Dehradun airport plans runway expansion and flights to Chennai, Guwahati

Plans to expand Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport runway and improve its air connectivity were discussed at the annual meeting of the Airport Advisory Committee. The agenda also covered international services, cargo infrastructure, passenger amenities and stronger ground transport links.

The runway proposal is significant because the airport’s current configuration allows aircraft to land and take off from only one direction. During poor weather, that limitation can make operations more difficult and may lead to flights being diverted. The expansion is intended to address these operational and safety-related challenges, although the meeting did not announce a completed approval or construction schedule.

Land acquisition and runway operations

Committee chair and Haridwar MP Trivendra Singh Rawat advised the district administration to expedite action connected with land acquisition. The process is linked to the proposed runway expansion and will be important for taking the plan forward.

The existing arrangement also creates difficulties for pilots during challenging weather conditions. Officials said the airport’s operating constraints can affect decisions involving landing, take-off and diversion. The discussion therefore connected runway improvement with both smoother operations and greater resilience during adverse weather.

New routes under consideration

The committee was informed that passenger air traffic at Dehradun Airport is currently growing by around 7 to 8%. That pace is below the national average growth of approximately 10 to 12% in domestic air traffic.

To strengthen the airport’s network, the meeting highlighted the need for services to Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram and Guwahati. These routes were discussed as connectivity priorities rather than announced services.

The state government may examine Viability Gap Funding, or VGF, as a way to encourage airlines to operate on new routes. No final funding decision was reported in the meeting details.

International operations and airport infrastructure

The possibility of starting international flights from Dehradun was also taken up. The airport director said matters related to international operations would need to be raised with the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Alongside direct international flights, officials discussed whether a hub-and-spoke arrangement could be feasible. Such a model would require consideration of customs and immigration facilities at the airport.

The meeting also included an update on a proposed new Air Traffic Control tower. Plans were discussed for an integrated administrative building that would accommodate offices of the Airports Authority of India, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

Cargo, security and passenger services

Proposals were examined for developing temporary and permanent cargo facilities on land available at the airport. The facilities are expected to support air-cargo and logistics activity if the plans proceed.

With passenger movement increasing, the committee discussed the need for a permanent police station at the airport. It also called for dedicated personnel for traffic-policing duties, though the meeting details did not specify a deployment date or staff strength.

Other passenger-focused concerns included signage along the airport approach road, mobile connectivity and a regular bus service. Improving these facilities would address access and convenience issues for travellers using the airport.

Food and beverage services were another part of the agenda. A new master concessionaire contract for F&B facilities is expected to be awarded soon, according to the meeting details.

Conclusion

The committee’s discussions place runway expansion, broader flight connectivity and better passenger infrastructure at the centre of Dehradun Airport’s next development phase. Land-acquisition action, discussions with the Civil Aviation Ministry and possible support for new routes are the key next steps identified.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What was discussed at the Dehradun Airport meeting?

The Airport Advisory Committee discussed runway expansion, new domestic and international connectivity, cargo services, passenger facilities and airport infrastructure.

Q. Why is runway expansion being considered?

The current runway configuration permits landing and take-off from only one direction, creating operational challenges during poor weather.

Q. Which new cities were mentioned for possible flights?

Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram and Guwahati were identified as cities for which new flight services could be explored.

Q. How fast is Dehradun Airport’s air traffic growing?

The airport’s air traffic is growing by around 7 to 8%, compared with national domestic air-traffic growth of approximately 10 to 12%.

Q. Could the state government support new flight routes?

The meeting discussed examining Viability Gap Funding as a possible way to encourage airlines to launch new services.

Q. What is being considered for international connectivity?

Officials discussed direct international flights and the possible feasibility of a hub-and-spoke model involving customs and immigration facilities.

Q. What other airport facilities were discussed?

The agenda included cargo facilities, a new ATC tower, an integrated administrative building, a police station, traffic personnel, signage, mobile connectivity and bus services.