Pantnagar Airport, also known as Pantnagar Domestic Airport (IATA: PGH, ICAO: VIPT), is located in the town of Pantnagar, within the Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand, India. Strategically positioned in the Kumaon region, it serves as a vital air link for travelers heading to the beautiful hill stations and wildlife destinations in the state.
Exact Location of Pantnagar Airport
Pantnagar Airport is situated about 2 km from Pantnagar town center and lies within the campus of the prestigious G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology. Geographically, it is nestled between the industrial city of Rudrapur (12 km away) and the popular foothill town of Haldwani (approximately 26 km away).
GPS Coordinates:
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Latitude: 29.0322° N
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Longitude: 79.4742° E
Nearby Cities and Tourist Destinations
Pantnagar Airport acts as the closest air terminal for several renowned destinations in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region:
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Nainital – 65 km
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Bhimtal – 50 km
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Almora – 120 km
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Ranikhet – 110 km
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Jim Corbett National Park – 120 km
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Kausani – 140 km
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Bareilly (U.P.) – 65 km
Whether you’re planning a holiday in the hills or a wildlife adventure, Pantnagar Airport offers the most direct aerial access.
Accessibility and Transport
Pantnagar is well-connected by road and rail. Nearby railway stations include:
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Pantnagar Railway Station – 4 km
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Haldi Road Railway Station – 3 km
Regular taxis, shared cabs, and state-run buses connect the airport with nearby towns and hill stations. The airport is also easily accessible via NH-109, the main highway leading to Nainital and other hill regions.
Airport Infrastructure
Pantnagar Airport features a single asphalt runway measuring 4,501 feet (1,372 meters), making it capable of handling small to medium-sized turboprop aircraft. It is managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and primarily serves domestic travelers.
Currently, commercial flights connect Pantnagar with:
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Delhi (DEL)
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Dehradun (DED) (seasonal or limited)
Airlines operating here may vary, but services are typically provided by regional carriers under the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which promotes regional air connectivity.
Importance of Pantnagar Airport
As the only functional airport in the Kumaon region, Pantnagar Airport plays a crucial role in:
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Promoting tourism in hill stations like Nainital, Almora, and Ranikhet.
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Supporting business travel to Rudrapur and Haldwani, both key industrial and commercial hubs.
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Enhancing connectivity for educational institutions, especially G. B. Pant University.
The airport also proves vital during natural disasters or emergencies, enabling fast access for relief operations and medical evacuations.
Future Expansion Plans
To meet the growing tourism and transport demands, the Uttarakhand government has proposed expansion plans for Pantnagar Airport. These include:
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Extension of the runway to accommodate larger aircraft.
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Upgrading terminal facilities.
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Introducing new flight routes to other major Indian cities.
These upgrades aim to transform Pantnagar into a regional aviation hub for North India.
Conclusion
So, where is Pantnagar Airport? It’s more than just a dot on the map—it’s the aerial gateway to some of India’s most beloved hill destinations. Whether you’re traveling for leisure, education, or business, Pantnagar Airport offers the fastest and most convenient way to reach the heart of Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region.
If you’re planning a trip to Nainital, Ranikhet, Almora, or Jim Corbett National Park, consider flying into Pantnagar for a smooth and scenic start to your journey.