Pantnagar Airport

Pantnagar Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true gateway to the enchanting world of the Himalayas. This cosy regional haven serves as the perfect starting point for travellers seeking the cool air of hill stations and the wildlife of India's national parks. Thanks to its location, the airport allows tourists to bypass long overland journeys and immediately immerse themselves in the serene atmosphere of the Kumaon region.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Despite its modest size, Pantnagar Airport plays a key role in the tourism logistics of the state of Uttarakhand. Its main advantage is its strategic location: it is the nearest civil airport to popular hill resorts such as Nainital (about 65 km) and Ranikhet, as well as the famous Jim Corbett National Park.

Travellers highly appreciate this aviation hub for its speed of service. Thanks to the compact terminal, all procedures — from check-in to baggage reclaim — are completed here much faster than in congested capital hubs. Furthermore, the flight to Pantnagar itself often offers unforgettable impressions: during the approach in clear weather, the view from the window reveals breathtaking vistas of the Himalayan foothills and the green plains of the Terai.

Below is the essential contact information for Pantnagar Airport (PGH), which will help you plan your trip and resolve any potential issues.

• Official Website: Pantnagar Airport is managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). All official information, including flight schedules (which may be updated with a delay), can be found on their portal in the section dedicated to Pantnagar: https://www.aai.aero/en/airports/pantnagar.
• Helpline Number: For general queries regarding airport operations, you can call the Airport Director's office at: +91-5944-233685. For questions regarding bookings, ticket changes, and flight status, please contact your airline directly.
• Airport Address: Airport Road, Pantnagar, Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand 263145, India.
• Email: For official enquiries and appeals to the airport administration, you can use the e-mail: apd_vipt@aai.aero.
• Social Media: The airport does not have separate official social media pages. News is published on the general channels of the Airports Authority of India.
• Lost & Found: If you have lost luggage or personal items, you must first contact your airline representative. Airline counters are located within the airport terminal.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Primary support for passengers is provided by airline staff. For general questions not related to the flight, you can contact the airport administration by phone.

Getting to Pantnagar Airport (PGH) is straightforward, as it is located in close proximity to the city. The journey from the centre usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The most convenient and fastest option for travellers is a taxi or auto-rickshaw. You can use the prepaid taxi counter in the city, book a car via apps popular in India, or pre-book a private transfer, which guarantees a fixed price and a meeting at the appointed time.

For those looking for the most budget-friendly method, local buses are suitable. Although there may not be a dedicated express to the airport in the city, routes connecting Pantnagar with neighbouring settlements pass through this area. This option will require more time and possibly transfers, so it is recommended to check the schedule and the number of the required bus in advance. This is a good way to experience the local flavour if you are not in a hurry.

If you value independence and plan to travel around the region extensively, you might consider car rental. Several local rental agencies provide this service. For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicle, parking is available. Here you can safely leave your car for a few hours or for a longer period.

When planning your journey, it is also worth exploring alternative flight options. If you cannot find suitable direct flights to Pantnagar, you can fly into one of the neighbouring airports. The nearest one is Bareilly (BEK), located approximately 68 km away. Other options include Dhangadhi (DHI) in Nepal (about 112 km), Dehradun Airport (DED), and air hubs near the capital, such as Ghaziabad (Hindon) (HDO).

Pantnagar Airport (PGH) is a small and compact aviation hub serving domestic flights. Its main feature is simplicity and convenience for passengers, making navigation intuitively clear even for those visiting for the first time.

The airport operates one integrated terminal, which is used for both departing and arriving passengers. Thanks to this, there is no need to transfer between terminals, and the entire journey from the building entrance to boarding the aircraft takes minimal time. Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated but are located within the same building a short distance from each other.

The terminal layout is extremely simple. Upon entry, you immediately find yourself in the check-in area where airline counters are located. Directly behind it is the security checkpoint, leading to a small but cosy departure lounge. The arrival zone consists of a baggage reclaim belt and an exit to the city. Due to the compact size, it is practically impossible to get lost here.

Completing pre-flight formalities typically does not take much time. Check-in and security screening average about 20–40 minutes; however, it is always recommended to arrive at the airport in advance — approximately 1.5–2 hours before departure — to avoid unforeseen delays. Services in the terminal include basic amenities: a few check-in counters, a waiting area, and possibly a small kiosk with snacks and drinks. Do not expect large duty-free shops or a wide variety of restaurants here. The main advantage of Pantnagar Airport is the speed and efficiency of passenger service.

The history of Pantnagar Airport (PGH) is closely tied to the development of the entire region. It was originally built as a private airstrip to serve the first agricultural university in India — Govind Ballabh Pant University, opened in 1960. For many decades, the airfield was used primarily for the needs of the university and for receiving official delegations.

A turning point in the airport's history was the early 2000s, when the government of Uttarakhand decided to develop air connectivity to stimulate tourism in the scenic Kumaon region. In 2008, a major modernisation was carried out: the runway was extended to 1,372 metres, allowing it to handle commercial flights. Shortly thereafter, the first regular flights connecting Pantnagar with Delhi began.

A new stage of development began with the inclusion of the airport in the government's regional aviation scheme, UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik). This allowed for a significant expansion of the route network and made air travel more affordable. Pantnagar Airport became a key transport hub for tourists heading to popular hill resorts such as Nainital, Bhimtal, and Jim Corbett National Park.

Today, the airport continues to develop actively. There are ambitious plans to further extend the runway, build a new modern terminal, and grant the airport international status. These steps are aimed at transforming Pantnagar into the main air gateway of the Kumaon region, capable of accommodating larger aircraft and serving a growing flow of travellers from around the world.

Pantnagar Airport (PGH) is a small regional terminal that provides passengers with a basic set of services necessary for a comfortable wait for their flight. Given its size and domestic status, it is important to understand that the infrastructure here is more modest than in large international hubs and is focused on providing the bare essentials.

Dining and shopping options are quite limited. Within the terminal, you will find a few small food outlets where you can purchase snacks, sandwiches, crisps, as well as hot and cold drinks. There are no full-service restaurants here. The selection of shops is also small — mainly kiosks with essential items, newspapers, and some souvenirs.

A general waiting hall is equipped for all passengers. There are no specialised VIP lounges or business lounges at the airport. Passengers can use power outlets to charge electronic devices, although their number may be limited, so it is best to carry a portable power bank. Usually, there is access to free Wi-Fi at the airport, but its operation may be unstable.

Financial services are basic. An ATM may be installed in the terminal building, but one should not count on the presence of specialised currency exchange bureaux. All financial transactions related to currency exchange are recommended to be done in advance in the banks of major cities. For emergencies, a first aid post operates at the airport.

The airport is equipped to receive passengers with special needs. Escort services and wheelchair provision are available, but they must be booked in advance through your airline. For passengers travelling with small children, mother and child rooms may be available, but their presence is best confirmed directly at the airport.

There are no hotels within the airport grounds. The nearest accommodation options are located in the city of Pantnagar and neighbouring Rudrapur, which can be easily reached by taxi. Specialised conference halls and business centres are absent at Pantnagar Airport.

Pantnagar Airport (PGH) is a small regional airport serving as the gateway to the Kumaon region in India. Due to its size, the choice of dining establishments here is limited but quite sufficient for a snack before departure. Do not expect a wide variety of restaurants as found in large international hubs.

Mainly, the terminal building houses small kiosks and a modest cafe, both in the public area before security and in the secure departure zone. Here passengers can purchase:

• Hot and cold drinks: Tea, coffee, bottled water, juices, and soft drinks.
• Packaged snacks: Crisps, biscuits, chocolate.
• Simple hot dishes: Usually popular Indian snacks such as samosas, sandwiches, or instant noodles.

Regarding special offers, finding authentic local Kumaoni cuisine directly at the airport is unlikely. For gastronomic discoveries, it is better to head to the nearby towns. Vegetarian options for snacks are generally always available, which is the norm for India. However, finding certified vegan, gluten-free, or specific Halal meals may be difficult, so passengers with strict dietary restrictions are advised to bring food with them.

Prices at the airport are moderate, but as everywhere, slightly higher than in the city. Establishments operate in accordance with the flight schedule — they open a few hours before the first departure and close after the last aircraft leaves. If you are looking for a place for a full lunch or dinner, it is better to do so in the city beforehand. For a quick snack and a cup of coffee, the local cafes and kiosks are perfectly suitable.

Planning a trip through the airport of Pantnagar city? To ensure your journey starts smoothly and without unnecessary stress, make use of our tips. The airport primarily serves domestic flights, making it quite simple to navigate.

Arrival Time and Check-in: We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before departure. Although it is a small airport and processes here may be faster than in metropolises, an extra buffer of time never hurts. To enter the terminal building in airports in India, you are often required to show a printout of your e-ticket or its version on a smartphone along with your ID. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides this service.

Security and Hand Luggage: When passing through security control, be prepared for separate queues for men and women. Standard rules for hand luggage apply here too: liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml, and no sharp objects. Please pay special attention: India has strict rules regarding lighters and matches — carrying them in hand luggage is usually prohibited. Power banks are permitted only in hand luggage.

Seat Selection and Transfers: If you want to enjoy views of the Himalayan foothills during take-off or landing, choose a window seat. For those who value comfort and the ability to leave the cabin quickly, an aisle seat is more suitable. If you have a connecting flight, be sure to clarify at check-in whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage at the transit airport.

Customs Control: This procedure is relevant for international travellers. If you are arriving in India from another country and then transferring to a flight to Pantnagar, you will pass through customs at the first airport of arrival. If you have no goods to declare, feel free to use the "Green Channel".

Savings and Flight Delays: To save money, you can have a meal before arriving at the airport, as the choice of establishments here may be limited and prices higher. It is also cost-effective to book an airport transfer in advance. In case of a flight delay, contact your airline's representative counter immediately. Depending on the duration of the wait, you may be offered drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts and documents related to the flight.