Gaggal-Kangra Airport: Exploring Your Himalayan Gateway

Gaggal-kangra Airport, found in Kangra District, is a valuable asset for Himachal Pradesh. It’s a key entry point to the stunning Himalayan scenery. Also called Kangra Airport, it’s crucial for travelers, both from within the country and internationally, who want to explore this beautiful area. Situated on National Highway 154, connecting Pathankot and Mandi, Kangra Airport is the largest airport in Himachal Pradesh, handling a significant number of passengers and flights.

In the Air: Kangra-Gaggal Airports in the Headlines with Latest Updates!

On February 26, the Supreme Court decided to discuss a request about expanding the Gaggal airport in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district. Earlier, on January 22, the Supreme Court paused a decision by the Himachal Pradesh High Court from January 9, which had stopped the project.

History of Gaggal-Kangra airport:

The airport in Kangra, originally called Gaggal Airport, was opened in 1986 by the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Virbhadra Singh. Initially, it was small, with limited flights connecting to major Indian cities. Over time, it grew, with scheduled flights starting in 1990. During the Kargil War in 1999, it played a crucial role in supporting troop movements. In 2001, its name was changed to Kangra Airport to better represent its location. Since then, it has seen various improvements, including runway extensions and terminal upgrades. In 2013, plans for further expansion were initiated, with surveys and land acquisitions taking place. Despite controversies over its name, Kangra Airport remains vital for connecting the region with the rest of India, boosting tourism and local economies.

Where is the Gaggal-Kangra airport situated?

• Kangra Airport, also known as Gaggal Airport, is situated in Gaggal town, around 12 km from Dharamshala and 8 km from Kangra.
• Positioned along National Highway 154, it links Pathankot and Mandi.
• Despite its compact size, it serves as a crucial gateway to the Kangra Valley and surrounding areas.
• Regular flights connect it to major Indian cities like Delhi, Kullu, Chandigarh, and Dharamsala.
• Its scenic location offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, attracting tourists.
• The airport’s short runway restricts the types of aircraft that can land there.
• Its remote location may pose accessibility challenges for some travelers.

Gaggal-Kangra Airport Quick Facts:

Get to know some quick and easy facts about Gaggal-Kangra Airport!

Gaggal-Kangra Airport’s Infrastructure:

Learn about the layout and setup of Gaggal-Kangra Airport

• Situated in the scenic Dhauladhar ranges, it’s uniquely designed for mountainous terrain.
• Features a single runway and a compact terminal with check-in counters, security screening, and lounges.
• Maintained for safe operations, it can accommodate up to 300 passengers during peak hours.
• Reflects Himachali architecture inside, offering regional charm.
• The 1,370-meter runway allows ATR-42 aircraft to operate.
• Limited expansion due to surrounding mountains.
• Provides essential services like baggage handling and restrooms, with nearby parking options.

Facilities at Gaggal-Kangra Airport:

Discover what services are available at Gaggal-Kangra Airport.

1. Waiting lounges, including VIP and business sections, offer comfortable seating.
2. Food and beverage outlets cater to travelers’ needs.
3. Baggage services ensure smooth handling of luggage.
4. Transportation services, like taxi stands and car rentals, provide easy access.
5. ATMs and banking services offer financial convenience.
6. Medical services, including first aid and emergency assistance, are available.
7. Wi-Fi and charging stations keep travelers connected.
8. Currency exchange services are provided.
9. Elevators ensure accessibility for all passengers.
10. Wheelchair-friendly facilities are available.
11. Limited shopping options are offered for last-minute needs.

Timelines Of Gaggal-Kangra Airport Expansion:

Learn about the schedule for expanding Gaggal-Kangra Airport in simple terms.

• In November 2022, CWPRS, Pune approved the feasibility of a runway bridge over Manjhi River.
• After the December 2022 elections, Kangra District was earmarked as the state’s Tourism Capital, giving momentum to Kangra Airport’s expansion.
• Simultaneous land acquisition for both phases was prioritized by the government.
• In March 2023, a Social Impact Assessment was ordered by the Government, with Rs 2000 Crore allocated in the Budget 2023-24 for land acquisition.
• An Expert Appraisal Committee was formed in April 2023 to review the Social Impact Assessment report.
• In June 2023, the State Government approved land acquisition.
• In July 2023, the government issued a notification to acquire the land under the Land Acquisition Act-2013.

Gaggal-Kangra Airport Terminal Detail:

Understand the specifics of Gaggal-Kangra Airport’s terminal facilities.

• Gaggal Airport currently operates from a single terminal building.
• The terminal has a total capacity of handling 100 passengers.
• Within the terminal, there are separate areas designated for arrivals and departures.
• The arrival area can accommodate up to 50 passengers at a time.
• Similarly, the departure area also has a capacity of handling 50 passengers concurrently.
• This setup ensures efficient management of passenger traffic within the airport terminal.

Airline at Gaggal-Kangra Airport: The following are the airline that operate here:

• ALLIANCE AIR Delhi, Jaipur, Shimla

• INDIGO Chandigarh (begins 2 April 2024),Delhi

• SPICEJET Delhi

Spiritual and Cultural Journeys Near Gaggal Airport:

Explore peaceful and cultural places near Gaggal Airport for a calm adventure!

1. Kangra Devi Temple: A revered site dedicated to Goddess Kangra, drawing pilgrims from afar.
2. McLeod Ganj: Home to the Dalai Lama, offering spiritual solace and Buddhist teachings.
3. Triund Trek: Adventure meets spirituality with breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar range.
4. Meditation Retreats: Tranquil sanctuaries like Tushita Meditation Centre invite inner exploration.
5. Local Homestays: Experience Himachali warmth and culture in traditional accommodations.
6. Adventure Activities: Explore scenic valleys, paraglide over mountains, or raft down the Beas River for an adrenaline rush.

Nearby Hotels to Gaggal-Kangra Airport:

Find nearby hotels for a comfortable stay close to Gaggal-Kangra Airport.

Top Restaurants near Gaggal-Kangra airport:

Discover top dining spots near Gaggal-Kangra Airport for a delightful culinary experience.

Residential Options Around Gaggal-Kangra Airport:

Deciding on a residential area close to Gaggal Airport relies on your personal preferences and needs.

1. Gaggal Village: Closest to the airport, offering a rural atmosphere but limited amenities and potential flight noise.
2. Saroh Village: Slightly farther from Gaggal, providing a similar rural vibe with a few more shops and eateries, though airport noise might still be noticeable.
3. Dharamkot: Nestled in the hills above McLeodganj, offering tranquility, affordability, and stunning views, along with outdoor activities like trekking and paragliding.
4. Kangra Town: A historic town boasting impressive forts and temples, offering a mix of budget and luxury accommodations and a bit more distance from airport commotion.
5. Sidhpur: A larger village with various amenities including restaurants, hotels, ATMs, grocery stores, and a gym, providing a more bustling atmosphere.

Gaggal-Kangra Airport images:

Challenges:

1. Short runway limits big planes, fewer connections.
2. Expanding runway faces land and environment issues.
3. Basic facilities need upgrading for more passengers.
4. Bad weather delays flights.
5. Far from towns, needs better transport.
6. Growing airport must protect nature.

Conclusion:

The Gaggal-Kangra Airport in Himachal Pradesh is a key spot for people wanting to explore the beautiful Himalayas. It’s the biggest airport in the state, linking travelers to many cities in India. But, it faces some problems. The runway is short, so only small planes can land. Also, plans to make it bigger have issues with buying land and protecting nature. The airport needs better facilities for more passengers and struggles with bad weather and being far from towns. Fixing these problems is important for the airport to keep helping people explore Himachal Pradesh and for the region to keep growing. So, while talking about expanding it, we need to think about solving these issues too.

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