Shimla Airport News: New Airport Proposal Gains Focus as Jubbarhatti Expansion Faces Uncertainty
Shimla Airport News
The possibility of expanding Jubbarhatti Airport near Shimla appears to be very limited due to geographical and technical challenges. During a recent meeting of the Shimla Airport Advisory Committee, officials and public representatives discussed the need to explore the construction of a new airport to improve air connectivity and support tourism in Himachal Pradesh.
The meeting was chaired by Member of Parliament Suresh Kashyap, who said that the existing airport has several limitations that make expansion difficult. He suggested that the government should examine alternative locations for a new airport that can better meet the future aviation needs of the region.
Jubbarhatti Airport is a table-top airport, meaning it is built on a plateau with steep slopes around it. Such airports have limited space for runway expansion and require special operating conditions. The airport also has a relatively short runway, making it difficult for larger commercial aircraft to operate safely.
Because of these geographical constraints, experts believe that expanding the existing airport would be both technically challenging and expensive. As tourism in Himachal Pradesh continues to grow, officials feel that a larger and more modern airport may be needed in the future.
During the meeting, members also discussed ways to improve air connectivity for passengers. One important announcement was that flight services between Shimla and Amritsar are expected to begin soon. The new route is expected to improve travel options for residents, tourists, and business travelers while strengthening Himachal Pradesh’s aviation network.
However, officials noted that the chances of starting regular flights between Shimla and Kullu-Manali from Jubbarhatti Airport remain low because of the airport’s operational limitations. The runway length and surrounding terrain make it difficult to operate larger aircraft on such routes.
MP Suresh Kashyap also rejected reports suggesting that the airport would be handed over to the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. He clarified that the government is currently focused on improving facilities at the existing airport rather than transferring its management to private operators.
Airport authorities discussed several measures to enhance passenger convenience. These include improving airport infrastructure, passenger services, and operational efficiency within the limits of the existing airport. Officials believe that even without expansion, several improvements can be made to provide a better travel experience.
Airport Director Satish Kumar instructed the concerned departments to take necessary action on the decisions discussed during the meeting. He emphasized the importance of improving airport operations and ensuring better services for travelers.
One of the major announcements made during the meeting was a significant reduction in airfare between Shimla and Delhi. According to officials, the fare has now been fixed at around ₹7,500, compared to the earlier prices of ₹20,000 to ₹22,000 that passengers often had to pay. The lower ticket prices are expected to make air travel more affordable and encourage more tourists to visit Himachal Pradesh.
The reduced airfare is likely to benefit not only tourists but also local residents who regularly travel between Shimla and Delhi for business, education, healthcare, and government work. Better affordability could also increase passenger numbers and support the state’s tourism industry.
Tourism is one of the main drivers of Himachal Pradesh’s economy. Improved air connectivity can help attract more domestic and international visitors by reducing travel time and providing easier access to popular destinations across the state.
Experts believe that while upgrading the existing Jubbarhatti Airport will improve current services, a new airport may eventually be required to handle increasing passenger demand and larger aircraft. Any proposal for a new airport would require detailed technical studies, environmental assessments, land surveys, and government approvals before construction could begin.
For now, the government remains focused on strengthening air connectivity through improved services, lower fares, and the introduction of new flight routes. At the same time, discussions on identifying a suitable location for a future airport continue as part of the long-term development plan for Himachal Pradesh’s aviation and tourism sectors.
Ajeet Yadav is an aviation enthusiast covering airline news, airports, aircraft, and industry developments through well-researched and reliable reporting.
