Welcome to Punjab, where the heart of India beats to the rhythm of its vibrant culture and rich history.
Amritsar stands tall among the many jewels adorning this land, a city steeped in spirituality and heritage.
Home to the iconic Golden Temple and the poignant Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar offers more than just a glimpse into the past; it provides an immersive experience into the list of airports in Punjab.
And amidst Amritsar’s bustling streets and aromatic markets lie the gateways to the world – airports in Punjab. Serving as vital conduits for travelers, these airports facilitate journeys and embody the state’s spirit of hospitality.
Whether you’re arriving for a spiritual pilgrimage or exploring Punjab’s culinary delights, these airports stand ready to welcome you with open arms.
Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport, Amritsar
Named after the founder of Amritsar, Guru Ram Das, the Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport lies about 11 kilometers in the north-western section of Amritsar airports in Punjab. It started operations in 1930 and is the busiest Airport in Punjab and the 27th busiest in India regarding passenger traffic.
A new apron was constructed at the Airport to enhance its capacity. This Airport boasts one terminal that handles domestic and international departures and arrivals. The terminal has an annual capacity to house almost 1.50 million passengers.
Services and amenities available at Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport include a VIP room, paid porter services, ATMs, duty-free stores, a child care room, and a chemist store.
Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Chandigarh
The Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh International Airport, widely acknowledged as Chandigarh International Airport, is one of the most important airports in India.
The Airport started operations on October 19, 2015, and is conveniently situated almost 13 kilometers from the capital, the most beautiful city in Punjab.
This Airport also features a single terminal that handles domestic and international airlines. It provides various facilities for travelers’ convenience, including ATMs, accessible medical facilities, childcare areas, and smoking zones.
Patiala Airport, Patiala: Embracing History
The Patiala Aviation Complex, situated nearly 6 kilometers from Patiala city, is a testament to Maharajadhiraj Bhupinder Singh’s visionary leadership in the 20th century. With its historical allure and strategic location, this Airport has earned its place as the second busiest in Punjab.
Equally important, boasting an ICAO code of VIPL, the Patiala Airport operates as a domestic airport, catering to the needs of travelers within the country.
Its single asphalt surface runway, approximately 820 feet above sea level and stretching 1167 meters long, ensures smooth operations. Services and amenities available at Patiala Airport include essential medical facilities and provide the well-being of travelers during their journey.
Bathinda Airport, Bathinda: A Modern Marvel
Inaugurated on December 11, 2016, Bathinda Airport near Virk Kalan Bathinda has swiftly become a crucial hub in central Punjab. A mere 25 kilometers from Bathinda city, this Airport, identified by its ICAO code VIBT and IATA code BUP, caters primarily to domestic flights.
Furthermore, managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Bathinda Airport features a single terminal equipped with two check-in counters, two conveyor belts, and a 30-seater security hold area. Notably, the Airport offers ample parking space for over 25 cars, ensuring convenience for travelers.
The array of services and amenities available at Bathinda Airport includes a VIP baggage service area, shopping facilities, medical assistance, VIP lounge access, and ATMs, enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers.
Ludhiana Airport (LUH), Ludhiana
Situated near Ludhiana, the Sahnewal Airport, known by its ICAO code VILD and IATA code LUH, operates as a prominent domestic airport within Punjab. It offers seamless domestic air travel and features a single terminal catering to arrivals and departures.
The terminal boasts a capacity of 20 each for departures and arrivals, ensuring efficient operations. Moreover, the Airport provides essential services and amenities such as free medical services, fast food stalls, and chemist shops, catering to the comfort and convenience of travelers.
Pathankot Airport, Pathankot
Inaugurated on November 21, 2006, the Pathankot Airport, identified by its ICAO code VIPK and IATA code IXP, serves as another crucial air transit point in Punjab. Located just 3 kilometers from Pathankot, this civil Airport primarily handles domestic Air India flights.
Operating from a single terminal, the Airport can simultaneously accommodate up to 150 arrivals and departures, ensuring smooth passenger flow. Travelers at Pathankot Airport can avail themselves of various services and amenities, including free medical assistance, duty-free shopping, and access to ATMs.
Beas Airport, Amritsar
Located approximately 53.8 km from the revered city of Amritsar, Beas Airport serves as a vital airfield primarily for personal travel. While it lacks formal terminals, it is a significant airport in Punjab that hosts private jets, notably those affiliated with Radha Soami.
Situated at H86R+J59, Dera Baba Jaimal Singh Ji, Dera Baba Jaimal Sin, Punjab 143205, this Airport bears the ICAO Code IN-0420 and the IATA Code VIBS. Despite its private classification, Beas Airport offers essential amenities such as coffee shops and eateries, ensuring a comfortable stopover for discerning travelers.
However, on the horizon lies the Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha International Airport, positioned 36.5 km away from Ludhiana. Currently under construction near Halwara, this Airport is poised to elevate Ludhiana’s connectivity on an international scale.
Once operational, it will stand as Punjab’s third international Airport, joining the ranks of Chandigarh and Amritsar.
Notably, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha passed a resolution to honor the revolutionary Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha by naming the Airport after him. With an anticipated launch date in July 2023, this Airport promises to facilitate seamless global travel for residents and visitors alike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the airports in Punjab stand as pillars of connectivity, seamlessly linking this vibrant state to the rest of the world. Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airports in Punjab and Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in Chandigarh serve as bustling hubs, welcoming travelers with modern facilities and efficient services.
Though smaller in scale, Patiala Airport and Bathinda Airport play vital roles in enhancing regional connectivity. Ludhiana Airport and Pathankot Airport further contribute to Punjab’s aviation network, ensuring smooth domestic airports in Punjab experiences.
Additionally, Beas Airport caters to private jet travelers, while the upcoming Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha International Airport in Ludhiana promises to elevate Punjab’s global connectivity. With a diverse array of airports catering to various travel needs, Punjab continues to soar to new heights in aviation.
FAQ
Q: How many airports are there in Punjab?
A: Punjab hosts three international airports, nine domestic airports, four private airports, and one military base. Furthermore, there are three disused airports, one serving as a flying school.
Q: How many airports are in Amritsar?
A: Amritsar boasts a single integrated airport, eliminating the need for additional inter-terminal facilities.
Q: Are Chandigarh and Mohali airports the same?
A: Chandigarh Airport is located in Mohali, and it seamlessly serves both regions.
Q: Which domestic airlines operate in Punjab?
A: Leading domestic airlines such as Air India, Jet Airways, and SpiceJet offer flights from Amritsar to major Indian cities.