Kullu–Manali Airport Explained

Kullu–Manali Airport
Iata:KUU
Icao:VIBR
Pushpin Map:India Himachal Pradesh#India
Pushpin Mapsize:250
Pushpin Mark:Airplane_silhouette.svg
Pushpin Label:KUU
Pushpin Map Caption:Location of airport in India
Type:Public
Owner:Government of India
Operator:Airports Authority of India
City-Served:Kullu, Manali
Location:Bhuntar, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India
Elevation-F:3573
Elevation-M:1089
Coordinates:31.8767°N 77.1544°W
Metric-Elev:y
Metric-Rwy:y
R1-Number:16/34
R1-Length-F:3690
R1-Length-M:1125
R1-Surface:Asphalt
Stat-Year:April 2023 – March 2024
Stat1-Header:Passengers
Stat1-Data:16,890 (3.7%)
Stat2-Header:Aircraft movements
Stat2-Data:992 (6.2%)
Stat3-Header:Cargo tonnage
Stat3-Data:
Footnotes:Source: AAI[1] [2] [3]

Kullu–Manali Airport, also called Bhuntar Airport, is a domestic airport serving the cities of Kullu and Manali in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The airport is located at Bhuntar, 11 km from Kullu town and 52 km from Manali.

The airport is considered a challenging airport for pilots because of its single runway set in a deep valley whose peaks rise several thousand feet higher than the runway. Also, the airport is located on the banks of the river Beas, and in 1995, its flash floods posed a threat to the runway. The new air terminal at Bhuntar was inaugurated in 2008, and the airport apron enlarged to park two aircraft at a time.[4] Kingfisher Airlines ceased operations in September 2012[5] while Air India Regional resumed its operations to Kullu in May 2013.[6] Himalayan Bulls, in collaboration with Deccan Charters, commenced Kullu-Chandigarh-Kullu flights thrice a day from 2 April 2014. As of April 2024, Alliance Air is the sole airline operating to and from the airport.

Upgrades

In order to strengthen air connectivity in the state, the Himachal Pradesh Government plans to upgrade the airport. The Indian Institute of Technology, (IIT) Roorkee has prepared a detailed feasibility report for expanding the airport runway by 550 metres at a cost of Rs. 248 crore. The Airports Authority of India (AAI), which operates the airport, has planned an extension of another 60 metres.[7]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Annexure III – Passenger Data. aai.aero. 22 April 2024.
  2. Web site: Annexure II – Aircraft Movement Data. aai.aero. 22 April 2024.
  3. Web site: Annexure IV – Freight Movement Data. aai.aero. 22 April 2024.
  4. News: Flight to safety . . 20 June 2010 . 18 April 2012.
  5. News: Kingfisher shuts down operation in Himachal . https://archive.today/20130208082428/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Punjab/Chandigarh/Kingfisher-shuts-down-operation-in-Himachal/SP-Article1-937878.aspx . dead . 8 February 2013 . . 30 September 2012 . 24 October 2012 .
  6. News: Air India to start flights to Dharamsala, Kullu today . . 15 May 2013 . 13 June 2013.
  7. News: Himachal keen to expand airports . Zeenews.india.com . 6 April 2012 . 18 April 2012.