Nestled amidst the towering peaks of the Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh stands as a testament to nature's grandeur and cultural richness. A treasure trove for both families and solo travellers, this northern Indian state beckons with its scenic landscapes, adventure activities, and vibrant culture. While the allure of popular destinations like Manali, Dharamsala, and Shimla is undeniable, the state's hidden gems promise a truly immersive experience. However, accessing these wonders requires careful planning, considering the limited number of airports serving the region.
The state has three operational airports and one proposed international airport. All the airports are operated by the Airports Authority of India. Here is a brief overview of each airport:
Note: The services and other factors keep changing frequently. So, please verify all information before planning your trip.
Operational Airports:
1. Bhuntar Airport (KUU)
This airport is located in Bhuntar, near Kullu and Manali. It serves as a gateway to the famous hill stations of Manali and Manikaran. The airport has a single runway, surrounded by high peaks and prone to weather disruptions.
Location: Bhuntar Airport is in Bhuntar, near Kullu and Manali in Himachal Pradesh.
Nearby Tourist Places: This airport is a gateway to popular hill stations like Manali and Manikaran, which are renowned for their scenic beauty, adventure sports, and religious sites. Tourists can explore Hadimba Temple, Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, and Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara attractions.
Cities Connected: Bhuntar Airport offers connecting flights to Delhi, Chandigarh, Dharamsala, and Kolkata.
Airlines Operating: Air India, Deccan Charter, Jagson Airlines, and Himalayan Bulls operate flights to and from Bhuntar Airport.
2. Kangra Airport or Gaggal Airport (DHM)
This airport is located in Gaggal, near Kangra and Dharamsala. It serves as a base for tourists visiting the Dalai Lama's residence and the Tibetan culture in Dharamsala. The airport has a single runway, which is also affected by weather conditions and visibility issues.
Location: Gaggal Airport is in Gaggal, near Kangra and Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh.
Nearby Tourist Places: This airport serves as a convenient base for exploring Dharamsala, home to the residence of the Dalai Lama and the vibrant Tibetan culture. Tourists can visit attractions such as Tsuglagkhang Complex, Namgyal Monastery, Bhagsunag Temple, and Kangra Fort.
Cities Connected: Gaggal Airport offers connecting flights to Delhi and Chandigarh.
Airlines Operating: Air India, SpiceJet, and Alliance Air operate flights to and from Gaggal Airport.
3. Shimla Airport (SLV)
This airport is in Jubbarhatti, near Shimla. It is a convenient option for travellers visiting the capital city of Himachal Pradesh and its nearby attractions. The airport has a short runway, which is situated on a tabletop and requires precise landing and take-off skills.
Location: Shimla Airport is in Jubbarhatti, near Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh.
Nearby Tourist Places: This airport provides easy access to Shimla, a popular hill station known for its colonial architecture, Mall Road, Jakhoo Temple, and the Viceregal Lodge. Other nearby attractions include Kufri, Naldehra, and Chail.
Cities Connected: Shimla Airport offers connecting flights to Delhi.
Airlines Operating: Alliance Air operates flights to and from Shimla Airport.
Proposed Airports:
1. Mandi Airport
Envisioned as an international airport, Mandi Airport aims to boost tourism and trade in the state. Once operational, it will enhance connectivity to Mandi and its surrounding areas, offering smoother travel for tourists from around the globe and fostering economic growth in the region. The airport is planned to have an area of 515 acres and cost 900 crores (USD 113 million). The state government and the civil aviation ministry are preparing the airport's detailed project report.
Location: The proposed Mandi Airport is expected to be built in Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh.
Purpose: This airport aims to boost tourism and trade in the state by providing better connectivity to domestic and international destinations.
Project Details: The airport is planned to cover an area of 515 acres with an estimated cost of 900 crores (USD 113 million). The state government and the civil aviation ministry are preparing a detailed project report.
Expected Impact: Once operational, Mandi Airport will enhance accessibility to Mandi and its surrounding areas, facilitating smoother travel for tourists and promoting economic growth in the region.
2. Rangrik Airport
Planned as a defence airport in the Spiti Valley, Rangrik Airport aims to provide strategic protection to the region, which shares a border with China. Its construction follows the establishment of a defence airport in Lupsuk, China, underscoring the importance of security in the area. Its main motive is to provide defence protection to the country from the part of the state sharing a border with China.
Now that you have information on all the operating airports in Himachal Pradesh, you can easily plan a vacation to enjoy the snow-filled mountains. If you cannot access these airports directly, you can book connecting flights from Delhi or Chandigarh.
Whether you seek adventure in the mountains, spiritual solace in ancient temples, or cultural immersion in local traditions, you can visit the unforgettable Himachal Pradesh!
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