Airlift bioreactors are extensively used in the fields of aerobic fermentation, animal and plant cell cultures. This review article evaluates the present research activities in the field of airlift bioreactors. The published research works on the design parameters such as types, location and properties of gas sparser, hydrodynamic properties such as phase holdups mixing, liquid circulation rate, mass and heat transfer rates are summarized. Also, recommendations are presented for designing airlift bioreactors.