Uttarakhand has called on the Centre to expedite the runway expansion at Pantnagar Airport. The proposal, which involves extending the current 1,372-metre runway to 3,000 metres, is expected to transform the facility into a key aviation hub for northern India.
The expansion plan involves the transfer of over 524 acres of land to the Airports Authority of India, with more under process. Once completed, the longer runway will support larger aircraft and potentially qualify the airport for international operations—an important step for a state increasingly reliant on eco-tourism and pilgrimage-based travel.
Officials argue that fast-tracked execution is essential, given Uttarakhand’s strategic location near international borders and its economic dependence on high-altitude access routes. The expansion of Pantnagar Airport is being positioned not just as a tourism booster, but also as an enabler of faster disaster response, cargo movement, and border security logistics.
The state has also requested the Centre to extend operational hours at Dehradun’s primary airport to midnight to accommodate higher traffic volumes and allow greater flight scheduling flexibility. Current infrastructure constraints limit its operational efficiency, especially during peak travel seasons.
Another major priority is the inclusion of more destinations under the Regional Connectivity Scheme. The state has proposed direct routes connecting smaller districts such as Pithoragarh to the national capital and other regional nodes. The idea is to bridge the accessibility gap in remote regions, reducing travel time and economic isolation.
In line with its commitment to environmentally conscious growth, the state has recommended the establishment of ‘House of Himalayas’ product stalls at key airports. These stalls aim to promote indigenous crafts, organic produce, and mountain-based goods, providing a sustainable revenue model for local artisans and entrepreneurs.
The proposal also highlights inspections for operational upgrades at lesser-used airstrips in strategic locations such as Chinyalisaur and Gauchar. Extending the watch hours at these locations could play a critical role in developing all-weather regional aviation networks.
The state’s request to commence international flights, alongside direct domestic services between Dehradun, Haldwani, Pantnagar, and Nagpur, reflects an overarching vision for decentralised air infrastructure. This aligns with national goals of inclusive growth and resilient infrastructure, with an added emphasis on environmental sustainability and equitable access.
If approved and executed efficiently, these aviation proposals have the potential to redefine mobility, tourism, and commerce in one of India’s most ecologically and strategically significant regions.
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Pantnagar Airport Expansion: Uttarakhand Seeks Swift Action to Enhance Regional Air Connectivity
