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Jammu Airport is set for a major capacity enhancement with its new terminal building expected to be commissioned by the end of this year. According to airport authorities, the project is around 60 per cent complete and will increase the airport’s annual passenger handling capacity to nearly five million. Over the past decade, the airport has undergone extensive infrastructure upgrades, including runway expansion, additional aircraft parking bays, installation of aerobridges, security enhancements and the development of cargo facilities. Passenger handling capacity has already increased from one million to 2.6 million annually. The airport has also expanded air connectivity and introduced several passenger-focused initiatives as part of broader efforts to strengthen aviation infrastructure and regional connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
Jammu Airport is preparing for a significant expansion of its passenger handling capabilities, with a new terminal building expected to become operational by the end of this year. The project, which is currently around 60 per cent complete, will nearly double the airport’s capacity and support growing air traffic in the region, according to Airport Director Devender Yadav.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Yadav said the new terminal would enable the airport to handle approximately five million passengers annually. The facility forms part of a broader programme of infrastructure modernisation undertaken at the airport over the past decade.
Operated jointly by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Indian Air Force (IAF), Jammu Airport has witnessed substantial growth in passenger handling, operational infrastructure, security systems and connectivity. Passenger handling capacity has increased from one million passengers per annum in 2014 to 2.6 million at present.
The airport’s terminal area has expanded from 7,000 square metres to 14,500 square metres over the years. Upon completion, the new terminal building will increase the total built-up area to around 40,000 square metres, providing additional space for passenger processing, security screening and operational functions.
Infrastructure improvements have also extended to airside facilities. Aircraft parking capacity has increased from seven stands to 13 stands capable of accommodating Airbus A321 aircraft. In 2021, Runway 36 was extended by approximately 1,300 feet, enabling operations by larger aircraft and improving overall operational efficiency.
The airport is also upgrading its landing infrastructure from CAT-I to CAT-II standards, a move aimed at improving operational reliability during periods of low visibility and adverse weather conditions.
Yadav noted that Jammu Airport had no aerobridges prior to 2017. Three aerobridges were introduced during the terminal modernisation programme, while the upcoming terminal building will include six aerobridges along with enhanced passenger amenities.
Additional infrastructure developments include the establishment of a domestic cargo terminal, construction of a dedicated helicopter parking stand and link taxiway, and installation of a 400-kWp rooftop solar power plant. Security systems have also been strengthened through the deployment of advanced surveillance technologies and perimeter protection infrastructure.
According to the airport director, the installation of an Under Vehicle Surveillance System at the entry gate and an Integrated Perimeter Security System along the airport boundary during the past year has significantly enhanced security and monitoring capabilities.
The airport has expanded its direct flight network to several destinations across India and continues to facilitate helicopter services to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. Passenger-oriented initiatives such as DigiYatra, free Wi-Fi services, dedicated assistance for specially-abled travellers and upgraded terminal facilities have also been introduced.
Addressing concerns regarding increased passenger traffic during the upcoming Amarnath Yatra and temporary operational disruptions at Srinagar Airport due to maintenance works, Yadav stated that Jammu Airport possesses sufficient spare capacity. With passenger traffic recorded at approximately 1.5 million last year against a capacity of 2.6 million passengers, the airport is positioned to accommodate additional travellers if required.
He also highlighted the proposed civil airport in Udhampur district under the Government of India’s UDAN scheme, stating that the project is expected to strengthen regional air connectivity and expand aviation access across Jammu and Kashmir once operational.
Source - PTI
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