Himalaya Harbinger, Uttarakhand Bureau.
The expansion of Pantnagar Airport in Udham Singh Nagar district is gathering momentum, with plans to transform it into Uttarakhand’s largest international airport within the next two to three years. The project includes extending the current 1,372-meter runway to 3,000 meters to meet international standards, enhancing tourism, industrial growth, and employment in the region.
The demand for an international airport in Pantnagar had been long standing, given its significance as an industrial hub and proximity to prominent tourist destinations in the Kumaon region. Acting on this, the state government approved the project and directed expedited implementation under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS). To facilitate the expansion, 524.70 acres of land have been acquired and transferred to the Airports Authority of India (AAI), with possession formalities already completed.
Airport Director Monica Dambla said, “The land acquisition process is complete, and the plan for expansion is being finalized. Construction will commence soon, beginning with the boundary wall. The airport’s transformation is expected to be completed within two to three years.”
Once expanded, Pantnagar Airport will surpass Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, whose runway currently measures 1,700 meters. This development will make Pantnagar Airport the largest in the state. It will also include parking facilities for aircraft, enabling overnight stops, which are currently unavailable.
The expansion aims to establish Pantnagar as a key gateway to Uttarakhand, especially for tourists visiting Kumaon’s lesser-known destinations. “This international airport will make Kumaon’s tourist spots more accessible, boosting the local economy through increased tourism and related sectors like hospitality and transport,” added Dambla.
Plans also include cargo facilities, a crucial development for entrepreneurs in this industrial city. The cargo service will streamline the import and export of raw materials, providing relief to industries operating in the region.
The airport has witnessed steady activity, with 2,104 flights and over 110,000 passengers between April 2023 and March 2024. Once operational, the expanded facility will further enhance connectivity for both domestic and international travelers, providing a direct link to Kumaon and easing reliance on Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.
