India’s duty-free retail sector operates primarily across international airports and select seaports, offering tax-exempt goods to outbound and inbound travelers. Below are the principal players in this space, their backgrounds, and operations.
Duty Free Shops in India Overview
| Operator / Brand | Major Airports |
|---|---|
| ITDC Duty Free | Chennai, Goa, Kolkata |
| Flemingo Duty Free | Multiple (AAI airports) |
| Delhi Duty Free (GMR) | New Delhi (IGIA) |
| Ospree Duty Free | Mumbai (CSMIA) |
| Hyderabad Duty Free | Hyderabad (RGIA) |
| Bangalore Duty Free | Bengaluru (KIA) |
| Cochin Duty Free | Kochi (CIAL) |
| Goa Duty Free | Goa (Dabolim & MOPA) |
| Chennai Duty Free | Chennai (MAA) |
| Kolkata Duty Free | Kolkata (CCU) |
Key Highlights
| Operator / Brand | Key Highlights |
|---|---|
| ITDC Duty Free | Govt. pioneer in duty-free retail |
| Flemingo Duty Free | Private leader with national presence |
| Delhi Duty Free (GMR) | Largest airport duty-free store |
| Ospree Duty Free | JV between Adani & Flemingo |
| Hyderabad Duty Free | GMR-owned, tech-driven |
| Bangalore Duty Free | Fast-growing South Indian hub |
| Cochin Duty Free | Airport-owned, Gulf traveler focus |
| Goa Duty Free | Tourism-focused duty-free retail |
| Chennai Duty Free | South India’s long-running outlet |
| Kolkata Duty Free | East India’s international gateway |
Common Products
The most popular items sold in duty-free shops are those that are typically subject to high taxes, such as:
- Alcoholic beverages (liquor, wine)
- Tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars)
- Fragrances and Cosmetics
- Luxury goods (watches, jewelry, fashion accessories)
- Confectionery (chocolates, sweets)
- Electronics & Smart Gadgets
1. India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) Duty Free
Overview:
India Tourism Development Corporation Limited (ITDC), under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, is one of the country’s oldest operators of duty-free outlets. Through its division Ashok International Trade Division (AITD), ITDC runs duty-free shops at international airports and major seaports.
ITDC is the pioneer of Duty Free Business in India. With changing times, we have shifted our focus from operating Duty Free Shops at International Airports to diversifying into other locations such as seaports. Today, we are operating Duty Free Shops at Chennai, Haldia, Kolkata, Goa, Paradip, Vishakhapatnam, New Mangalore, Kakinada, Krishnapatnam, Cochin, Ennore, Tuticorin, Navi Mumbai & Kandla Seaports, along with our most recent addition – Visakhapatnam International Airport.
Locations:
| Location | Name of Port / Airport |
|---|---|
| Vishakhapatnam | Duty Free Shop at Vizag Airport |
| Kandla, Gujarat | Duty Free Shop at Deendayal Port |
| Ennore, Chennai | Duty Free Shop at Kamarajar Sea Port |
| Cochin, Kerala | Duty Free Shop at Cochin Sea Port |
| Krishnapatnam, Andhra Pradesh | Duty Free Shop at Krishnapatnam Sea Port |
| Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh | Duty Free Shop at Kakinada Sea Port |
| Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra | Duty Free Shop at Jawaharlal Nehru Sea Port |
| Mangalore, Karnataka | Duty Free Shop at New Mangalore Sea Port |
| Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu | Duty Free Shop at V. O. Chidambaranar Sea Port |
| Paradip, Odisha | Duty Free Shop at Paradip Port |
| Marmugao, Goa | Duty Free Shop at Marmugao Sea Port |
| Kolkata, West Bengal | Duty Free Shop at Kolkata Sea Port |
| Haldia, West Bengal | Duty Free Shop at Haldia Sea Port |
| Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh | Duty Free Shop at Vizag Sea Port |
| Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Duty Free Shop at Chennai Sea Port |
Key Features:
- Focuses on Indian handicrafts, liquor, perfumes, tobacco, and souvenirs.
- Operates both arrival and departure duty-free stores.
- First Indian government entity to venture into duty-free trade.
Website: itdc.co.in
2. Flemingo Duty Free Shop Private Limited (FDSPL)
Overview:
Flemingo Duty Free is one of India’s largest private duty-free operators. Founded in 1997, the company has a strong presence at both airports and seaports, serving millions of travelers annually.
Locations:
Chennai, Trichy, Calicut, Mangalore, Goa, Kolkata, Amritsar, Jaipur, and various seaports.
Key Features:
- Specializes in liquor, fragrances, cosmetics, chocolates, and tobacco.
- Among the first to introduce modern retail design in duty-free stores outside metro airports.
- Operates both departure and arrival terminals in partnership with Airports Authority of India (AAI).
Parent Group: Flemingo International Ltd., headquartered in Dubai.
Website: flemingodutyfree.com
3. Delhi Duty Free (GMR Airports Limited)
Overview:
Delhi Duty Free is one of India’s largest and most advanced duty-free operations. Managed by GMR Airports Limited since 2025, it operates at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), New Delhi — India’s busiest airport.
Locations:
Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), Terminal 3, New Delhi.
Key Features:
- Spans over 30,000 sq. ft. retail space.
- Offers premium liquor, perfumes, chocolates, electronics, and fashion.
- Includes luxury boutiques for brands like Johnnie Walker, Chivas Regal, and Dior.
- Operates under a public-private partnership model with DIAL (Delhi International Airport Ltd.).
Website: delhidutyfree.co.in
4. Mumbai Duty Free (Ospree Duty Free)
Overview:
Mumbai Duty Free, also known as Ospree Duty Free, is operated as a joint venture between the Adani Group and Flemingo International. It serves as one of India’s largest airport retail zones.
Locations:
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mumbai.
Key Features:
- Modern design with global travel-retail standards.
- Features premium whisky collections, perfumes, cosmetics, and luxury chocolates.
- Focuses on digital engagement, loyalty programs, and exclusive offers for Indian travelers.
Parent Company: Ospree Duty Free Pvt. Ltd.
Website: mumbaidutyfree.net
5. Bangalore Duty Free (Bangalore International Airport Limited – BIAL)
Overview:
Bangalore Duty Free, operated at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, is a fast-growing duty-free retail outlet catering to tech and business travelers.
Locations:
Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), Bengaluru.
Key Features:
- Partnered with Flemingo Group for retail management.
- Offers global liquor, electronics, and Indian specialty products.
- Notable for efficient self-checkout and multilingual digital signage.
Website: bengaluruairport.com
6. Hyderabad Duty Free (HDF Retail Pvt. Ltd.)
Overview:
Hyderabad Duty Free is owned and operated by GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL). It provides an international shopping experience to travelers from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.
Locations:
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad.
Key Features:
- Offers world-class duty-free shopping with exclusive promotions.
- Features luxury spirits, confectionery, and fashion accessories.
- Focus on “Shop & Collect” service for returning travelers.
Website: hyderabaddutyfree.com
7. Cochin Duty Free (Cochin International Airport Ltd. – CIAL)
Overview:
Cochin Duty Free, operated by CIAL, is one of the few airport duty-free shops owned directly by an airport operator in India. It serves the large Gulf-returnee crowd from Kerala.
Locations:
Cochin International Airport, Kochi, Kerala.
Key Features:
- Offers extensive liquor and chocolate sections tailored to Gulf travelers.
- Focuses on affordable premium liquor brands and promotions.
- Supports regional souvenirs and Kerala specialties.
Website: cial.aero
8. Goa Duty Free (ITDC & Private Partners)
Overview:
Goa International Airport (Dabolim) features multiple duty-free stores operated by ITDC and Flemingo. The airport caters to a mix of leisure and charter travelers.
Locations:
Dabolim International Airport, Goa; new Manohar International Airport (MOPA).
Key Features:
- Offers liquor, cigarettes, perfumes, and Goan souvenirs.
- Prominent section for local feni brands and Indian premium spirits.
Website: goaairport.com
9. Chennai Duty Free (Flemingo)
Overview:
Flemingo operates the duty-free shops at Chennai International Airport, one of India’s busiest southern gateways.
Locations:
Chennai International Airport, Tamil Nadu.
Key Features:
- Specializes in liquor, tobacco, chocolates, and perfumes.
- Modern layout with arrival and departure shops.
- Known for offering Tamil Nadu–exclusive spirit brands.
Website: flemingodutyfree.com
10. Kolkata Duty Free (ITDC & Flemingo)
Overview:
Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport features duty-free stores jointly operated by ITDC and Flemingo Duty Free.
Locations:
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata.
Key Features:
- Mix of global liquor brands and Indian whiskies.
- Arrival and departure lounges have separate stores.
- Focuses on regional traveler preferences.
Website: kolkataairport.com
