Kullu–Manali Airport

Kullu–Manali Airport (IATA: KUU, ICAO: VIBR), 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.

Kullu–Manali Airport
Summary
Airport typePublic
OwnerGovernment of India
OperatorAirports Authority of India
ServesKullu, Manali
LocationBhuntar, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India
Elevation AMSL1,089 m / 3,573 ft
Coordinates31°52′36″N 77°09′16″E
Map
KUU is located in Himachal Pradesh
KUU
KUU
Location of airport in India
KUU is located in India
KUU
KUU
KUU (India)
Runways
Direction Length Surface
m ft
16/34 1,125 3,690 Asphalt
Statistics (April 2022 – March 2023)
Passengers17,539 (Decrease 0.6%)
Aircraft movements1,058 (Increase 9.6%)
Cargo tonnage—
Source: AAI[1][2][3]

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 has commenced Kullu-Chandigarh-Kullu flights thrice a day from 2 April 2014.

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]

Airlines and destinations
AirlinesDestinations
Alliance Air Amritsar,[8] Chandigarh, Delhi, Shimla[9]

Statistics
Annual passenger traffic at KUU airport. See Wikidata query.

References
  1. "Annexure III – Passenger Data" (PDF). aai.aero. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  2. "Annexure II – Aircraft Movement Data" (PDF). aai.aero. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  3. "Annexure IV – Freight Movement Data" (PDF). aai.aero. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  4. "Flight to safety". The Indian Express. 20 June 2010. Retrieved 18 April 2012.
  5. "Kingfisher shuts down operation in Himachal". Hindustan Times. 30 September 2012. Archived from the original on 8 February 2013. Retrieved 24 October 2012.
  6. "Air India to start flights to Dharamsala, Kullu today". The Indian Express. 15 May 2013. Retrieved 13 June 2013.
  7. "Himachal keen to expand airports". Zeenews.india.com. 6 April 2012. Retrieved 18 April 2012.
  8. "Alliance Air to commence Amritsar-Kullu service in Oct-2023". CAPA. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
  9. "From Dec 9, fly to Kullu, Dharamshala from Shimla". The Indian Express. 4 December 2022. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
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