India is slowly developing as a popular transit hub for flyers. Indian airports are becoming modernised and facilities available at these airports are turning chic. Transit travellers taking flights to India are surely in for a nice time.
Transit travel is a big part of the aviation industry. A good percentage of flyers opt for connecting flights for a number of reasons. First, a connecting flight is easy on pockets and cheap flights are not difficult to come by. Secondly, a direct flight can be tiring experience in case of a long journey and it makes sense to break the legs of the trip to increase the comfort t level. Then there is the opportunity to discover a whole together new destination en route!
Countries like India act as great stopovers for UK flyers looking for a connection to regions like Australia, New Zealand, India Ocean holiday destinations and South East Asia. No wonder, flights to India remain in such demand among transit travellers. Take a look at certain important tips for transit travellers looking for a flight break in India.
Look For the Best Route
Flyers looking for a transit travel through India should look at different airlines and Indian airports before finalising the bookings. One would, obviously, like to choose a route that offers you the minimum layover time. A number of airlines service the UK-India route and one should be thorough with their alternatives.
Visa for Indian Transit Travel
Travellers booking flights to India for transit will be required to obtain a transit visa. A transit visa is valid for a single or double journey, within 15 days, effective from the date of issue. A transit travel visa covers a direct transit for a maximum period of three days. Those who are interested in stays beyond three days must get a valid visa from the authorities.
Indian Airports & their Facilities
India is a huge nation and there are number of international airports that are located in different parts of the country. However, it is the Delhi and Mumbai airports that score the highest when it comes to attracting transit travellers. Take a look at the two airports in a little detail.
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport is perhaps the busiest gateway in India. A major portion of travellers who book air tickets to India land up in the capital city. A cluster of carriers that offer cheap flights to India from London Heathrow land up at the Delhi airport. The airport has recently been renovated and boasts fantastic passenger facilities like lounges, and shopping and dinning options.
Transit travellers landing up here can make use of the numerous lounges that are located within the complex of the airport. One can enjoy facilities like shower rooms and spa treatment rooms at such lounges.
Transit travellers taking Delhi bound flights to India can check in at the airport hotel – Eaton Smart. Located within the premises, the hotel remains a perfect option for transit flyers in Delhi. The hotel features more than 50 luxurious rooms, each replete with all the modern amenities.
Shopping and eating joints at this airport are too many to count. Flyers can splurge or eat to their heart’s content as they wait for their connecting flight.
Chattrapathi Shivaji Airport (BOM)
Mumbai international airport is another highly popular option for transiting travellers. Heaps of travellers who plan trips to regions like Australia from the UK find it convenient to book tickets on Mumbai bound flights. Jet Airways, British Airways and Lufthansa are some of the popular airlines that operate on the route.
Mumbai airport is renowned for its excellent set of services and facilities among patrons. Lounges in the airport are far-famed and are ideal for rejuvenating the souls and bodies of tired transit traveller. Check out the numerous spas and salons for an utterly blissful experience.
Transit travellers with a lengthy layover time have multiple options as far as hotels are concerned. A whole gamut of hotels can be found around the international airport. And not only luxury properties, budget hotels are also available for flyers taking cheap flights to India. Hotel Midland and Courtyard Mumbai International Airport Hotel are couple of popular alternatives.
Like Delhi airport, Mumbai airport too is replete with dining and shopping options that are interesting and diversified enough to take care of both the travellers’ shopping itch and empty bellies!
Use Time Constructively
There is much to experience and a good deal to figure out right at the Indian airports. Tourists can surely keep themselves busy after landing at these airports. One can also catch up on emails, make phone calls or read to while away the time.
Get Out Of the Airport
A long layover can be frustrating. But not when the layover is in India! Flyers who have time in their hand can use the time to explore this wonderful country. Both Delhi and Mumbai remain popular holiday destinations and these cities offer you the chance to begin your holiday early! Get help from the authorities in regards to public transport time tables.
