Jammu: The Jammu Airport is set to undergo a major transformation to cater to the growing passenger traffic and establish stronger connections with major cities across India.
Speaking to Tarika Mahajan of The News Now, Jammu Airport Authority Director, Sanjeev Kumar Garg, shared comprehensive details about upcoming developments and their long-term impact on the region’s connectivity and economic growth.
Enhancing Connectivity to Major Indian Cities
Director Garg highlighted Jammu’s emergence as an educational hub with institutions like IIT, IIM, and AIIMS, which has significantly increased air traffic to the city. The airport is currently connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad, among others. Plans are underway to add new destinations, including Varanasi, Lucknow, Dehradun, and Pune, ensuring direct connectivity to key locations across the country.
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New Airport Terminal by 2026
To accommodate the rising influx of passengers, the construction of a new airport terminal has begun. Scheduled for completion by June 2026, the new facility will be 3-4 times larger than the existing terminal, with a total area of 56,000 square meters compared to the current 14,500 square meters. The upgraded terminal will handle approximately 4.5 million passengers annually and provide space for 13 aircraft at a time, significantly boosting the airport’s capacity.
Improving Passenger Experience
Garg emphasized that the airport is focused on enhancing passenger convenience and security. Recent upgrades include the addition of two entry gates for faster processing, a 150-car parking area, and improved seating facilities. “We aim to minimize queue times, ensure timely baggage handling, and maintain a healthy and clean environment for passengers,” he said.
Boosting Tourism and Economic Development
Jammu Airport plays a pivotal role in supporting tourism to key destinations like Vaishno Devi and Amarnath. Efforts are being made to further facilitate tourists, including better connectivity and collaborative initiatives with the Tourism Department. Garg also mentioned that the airport generates significant employment opportunities, contributing to the local economy through increased passenger footfall.
Commitment to Sustainability
In line with green practices adopted by airports across the country, Jammu Airport has installed a 400-kilowatt solar power plant and continues to focus on plantation drives to maintain greenery in and around the premises.
Long-Term Vision
Looking ahead, Garg expressed the airport’s commitment to connecting Jammu with industrial and educational hubs across India. While there are no immediate plans to upgrade Jammu Airport to international status due to proximity to Amritsar and Srinagar airports, the focus remains on strengthening domestic air connectivity.
In his closing message, Garg highlighted Jammu’s unique charm, calling it a beautiful city that holds immense potential for tourism and economic growth.
Stay tuned to The News Now for more updates .
