight stays.

• No cheap hotels nearby – Only expensive options were available.

• No transport at night – Autos and taxis charge triple the fare.

Why Don’t Indian Airports Allow Overnight Stays?

• Security reasons – Smaller airports prefer empty terminals at night.

• No sleeping facilities – Most lack lounges or rest zones.

• Poor transit policies – Unlike Dubai or Singapore, India lacks proper arrangements for stranded passengers.

How to Avoid Such Situations?

✔ Check airport timings before booking flights. ✔ Book flights during operational hours (avoid late-night arrivals at regional airports). ✔ Stay at a budget hotel if arriving late. ✔ Use 24/7 lounges (if available, mostly in metro cities).

FAQs on Night-Closed Airports

1. Which Indian airports are open 24/7?✅ Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Chennai (MAA), Bangalore (BLR), Hyderabad (HYD)

2. Can I sleep inside Madurai Airport overnight?❌ No – Passengers must leave during closure hours (10 PM–6 AM).

3. Are there cheap hotels near night-closed airports?⚠ Limited options – Book in advance to avoid high prices.

4. Do any Indian airports have sleeping pods?🛌 Only Delhi & Mumbai – Paid sleep pods available.