Nashik Ozar Airport (ISK) Guide 2026: Flights, the Kumbh Expansion and Getting Into the City
By Aarav Sharma (Aarav Sharma covers Indian airline operations, airport infrastructure and route economics. He writes about Tier-1 and Tier-2 airport developments, IndiGo and Air India fleet strategy, and the unsung Indian aviation hubs travellers should know about.) · Published · Last updated · 10 min read
Nashik Ozar Airport (ISK) serves Maharashtra's wine and pilgrimage city, with a major terminal expansion under way ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela. Here's the 2026 guide — flights, the expansion, and getting into Nashik.
Quick answer
Nashik Ozar Airport (IATA: ISK) serves Nashik, Maharashtra's wine-country and pilgrimage city, from the HAL complex at Ozar, about 20+ km from the city. As of early 2026 it is served by IndiGo on domestic routes. A major ₹556 crore expansion was approved in November 2025 ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela (scheduled roughly October 2026 to July 2028), adding a new ~17,800 sqm terminal to raise hourly capacity from 300 to 1,000 passengers, targeted for completion by March 2027. Check live routes and fares in the FlightGPT chat. Official site: Airports Authority of India.
Why Nashik's airport is being scaled up
Nashik is one of Maharashtra's most important cities — the heart of India's wine industry, a Hindu pilgrimage centre (Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga and the Godavari ghats), and a growing industrial hub. The trigger for the airport's big expansion is the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings on earth, which Nashik-Trimbakeshwar hosts on a 12-year cycle. With the next Kumbh scheduled across 2026–2028, authorities approved a major terminal upgrade to handle the surge in pilgrims and visitors. That investment will leave Nashik with far more air capacity than its current modest schedule.
Flights and airlines from ISK in 2026
As of early 2026, IndiGo is the operating carrier at Nashik, connecting Ozar to a set of cities — the network has fluctuated over the years as Nashik's air service has had a stop-start history, so the current route list is best confirmed live. Key links typically include metro connections useful for business and pilgrimage traffic. As the expansion completes and the Kumbh approaches, expect more airlines and routes to be added. Confirm what's flying for your dates and compare fares in the FlightGPT chat; see also our Pune Airport guide for the nearby alternative.
The Kumbh expansion
The ₹556 crore project, approved in November 2025 by the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Development Authority, centres on a new terminal building of roughly 17,800 sqm. It is designed to lift hourly passenger capacity from about 300 to 1,000 — a more-than-threefold increase — with completion targeted by March 2027, ahead of the Kumbh peak. This is a classic example of an event-driven Indian airport upgrade: build big for the mela, then keep the capacity for long-term growth. Until the new terminal is live, expect the existing facility; check for transitional changes before you travel.
Inside the airport and facilities
The current terminal is a modest building within the HAL Ozar complex, with check-in, security, a departure area and basic amenities. Because it sits in a Hindustan Aeronautics Limited facility, there are the usual restrictions around photography and airside access. The experience is straightforward and quick outside peak banks. Arrive about 90 minutes to 2 hours before a domestic departure. The forthcoming terminal will dramatically improve space and comfort.
Getting into Nashik and the wine country
Ozar is north-east of Nashik, a moderate drive (20+ km) from the city centre. App cabs, prepaid taxis and autos are available, though pre-booking is wise given the flight-timed nature of demand. Nashik is the gateway to India's best-known vineyards (Sula, York and others around the Gangapur and Dindori areas), to the Trimbakeshwar temple, and to the Godavari ghats. If you're visiting for wine tourism, many wineries are 15–30 km from the city. Pune (about 200 km) and Mumbai (about 165 km) are the alternative big-airport gateways.
Planning tips for Nashik
Nashik is pleasant for much of the year, with the post-monsoon and winter months (roughly October–February) ideal for vineyard visits and the SulaFest season. For the Kumbh period (2026–2028), expect enormous crowds on the main bathing days — book flights and accommodation far in advance, and follow official guidance on the bathing dates. With air service historically variable, always confirm ISK operations for your dates and compare the fly-to-Pune-or-Mumbai-and-drive option in the FlightGPT chat.
Frequently asked questions
Which airline flies to Nashik Airport in 2026?
As of early 2026, IndiGo is the operating carrier at Nashik Ozar Airport (ISK). Nashik's air service has had a stop-start history, so confirm the current route list and operations for your travel dates before booking.
Is Nashik Airport being expanded for the Kumbh?
Yes. A ₹556 crore expansion approved in November 2025 adds a new ~17,800 sqm terminal to lift hourly capacity from 300 to 1,000 passengers, targeted for completion by March 2027, ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela (2026–2028).
Where is Nashik Airport located?
Nashik Ozar Airport (ISK) is in the HAL complex at Ozar, north-east of Nashik, a moderate drive (20+ km) from the city centre. App cabs, prepaid taxis and autos serve the route.
What are the alternative airports for Nashik?
Because Nashik's air service is limited and variable, many travellers fly into Mumbai (about 165 km) or Pune (about 200 km) and drive. Compare the direct-versus-drive option for your dates in the FlightGPT chat.
Can I visit Nashik's vineyards from the airport?
Yes. Nashik is India's wine capital, with vineyards like Sula and York around the Gangapur and Dindori areas, typically 15–30 km from the city. The post-monsoon and winter months are ideal for visits.