In a major breakthrough for air connectivity in Jammu & Kashmir, the Udhampur Airport project has officially been greenlit for implementation in two strategic phases. Union Minister and Udhampur MP Dr. Jitendra Singh revealed this development after a series of high-level meetings with key aviation and defense authorities.
This project is poised to transform air travel in the region, improve tourist footfall, and ease pressure on the busy Jammu airport.
Phase 1: Civil Flights to Begin from Udhampur Air Force Station
As part of Phase 1, the plan is to initiate civil flight operations from the existing Udhampur Air Force Station. After extensive consultations with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and local authorities, the IAF has agreed, in principle, to allocate 2,200 square metres for building a temporary civil terminal.
Key features of Phase 1 include:
- A terminal with a 150-passenger handling capacity
- Infrastructure to accommodate ATR-72 and Q400 aircraft
- A swift rollout to commence operations as early as possible
This temporary setup will bridge the gap until permanent infrastructure is developed, ensuring early air access to this vital region.
Phase 2: New Civil Enclave to Handle Larger Aircraft
Phase 2 envisions a full-fledged Civil Aviation Enclave outside the boundaries of the Air Force Station. The district administration has already earmarked 27.6 acres of land for this purpose.
Planned facilities for Phase 2:
- A modern terminal for larger aircraft like the Airbus A321
- An apron, taxiway, and necessary aviation infrastructure
- Long-term support for commercial air traffic in the region
This civil enclave will establish Udhampur as a major aviation hub and dramatically boost regional tourism and economic development.
Strategic Vision and High-Level Engagements
Dr. Jitendra Singh played a central role in driving the project forward. His consistent efforts involved:
- Meeting with Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu
- Consulting with Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha
- Coordinating with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Indian Air Force
- Officially communicating with J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for land transfer and support
The Airports Authority of India also submitted a formal request to the Ministry of Civil Aviation to ensure the land parcel is transferred free of cost and free from legal or administrative hurdles — as stipulated in the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016.
Second Big Civil Aviation Win for the Region
This marks the second major civil aviation milestone in Dr. Jitendra Singh’s tenure. Earlier, he succeeded in getting Kishtwar Airport included under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme — a central government initiative to connect underserved and remote regions through affordable air travel.
With Udhampur now in line, these aviation projects reflect a broader commitment to making air travel accessible and equitable for people in remote hill districts.
Why the Udhampur Airport Matters
Once operational, the Udhampur Civil Enclave is expected to:
- Enhance connectivity for both locals and tourists
- Support tourism growth in nearby hill towns and shrines
- Reduce the burden on the congested Jammu airport
- Spur economic opportunities in transport, hospitality, and logistics sectors
This airport will bring Udhampur closer to the national civil aviation grid, unlocking new possibilities for business, emergency healthcare access, and infrastructure growth.
The Udhampur Airport proposal is not just another infrastructure project — it’s a transformative opportunity for the people of Jammu & Kashmir. Thanks to visionary planning and persistent follow-up, the dream of flying in and out of Udhampur is now becoming a reality.
