For many UK visitors arriving on long-haul flights to India, domestic air travel is the most efficient way to move between major cities. India’s aviation network is extensive, with high-frequency services linking key commercial and regional hubs. Understanding how check-in procedures, security screening, aircraft turnaround and onboard routines work helps travellers transition smoothly from international arrivals to internal domestic flights.
Major Domestic Hubs
India’s domestic aviation system is organised around several high-capacity airports that handle large passenger volumes and serve as key transit points.
Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
Delhi is the country’s busiest hub, with Terminal 3 handling most full-service carriers and Terminal 2/1 used by low-cost airlines depending on seasonal shifts. It offers the widest domestic connectivity.
Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM)
Mumbai’s domestic operations run primarily from Terminal 2 and Terminal 1. High traffic levels mean tight runway capacity, making punctuality especially sensitive to weather and congestion.
Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)
A major tech-hub gateway, Bengaluru handles significant volume between south Indian cities. The airport’s expansion projects have improved gate availability and turnaround efficiency.
Chennai International Airport (MAA)
Chennai supports strong domestic routes across southern and eastern India. Older terminal infrastructure occasionally affects passenger flow during peak hours.
Kolkata Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU)
Kolkata links the east and northeast through dense schedules, especially on routes to Assam, the northeastern states and coastal regions.
Check-In Processes and Security Flow
Domestic Check-In
Most domestic airlines open check-in counters 2–3 hours before departure. UK travellers connecting from international arrivals generally use self-check-in kiosks or app-based boarding passes, though document checks still occur at counters for certain tickets.
Security Screening
Domestic security is strict and multi-layered:
- Boarding-pass check at entry to the security zone
- X-ray screening of all cabin baggage
- Body screening in gender-separated lanes
- Stamping of cabin bags and boarding passes—travellers must keep these stamps visible as they are checked at the gate
Liquids are allowed in limited quantities but must typically be carried in transparent bags. Electronic devices must be removed and placed separately for scanning.
Checked Baggage Screening
Most airports integrate baggage screening into the check-in system, but select terminals still require passengers to take bags to a standalone x-ray belt before handing them over. Bags may receive a security sticker or tag confirming clearance.
Terminal Transfers for Connecting Flights
Domestic connections inside major hubs follow predictable patterns:
- Delhi T3: International-to-domestic transfers occur within the same terminal for many full-service carriers. Low-cost connections may require movement to T2 or T1 using shuttle buses.
- Mumbai T2–T1: Transfers between terminals require a shuttle ride; travellers should allow extra time during high-traffic periods.
- Bengaluru: Usually same-terminal transfers with clear signage and frequent assistance desks.
Connection windows of 120–150 minutes are recommended, especially during peak operational hours.
Aircraft Turnover Times and Monsoon Delays
Turnover Times
Low-cost carriers typically work with 25–35 minute aircraft turnaround windows:
- Seat cleaning
- Catering restock (if applicable)
- Safety checks
- Boarding sequence setup
Full-service carriers often schedule slightly longer turnarounds due to meal loading and additional cabin preparation.
Why Delays Occur During Monsoon Months
The June–September monsoon affects punctuality across the network:
- Low visibility causes extended runway spacing
- Wet surfaces require slower taxi speeds
- Thunderstorms halt ground operations temporarily
- Congested holding patterns form as aircraft circle during heavy downpours
Mumbai and Kolkata face some of the most frequent disruptions due to their coastal weather patterns.
Onboard Service Routines and Seating Systems
Onboard Service
Onboard service differs by airline type:
- Low-cost carriers (IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air): Buy-on-board food and beverages; no complimentary meals. Water is available on request.
- Full-service carriers (Air India, Vistara): Complimentary meals or snacks depending on flight duration, with hot meals on longer routes.
Cabin announcements follow a standard sequence: safety briefing, cruising-level updates and landing instructions.
Seat Assignment
Most airlines allow seat selection during booking for a fee. Free seat assignment at check-in may place passengers in middle seats or separate group travellers. Emergency exit rows have additional requirements, including the need for physically able passengers who can assist in an emergency.
Cabin Layout
A typical domestic aircraft—usually an Airbus A320 or Boeing 737—features:
- 3–3 seating layout
- Limited overhead-bin capacity
- Front and rear entry depending on airport equipment
Final Thoughts
For UK travellers arriving on cheap flights to India, domestic aviation provides a fast, structured and highly scheduled way to navigate the country’s vast distances. By understanding hub airports, check-in routines, security procedures, airline turnaround times, monsoon disruption patterns and onboard service expectations, visitors can move between cities efficiently and with fewer surprises.