Agra Airport (Kheria): Tips, Flights & Travel Guide
- Esther Mehesz
- Jun 14
- 3 min read
Well, never have I ever flown out of a military base camp airport — until I did in Agra, India.
If you’re planning to catch domestic flights within India and flying out of Agra Airport (Kheria Airport) — the gateway to the iconic Taj Mahal — here are some tips I wish I had known before experiencing it firsthand.
Arriving at Agra Airport
Your driver will not be able to drop you directly at the terminal entrance. Don't be alarmed. Instead, they’ll stop near a tall fence at the edge of the city center, and from there you’ll walk through a gated “hallway” where you must show proof of check-in or a boarding card.
We couldn’t check in online, but that wasn’t a problem — we were able to handle it at the counter.
Next, you pass through an initial security area where all bags are scanned. Even small items like nail clippers must be moved into your checked baggage. India's safety is on another level — but that’s part of the experience.
After that, you’ll wait for a shuttle bus to the terminal. Everyone must take this bus (there’s no walking option). The cost was equivalent to about $2–3 USD, and we paid cash. It’s always smart to have small bills handy in India for tips, transport, and surprise fees.
Arriving at the Terminal
Once the bus pulls up at Kheria Airport’s terminal, bags are unloaded and screened again. Checked luggage is zip-tied if cleared — a unique system to ensure bags remain untouched. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind if major airports around the world adopted this practice!
The vibe inside the small domestic airport feels like traveling back to the 80s or 90s. The check-in counters had old machines, the scales were dated, and air circulation came from pedestal fans attached to a post. During our visit, the power even cut out for a few minutes — a moment you just have to laugh off.
Going Through Security
Prepare to unpack everything. This applies not just in Agra but in many local airports across India. All electronics, all charging cables, adapters, and even keys must be removed from your bag -- yes, you read that right, everything needs to be removed. Thankfully, we were given the heads up about this during our stay in the Maldives, from others who had been to India beforehand. Staying organized is key to avoiding stress.
For comparison, security leaving Mumbai’s Indira Gandhi International Airport for international flights was just as strict, if not stricter. At one point, I was even thinking if I'd even be able to leave India!
Waiting Area
Some practical tips:
Bring an empty water bottle — there’s a cold water filling station.
Sit near the portable AC units to cool down after security.
Food options are very limited (one small stand), so bring your own snacks or a sandwich if you want.
The terminal feels more like a crowded bus stop than a bustling hub. There’s just one gate handling arrivals and departures. Because this is an Indian Air Force base, windows are limited — you can only see planes coming and going in small glimpses.
Boarding the Plane
When boarding, you’ll walk to the aircraft, but thankfully, there’s a ramp instead of stairs.
Here’s the unusual part: windows on the plane must stay shut during takeoff until the pilot switches off the seatbelt sign. Since this is an Indian Air Force base, passengers are not allowed to see the runways or facilities. It feels odd not watching the plane climb into the sky, but it’s all part of the unique Agra Airport experience.
Overall Experience
In the end, there were no major problems with Agra Airport, but the process was surprising compared to other domestic airports you may be used to. For international travelers expecting the polish of Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, this feels very different — smaller, stricter, and much more old-school.
Still, flying from Agra saves time compared to driving back to Delhi (the closest major airport) and makes it easier to combine your Taj Mahal visit with other destinations throughout India at a much cheaper cost.
So, while you won’t find lounges (you won't be putting your Priority Pass to use at this airport), you will find an efficient way to catch a flight out of the city - but first, you'll pass a cow or two on the street before getting to the airport. Plus, how can you forget the quirks — from zip-tied bags and shut windows — that make for a story worth sharing.
Cleared for takeoff — catch you in the next destination!
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