Jammu, June 13: Jammu Airport has undergone significant infrastructure development and capacity expansion over the past 12 years, emerging as one of North India’s key aviation hubs, Airport Director Devender Yadav said on Saturday.
He said the airport’s annual passenger handling capacity has increased from one million in 2014 to 2.6 million, while a new terminal building, currently around 60 percent complete, is expected to be commissioned by the end of this year. Once operational, the new facility will nearly double the airport’s capacity to approximately five million passengers annually.
Speaking ahead of ‘Yatri Suvidha Diwas’ to be observed on June 15, Yadav highlighted major improvements in terminal infrastructure, aircraft parking, runway facilities, security systems and passenger services.
According to him, the terminal area has expanded from 7,000 square metres to 14,500 square metres, while the new terminal will increase the total area to nearly 40,000 square metres.
Aircraft parking capacity has also grown from seven to thirteen stands for A321-type aircraft. The extension of Runway 36 in 2021 enabled operations of larger Airbus A321 aircraft, improving overall operational efficiency.
The airport director said Jammu Airport, which had no aerobridges until 2017, now has three aerobridges, while the upcoming terminal will feature six aerobridges along with enhanced passenger amenities.
Other major developments include the establishment of a domestic cargo terminal, dedicated helicopter parking facilities, a rooftop solar power plant and advanced security infrastructure, including an Under Vehicle Surveillance System and an Integrated Perimeter Security System installed in 2024.
Yadav said the airport has also strengthened air connectivity with direct flights to major destinations across the country and helicopter services to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine.
He added that passenger-friendly initiatives such as DigiYatra, free Wi-Fi, improved terminal facilities and special assistance for differently-abled travellers have significantly enhanced the travel experience.
On the upcoming Amarnath Yatra and temporary operational disruptions at Srinagar Airport, Yadav said Jammu Airport has sufficient spare capacity to handle additional passenger traffic.
He also expressed optimism about the proposed Udhampur Airport under the Government of India’s UDAN Scheme, stating that it will further strengthen regional connectivity and open a new chapter for aviation development in Jammu and Kashmir.
