Agartala's Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport (IATA: IXA, ICAO: VEAT) is one of northeast India's most strategically important gateways. Situated in Tripura, a landlocked state bordered almost entirely by Bangladesh, the airport serves as a critical link between the region and the rest of the country. Airlines including IndiGo operate regular domestic services, connecting Agartala to major Indian cities. Developer rahulC has released a freeware recreation of Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport for both Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024, representing three years of learning, iteration, and personal dedication to a place the creator calls home. The result is a comprehensive scenery package that goes well beyond a simple layout correction, delivering custom-built 3D models, authentic ground infrastructure, and a full GSX profile.
The core of the scenery is a ground-up reconstruction of the airport's physical environment. Custom CGL imagery underpins the surface detail, with accurate runway, taxiway, and ground markings replacing the default sim data. Taxiway and VOR signs have been recreated to match real-world references, and the apron lighting and associated clutter contribute to a convincing operational atmosphere. A perimeter wall, road network, and lighting ring the airfield, while vegetation and surrounding area details help ground the airport within its northeast Indian context.
The 3D modelling work covers a broad scope of structures across the airport campus. Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are included, alongside the new and old ATC buildings, the ATS Block, Cargo Terminal, Admin Block, and an A321 Hangar. The BSF and Pawan Hans hangars, Fire Station, Indian Oil facilities, DVOR and NDB structures, a glidepath building, and a food court are also modelled. Additional surrounding structures fill out the airport's footprint, giving the scenery a sense of completeness that speaks to the depth of research behind it.
Scenery enhancements bring a layer of regional character that is rarely seen in freeware Indian airport packages. An animated Indian flag flies over the airport, and an animated IndiGo bus moves through the apron environment. Static auto rickshaws, fire brigade vehicles, and Indian Oil fuel bowsers are placed throughout the airport. Indian aviation ground clutter adds further authenticity, and notable details like a Mandir positioned abeam Taxiway F, a water tank, and guard towers reflect the kind of local knowledge that comes from genuine familiarity with the place.
For those using GSX Ground Services, a dedicated profile is included. It covers custom pushback routes, vehicle placement, VDGS, marshaller positions, passenger walk positions, custom vehicle paths, and stand configurations. VEAT — Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport is available as a free download on Flightsim.to. If you appreciate the work that has gone into this three-year project, rahulC welcomes support via Buy Me a Coffee. It is entirely optional, but a small contribution goes a long way toward keeping projects like this one coming. ➡️ Download VEAT — Agartala Airport | Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport on Flightsim.to.