Airport type Public Elevation AMSL 3,573 ft / 1,089 m Code KUU Phone 01902 265 052 | Serves Kullu, Manali 16/34 3,690 Elevation 1,089 m Owner Government of India | |
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Operator Airports Authority of India Location Bhuntar, Himachal Pradesh, India Address Bhuntar, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh 175125 | ||
Kullu–Manali Airport (IATA: KUU, ICAO: VIBR) is an airport located in Bhuntar in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.
Bhuntar is considered a challenging airport for pilots because of its single runway set in a deep valley whose peaks rise several thousand feet higher than the runway. Also, the airport is located on the banks of the river Beas, and in 1995, its flash floods posed a threat to the runway. The new air terminal at Bhuntar was inaugurated in 2008, and the airport apron enlarged to park two aircraft at a time. Kingfisher Airlines ceased operations in September 2012 while Air India Regional resumed its operations to Kullu in May 2013. Himalayan Bulls in collaboration with Deccan Charters has commenced Kullu-Chandigarh-Kullu flights thrice a day from 2 April 2014.
Upgrades
In order to strengthen air connectivity in the state, the Himachal Pradesh Government plans to upgrade the airport. The Indian Institute of Technology, (IIT) Roorkee has prepared a detailed feasibility report for expanding the airport runway by 550 metres at a cost of Rs. 248 crore. The Airports Authority of India (AAI), which operates the airport, has planned an extension of another 60 metres.