NEW DELHI, August 3, 2025 : Union Minister and Member of Parliament from Udhampur, Dr. Jitendra Singh, on Sunday announced that the long-awaited Udhampur Airport project will be implemented in two phases, following a series of high-level meetings with central and state officials.
Speaking to media, Dr. Singh said he recently held discussions with Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, Civil Aviation Secretary Samir K. Sinha, and senior officials of the Airports Authority of India (AAI). He also consulted with J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Indian Air Force (IAF) authorities to build consensus around the project.
Efforts to initiate civil flight operations from the Udhampur Air Force Station have gained momentum with AAI completing the feasibility survey and starting formal development procedures for a new Aviation Enclave.
Phase 1 of the project will utilize a portion of the existing Air Force Station premises. The IAF has agreed in principle to allocate 2,200 square metres of land for a terminal capable of handling 150 passengers and accommodating smaller aircraft like the ATR-72 and Q400. This phase is intended as a temporary arrangement to commence flights at the earliest.
Phase 2 involves setting up a permanent Civil Enclave outside the IAF station. The district administration has identified approximately 27.6 acres of land for this purpose. The proposed facility will accommodate larger aircraft such as the Airbus A321 and will include a full-fledged terminal, apron, taxiway, and other supporting infrastructure.
Following a site visit by a joint AAI and IAF team in March, Dr. Singh formally requested support from the J&K Chief Minister for land transfer and administrative facilitation. AAI has since sought intervention from the Ministry of Civil Aviation to secure the identified land free of cost and encumbrances, in line with the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016.
Highlighting the strategic value of the project, Dr. Singh said, “This will not only boost connectivity for Udhampur residents and tourists, but also help decongest Jammu airport.”
This marks the second major civil aviation development driven by Dr. Singh’s efforts, after the inclusion of Kishtwar Airport in the UDAN scheme to enhance regional air access.
