ACCESS

Port Blair, the gateway to A&N Islands is connected with Chennai and Kolkata by air. Air India, Jet Airways, Jetlite & Kingfisher Airlines operate regular flights.

Sl.No.	Name of Flights	Sector
1.	Air India	Chennai - Port Blair - Chennai , Kolkata - Port Blair - Kolkata
2.	Jet Airways	Chennai - Port Blair - Chennai – Delhi
3.	King Fisher	Chennai - Port Blair - Chennai
4.	Jet Lite	Kolkata - Port Blair - Kolkata - Delhi

Ministry of Civil Aviation, Govt. of India has permitted foreign charter flight to land at Port Blair subject to the fulfillment of the guidelines issued by Director General, Civil Aviation, Govt. of India. These undulating Islands in the Bay of Bengal are covered with dense forests and endless variety of flora and fauna. The topography of the islands is hilly and abounds in evergreen forests. The sandy beaches on the edge of meandering coastline are fringed with coconut palms that sway to the rhythm of the sea. The sea around the islands offers excellent scope for adventure water sports. The rare flora and fauna, underwater marine life and corals and crystal clean water and the mangrove-lined creeks, offer a dream view of the rare gifts of nature. This blesses islands attract any nature-lover, who seeks absolute peace and tranquility in the lap of mother nature. Adventure tourism like trekking, island camping, snorkeling, scuba diving etc., are major attractions here. A visit to these island is a memorable lifetime experience. Andaman Islands are a world class eco-tourism destination and has immense potential for adventure water sports. The official web site of Andaman & Nicobar Administration, www.and.nic.in gives more about the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

The Guidelines of Director General Civil Aviation regarding operation of charter flight is available at www.dgca.nic.in. Address of Director General-civail Aviation Aeronautical Information Services.

A new terminal building having capacity to handle 400 passengers at a time. Flight operations are carried out at the airport before noon.

Regular passenger ship services are available to Port Blair from Chennai, Kolkata and Vishakhapatnam and back. There are three to four sailings every month from Kolkata and Chennai to Port Blair and vice-versa. There is one sailing from Vishakhapatnam in a month. The voyage takes about 50 to 60 hours and the ship normally berths at Port Blair for about two to four days. Further information on schedules and tariffs can be obtained from:

Name of Vessel

Class of Accommodation

Fare for Islanders

Fare per berth (Tourist/Non Islanders)

(in Rs.)

M.V.Swaraj Dweep /

Nancowry / Nicobar

Deluxe Cabin

1st Class Cabin

2nd Class Cabin

Bunk

3,940.00

3,560.00

2,680.00

710.00

7,640.00

6,320.00

5,030.00

1,960.00

M.V.Harshvardhana

Deluxe Cabin

1st Class Cabin

2nd Class 'A' Cabin

2nd Class 'B' Cabin

Bunk

3,940.00

3,560.00

2,680.00

2,350.00

710.00

7,640.00

6,320.00

5,030.00

3,890.00

1,960.00

M.V.Akbar

Deluxe Cabin

1st Class Cabin

AC Dormitory

Ordinary Bunk

3,940.00

3,430.00

1,790.00

660.00

7,640.00

5,400.00

3,290.00

1,700.00

Tickets can be booked for any of the above vessels in any scheduled sailing at the STARS (Ship Ticketing Advance Reservation System) Counters of the Directorate of Shipping Services, A&N Administration at Port Blair, Chennai and Kolkata. As for voyage tickets from Vizag, SCI has a ticketing agent: M/s AV Bhanojirow Garuda, Pattabhiramayya & Co. near Port Main Gate, PB No. 17, Vizag. Ph: 0891-2565597, Fax: 0891-2566507.

Note: One needs to submit application form for booking of tickets and produce ID proof at the time of boarding of the vessel. For sailing schedule, application forms, guidelines for ticketing , availability of tickets and recent fare visit: www.and.nic.in.

The Directorate of Shipping Services, A&N Administration operates regular ferry services from Phoenix Bay Jetty, Port Blair in the inter island, foreshore sectors connecting all populated islands/ tourist places. The Directorate also operates vehicle ferries at important locations and several harbor ferries. The sailing schedules are published in local newspapers- Daily Telegrams and also broadcast through the All India Radio/ Doordarshan, Port Blair. Tickets are issued through the STARS counters managed by the Directorate of Shipping Services.

Apart from this, private tourist boats are operated from Aberdeen Jetty (Water Sports Complex), Port Blair connecting nearby tourist places like Ross Island, Viper Island, North Bay and Harbor cruise etc. the tourist boat services from Wandoor to Jolly Bouy/ Redskin islands are also privatized.

A major private initiative in passenger shipping service-M/s MAK Logistics, Port Blair has come up with a luxury passenger day cruise vessel-M.V. Makruzz connecting the most sought after tourist circuit in Andamans: Port Blair-Havelock. The 280-passenger capacity, fully Air-conditioned Catamaran, which can attain a cruise speed of 27 nautical miles per hour, will reach tourists in about 90 minutes to Havelock from Port Blair. M.V. Makruzz will cruise for Havelock from Phoenix bay Jetty-Port Blair at 08.30 AM daily and in return direction from Havelock at 4 PM.

Fare: Royal class Rs. 1000/-, Deluxe Rs. 750/- and Premium Rs. 650/- (one way) Tourists can book tickets online through travel agents/tour operators/ hoteliers in Port Blair. Enquiries: 03192- 212355/ 236677, Fax: 243612, Email: mvmakruzz@gmail.com.

The Directorate of Civil Aviation, A&N Administration in association with Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited operate daily helicopter services from Port Blair connecting major inter-island tourist destination like Havelock, Neil, Diglipur, Mayabunder and Hut Bay. Presently, three helicopters are flown. Plans are also afoot to fly a Sea plane on trial basis initially. For latest information on Helicopter schedules visit: www.and.nic.in.