A five-member expert team from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is scheduled to visit Kishtwar for a two-day assessment of the proposed airport site under the Government of India’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme. The visit marks a major step toward enhancing regional air connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir’s remote districts.
According to Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, who shared the update on X (formerly Twitter), the expert team will conduct an on-ground evaluation to determine the technical feasibility and review the existing infrastructure available at the proposed site. The team’s findings will be compiled into a detailed report to be submitted to higher authorities in New Delhi for further decision-making.
#Kishtwar Airport Update…..
— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) October 27, 2025
A 5-member high-level Special team deputed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Govt of India and Airport Authority of India (AAI) will reach #Kishtwar tomorrow, on a two day visit to evaluate the status of the proposal for developing airport at…
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that this initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to promote air connectivity and infrastructure development in remote and border regions of Jammu and Kashmir. The project, once approved, is expected to boost tourism, business, and accessibility in the Chenab Valley region, benefiting both locals and visitors.
He highlighted that improved air connectivity under the UDAN scheme would not only ease travel but also stimulate economic activity by linking Kishtwar to major cities across India.
Meanwhile, while talking to media persons after inaugurating BioNEST Incubator at Industrial Biotechnology Park in Ghati, Kathua, Dr Jitendra Singh also informed that the Udhampur Airport is all set to become operational soon.
“The airport will initially operate with ATR 72-seater aircraft without needing additional land for initial operations,” he disclosed. The Union Minister added that the airport’s operationalization has been finalized, with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) agreeing to develop the required infrastructure at the existing premises.
The project will be implemented in two phases, with the first phase involving the initiation of ATR civil flight operations within the existing premises of the Air Force Station.
For bigger aircraft operations in phase two, the Airport Authority of India has already approached the J&K Government for the transfer of additional land to construct a new terminal.
The UDAN scheme, launched in 2017, aims to make air travel affordable and accessible to common citizens while promoting regional airports. Through this program, the Government of India seeks to bridge the urban-rural divide by ensuring last-mile air connectivity to underserved and unserved regions.
Kishtwar’s inclusion in this scheme reflects the government’s commitment to expanding aviation infrastructure in strategic and geographically challenging areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
