HP CM Sukhu has urged the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation to expedite critical aviation projects in the state, including the expansion of Kangra Airport and the revival of key flight routes. In a letter to Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, the Chief Minister pressed for Special Central Assistance to support the state’s growing air connectivity needs.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the state has initiated land acquisition for the Kangra Airport expansion, with over ₹1,900 crore in awards prepared and ₹410 crore already disbursed. As the statutory one-year deadline for land acquisition ends in August 2025, he requested the Union Ministry to recommend the project to the Ministry of Finance and PMO for urgent financial support.
CM Sukhu also raised concerns over the Techno-Economic Feasibility Report prepared by WAPCOS Ltd., calling for a reassessment by the Airport Authority of India (AAI) due to high cost estimates. He suggested exploring a tripartite agreement between AAI, the Himachal government, and a private partner for the airport’s expansion.
To improve operational efficiency, the Chief Minister proposed allowing Special VFR (Visual Flight Rules) at Kangra Airport, reducing the visibility requirement from 5 km to 2.5 km to facilitate flights during low-visibility conditions. He also advocated for night landing facilities at Kangra and the deployment of Himachal Police for security at Kullu and Shimla airports, mirroring the arrangement at Kangra.
For Shimla Airport, CM Sukhu requested extended flight operation hours—from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM—and a second aircraft apron to accommodate ATR 42/600 type aircraft, enabling increased flight capacity. He specifically urged the resumption of daily Shimla-Dharamshala-Shimla flights by Alliance Air, emphasizing the route’s importance for tourism and regional connectivity.
Additionally, the Chief Minister called for operational authorization of heliports at Sanjauli, Rampur, Baddi, and Kangnidhar by October 2025. He also announced plans for four new heliports under UDAN Phase-2 in Hamirpur (Jaskot), Kangra (Dehra), Una, and Bilaspur districts. Air operators such as Heritage Aviation, Global Vectra, and Pawan Hans are expected to begin services on sanctioned routes to boost intra-state air travel.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
