Uttarakhand’s Pantnagar airport set for major upgrade: 3,000m runway, new terminal to boost Kumaon connectivity

RUDRAPUR: Pantnagar airport, spread over 793 acres in the Terai region of Kumaon, is being expanded to upgrade it into a larger aviation facility with modern infrastructure, officials said.At present, the airport has a runway of around 1,340 metres, which restricts operations to small aircraft. Under the expansion project, the existing runway will be replaced with a 3,000-m-long and 45-m-wide runway, enabling operations of larger passenger aircraft, including Boeing and Airbus models. Officials said the upgrade will improve air connectivity between Kumaon and major cities across the country.The first phase of the project includes construction of a new terminal building at an estimated cost of Rs 387 crore. Spread across 8,500 sq m, the terminal is designed to handle 475 passengers at a time and over one million passengers annually. Planned facilities include two aerobridges, escalators, elevators, automated parking, food courts, retail outlets and car rental services.Officials said improved connectivity is expected to support tourism in hill districts such as Nainital, Almora, Pithoragarh and Champawat, while also benefiting industries in SIDCUL, the agricultural university and other industrial units in the Terai region.Cargo services will also be introduced from Pantnagar, a first for the region. This is expected to facilitate faster transport of agricultural produce, industrial goods and local products to major markets across the country. Officials said this could benefit farmers and small entrepreneurs, particularly those engaged in coarse-grain cultivation and other hill produce.The apron capacity at the airport is also being expanded. From the current provision for parking two aircraft at a time, the upgraded facility will be able to accommodate up to five aircraft simultaneously, allowing an increase in flight operations.“Pantnagar airport serves as the main air gateway to Kumaon. Its expansion will improve connectivity and support economic activity in the region,” said Pawan Kumar, director, Pantnagar airport. He added that work is underway to strengthen security and infrastructure with support from the state govt.