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Uttarakhand, often referred to as Devbhumi or the “Land of Gods,” is one of India’s most visited states, attracting millions of tourists, pilgrims, and adventure enthusiasts annually. Known for its natural beauty, spiritual destinations, and proximity to the Himalayas, the state’s tourism and economy heavily rely on an efficient transportation network. Due to its mountainous terrain, road transport can be challenging, especially during the monsoon season when landslides and roadblocks are common. Air travel has thus become a vital link for both tourists and residents.

As of now, Uttarakhand has three operational airports, with several more under construction or proposed to meet growing demands for better connectivity. These airports play a key role in facilitating both domestic and regional travel, enabling tourists to access remote areas and major pilgrimage sites more easily.

1. Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED)

• Location: Situated around 25 kilometers from Dehradun, Jolly Grant Airport is the largest and most prominent airport in Uttarakhand. It is located at a convenient distance from Rishikesh (20 km) and Haridwar (30 km), making it a crucial hub for tourists and pilgrims alike.
• Type: Domestic airport.
• Airlines & Destinations: The airport has regular flights to major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Jaipur. Airlines like IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Vistara operate here.
• Facilities: Over the years, the airport has undergone significant upgrades. It now boasts modern terminal facilities with baggage handling services, VIP lounges, and food and beverage outlets. There are also car rental services, parking, and taxi services readily available.
• Runway: The airport has a single runway, which has been extended to accommodate larger aircraft like Boeing 737 and Airbus A320.
• Importance: Jolly Grant Airport is the gateway for tourists visiting Mussoorie, Haridwar, Rishikesh, and the four sacred sites of the Chardham Yatra—Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. It plays a pivotal role during the Chardham pilgrimage season by offering helicopter services for quick access to these destinations.

2. Pantnagar Airport (PGH)

• Location: Situated in the Kumaon region, Pantnagar Airport is located in the city of Pantnagar, approximately 70 km from Nainital and 120 km from the Jim Corbett National Park. It also provides access to popular hill stations such as Almora, Ranikhet, and Bageshwar.
• Type: Domestic airport.
• Airlines & Destinations: Currently, the airport primarily connects Pantnagar to Delhi through regional airlines like Alliance Air. There are future plans to expand services to other cities as tourism in the region grows.
• Facilities: Pantnagar Airport is smaller than Jolly Grant, with fewer amenities, but it offers the essentials such as baggage claim, seating areas, a small terminal building, and limited parking space.
• Runway: Pantnagar has a shorter runway and caters mainly to small to medium-sized aircraft. The airport is expected to see an expansion in the near future to accommodate more traffic and larger planes.
• Significance: Pantnagar is vital for the tourism industry of the Kumaon region. Its proximity to Nainital, Bhimtal, and Jim Corbett National Park makes it an essential transit point for travelers. Additionally, Pantnagar is home to the prestigious GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, making the airport a key link for educational and research institutions in the area.

3. Naini Saini Airport, Pithoragarh

• Location: Naini Saini Airport is located in Pithoragarh, a district in the eastern part of Uttarakhand, close to the Indo-Nepal border. It lies in the Kumaon region, serving as an important access point for the remote and mountainous areas of the district.
• Type: Regional airport.
• Airlines & Destinations: Naini Saini Airport has recently become operational under the government’s UDAN scheme (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik), which aims to enhance regional connectivity. It operates small flights to cities like Dehradun and Pantnagar.
• Facilities: Due to its small size, the airport offers limited services, catering primarily to short-distance domestic flights. However, it has a terminal with basic facilities like check-in counters, waiting areas, and parking.
• Runway: Naini Saini has a short runway designed to handle small regional aircraft, typically used for charter and government-operated flights.
• Significance: The airport is important not only for boosting regional connectivity but also for security purposes, given its proximity to the international border. The local population, as well as tourists traveling to Munsiyari and other remote areas, benefit from the increased accessibility. Furthermore, the airport could play a critical role in disaster management and emergency evacuation efforts in this remote and often inaccessible region.

Upcoming and Proposed Airports

In addition to the three operational airports, several other projects are underway to further enhance Uttarakhand’s air travel infrastructure. These airports are expected to play a significant role in promoting regional tourism and economic growth.

1. Chinyalisaur Airport, Uttarkashi (Under Development)

• Location: Located near Uttarkashi, this airport is being developed primarily to serve tourists heading to Gangotri, one of the Chardham pilgrimage sites.
• Importance: Once completed, Chinyalisaur Airport will make it easier for travelers to reach high-altitude pilgrimage destinations and hill stations in the Garhwal region, which are currently accessible only by road.

2. Gauchar Airport, Chamoli

• Location: Gauchar Airport is situated in Chamoli district. While it is currently used for helicopter services during the Chardham Yatra, there are plans to expand it for fixed-wing aircraft in the future.
• Significance: Gauchar Airport serves as a critical hub for helicopter services to Kedarnath and other remote areas during pilgrimage season. The proposed upgrades will further boost air connectivity in the region, helping to accommodate the increasing number of tourists and pilgrims.

The Role of the UDAN Scheme in Uttarakhand

The Indian government’s UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme has been instrumental in promoting air travel in remote and under-served regions. Launched to make air travel affordable and widespread, this initiative has brought several regional airports in Uttarakhand into operation, enhancing connectivity between smaller cities and major hubs like Delhi. Naini Saini Airport is one of the key beneficiaries of this scheme, and more airports are expected to be included in future expansions.

Challenges and Future Prospects for Air Travel in Uttarakhand

While Uttarakhand’s air infrastructure is growing, there are still challenges to overcome:

1. Geographical Constraints: The hilly and often treacherous terrain makes it difficult to build and expand airports. Runways and terminals are limited in size, and there are weather-related concerns, especially during monsoons.
2. Seasonal Demand: Air travel demand fluctuates dramatically in Uttarakhand due to the seasonal nature of its tourism, particularly during the pilgrimage seasons. While there is high demand during the Chardham Yatra and the tourist season, off-peak periods see a sharp decline in passengers.
3. Environmental Concerns: With increasing tourism, there are concerns about the environmental impact of expanding airports and air traffic in ecologically sensitive zones like the Himalayas.
4. Upgrading Infrastructure: Many airports in Uttarakhand, such as Pantnagar and Naini Saini, require significant upgrades to handle larger planes and more passengers. The state government, along with the central government, is working on expansion projects to meet this need.

Conclusion

Uttarakhand’s air transport network is still developing, but it is growing rapidly to meet the state’s increasing tourism and economic demands. With three operational airports—Jolly Grant in Dehradun, Pantnagar, and Naini Saini in Pithoragarh—along with several upcoming projects, the state is on track to significantly improve its air connectivity. These airports are not only crucial for tourism and pilgrimage but also play a vital role in regional development, disaster management, and defense.

In the coming years, the continued development of airports under schemes like UDAN will ensure that even the remotest areas of Uttarakhand become accessible, helping the state unlock its full potential as a hub for adventure tourism, spiritual pilgrimages, and natural beauty.