Uttarakhand is planning to expand its regional air connectivity, with proposals for direct flights from Pantnagar to Lucknow and Varanasi, along with the development of airstrips at Gunji and Chinyalisaur. The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) has submitted these proposals to the Central Government, according to UCADA Chief Executive Officer Prateek Jain.
Pantnagar Airport is a key aviation hub for the Kumaon region. At present, flights operate from Pantnagar to Dehradun and Delhi. The proposed services to Lucknow and Varanasi are expected to provide passengers with additional travel options for business, tourism and other purposes.
The proposal also seeks the expansion of Pantnagar Airport infrastructure to support improved regional connectivity. The state is looking to strengthen existing aviation facilities while adding destinations that could make travel more convenient for residents and visitors.
Focus on remote and border areas
Alongside the Pantnagar proposals, UCADA has requested the development of the Gunji and Chinyalisaur airstrips under the Centre’s UDAN 2.0 scheme. Gunji is located in the border region of Pithoragarh district, while Chinyalisaur lies in Uttarkashi district.
Helicopter services are currently operating in these areas. Developing their aviation infrastructure could improve access to remote locations, which are strategically important and attract visitors because of their tourism potential.
The proposed upgrades are part of the state’s broader effort to expand air and helicopter services to new destinations. The Centre’s Regional Connectivity Scheme, known as UDAN, aims to improve air links to smaller cities and underserved areas.
Proposals await central consideration
The proposed flights and airstrip development are currently at the proposal stage. Their implementation will depend on the relevant approvals and further action by the authorities.
UCADA CEO Prateek Jain said the state had approached the Centre to develop the Gunji and Chinyalisaur facilities and introduce flights from Pantnagar to Lucknow and Varanasi.
If approved and operational, the proposals could expand travel options for people in Kumaon and improve access to remote parts of Uttarakhand. However, no launch dates or operational schedules for the proposed flights have been announced in the information provided.
