Simla

Shimla Airport, also known as Jubbarhatti Airport, is not just a transport hub but a true engineering marvel rising above the picturesque valleys of the Himalayas. To create this high-altitude airfield, a mountain peak was leveled, making every takeoff and landing an unforgettable spectacle. Located at an altitude of over 1,500 metres above sea level, it serves as the aerial gateway to Shimla — the former summer capital of British India. Despite its modest size, the airport plays a vital role in the state's transport system, offering travellers the fastest way to reach this charming mountain resort.

The main feature of Shimla Airport is its unique location and design. The single runway, built on an artificially created plateau, is surrounded by stunning landscapes that reveal themselves to passengers even before landing. Due to the high-altitude location and runway characteristics, aircraft are subject to load restrictions, making flights here quite exclusive. The airport terminal is small and designed to handle about 50 passengers on arrival and 40 on departure, creating a cosy and calm atmosphere far from the bustle of major aviation hubs. This airport is the ideal starting point for those who value time and wish to immerse themselves in the magic of the Himalayas as quickly as possible.

To contact representatives of Shimla Airport (SLV), also known as Jubbarhatti Airport, you can use the following contact details:

• Official Website: You can find flight schedules, news, and other useful information on the official airport page on the Airports Authority of India (AAI) website. Website: www.aai.aero/en/airports/shimla
• Helpline Phone: +91-177-2736835
• Airport Address: Jubbarhatti, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171011, India
• Email: For official enquiries, you can use the e-mail: apd_shimla@aai.aero
• Social Media: Shimla Airport does not have its own official pages on social media. For news, it is recommended to follow the accounts of the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
• Lost Baggage Information: For issues regarding lost or damaged baggage, you must contact the support service of the airline you flew with directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions and assistance at the airport, please contact the main helpline number.

Shimla Airport (SLV), located in Jubbarhatti, is approximately 23 kilometres from the city centre of Shimla. The route lies along scenic mountain roads, so the trip should be planned in advance, taking into account the terrain and potential traffic. It is a small airport, and transport accessibility has its own specifics.

Taxi is the most convenient and popular way to get to the airport. The journey from the city centre will take approximately 1-1.5 hours depending on road conditions. You can use prepaid taxi services, counters for which can often be found in the city, or book a car through your hotel. Although ride-hailing apps are popular in India, in mountainous areas like Shimla, it is more reliable to arrange a trip in advance. The cost will be higher than public transport, but the comfort and predictability justify the expense.

Public transport options for travelling to the airport are limited. Although local buses run between Shimla and nearby settlements, there may not be a direct and regular route to the terminal that is convenient for tourists with luggage. A bus ride will be significantly cheaper but less comfortable and less predictable in terms of timing. There is no direct rail or metro connection to Shimla Airport.

For greater freedom of movement, you can rent a car, typically with a driver. This is an excellent option if you plan to visit other attractions on the way to the airport. It is best to book such a service in advance through trusted local agencies. If you are driving to the airport in your own or a rented vehicle, there is a car park on the airport premises where you can leave the car while waiting for a flight.

The main advice for travellers is to allow extra time for the journey. Mountain roads can be unpredictable, especially during the monsoon season or in winter due to snowfall. To avoid missing your flight, leave the city at least 3-4 hours before departure. It is also worth noting that due to the limited number of flights to Shimla, many travellers use the larger Chandigarh Airport (IXC), located about 3-4 hours away by road, as an alternative.

Shimla Airport (SLV), also known as Jubbarhatti Airport, is a compact regional aviation hub located in a picturesque mountainous area. Its layout is as simple and functional as possible, allowing passengers to orient themselves quickly and go through all pre-flight procedures without unnecessary stress.

The airport has one small terminal that handles all flights — both arrivals and departures. There is no complex division into sections or floors here, making navigation intuitive even for those visiting for the first time. The entire passenger flow passes through a single building, eliminating the need for transfers between terminals.

The terminal layout is very simple. Upon entering the building, you will immediately see the check-in counters. After receiving a boarding pass and checking in luggage, passengers proceed to the security check area, followed by a small and cosy waiting hall. The arrivals area is located in the same part of the building: arriving passengers enter the baggage claim hall, where one baggage belt is installed, and then proceed to the exit towards the car park and taxi stand.

Check-in and security control at Shimla Airport usually take very little time — typically no more than 30-45 minutes. This is due to the small number of flights and low passenger volume. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance, approximately 1.5-2 hours before departure, as schedules may change due to unpredictable weather conditions in the mountains.

No special knowledge is required to navigate the airport: all key zones are within walking distance of each other. Getting lost here is practically impossible. The main recommendation is to check your flight status in advance and be prepared for possible weather-related delays. Given the modest size of the terminal, the range of services here is basic, so do not expect a wide variety of shops and cafes.

Shimla Airport (SLV), located in Jubbarhatti, is not just a transport hub but a true engineering marvel created to improve accessibility to one of India's most famous mountain resorts. Its history began in 1987, when it was officially opened. The main goal of construction was to provide air connectivity to the city of Shimla, which, thanks to its status as the former summer capital of British India and its scenic landscapes, attracted many tourists.

The construction of the airport was an outstanding achievement of its time. The project, implemented in the mid-1980s, required colossal efforts: to create the runway, engineers had to literally slice off the top of a mountain and level the plateau. Due to this location, Shimla Airport earned the nickname "tabletop airport", as its runway sits on a plateau surrounded by deep gorges. This feature defined its unique and challenging piloting character from the very beginning.

Over the years, the airport has gone through various phases. Initially, it served small turboprop aircraft suitable for the short runway. At different times, flights here were operated by Vayudoot, Jagson Airlines, and Kingfisher Airlines. However, due to technical limitations, weather conditions, and economic factors, flights were suspended multiple times. One of the longest breaks in the airport's operation began in 2012 and lasted for several years, creating difficulties for the region's tourism industry.

A new chapter in the history of Shimla Airport began in 2017. Under the government's regional aviation development programme (UDAN), regular air services were resumed, primarily with Delhi. This event became a significant milestone, bringing the air gateway to Shimla back to life. Since then, work has been ongoing to maintain the infrastructure and explore possibilities for its modernisation to ensure the stability and safety of flights to this picturesque corner of the Himalayas.

Despite its modest size and complex history, Shimla Airport remains one of the most impressive in the world. Landing here offers passengers unforgettable impressions: the aircraft manoeuvres over green valleys and mountain slopes before touching down on the runway atop the mountain. This airport is not just part of the journey, but its thrilling beginning, opening the way to the beauties of Himachal Pradesh.

Shimla Airport (SLV), serving the eponymous mountain resort in India, is a small regional air terminal. Given its size and the limited number of flights, the range of services here is basic but sufficient for waiting comfortably for a flight.

Dining and Shops: Inside the terminal, you will find a small snack bar or cafe where you can buy light snacks, sandwiches, tea, coffee, and soft drinks. The choice of dining establishments and shops is limited, so one should not count on a full shopping or gastronomic experience. However, you can purchase essential items and small souvenirs here.

Waiting Areas and Facilities: A general waiting hall with standard seating is available for all passengers. Information regarding the availability of a separate VIP lounge may change, so it is recommended to check with your airline about access. The terminal has charging stations for mobile devices. Wi-Fi access may be unstable or unavailable, so it is better to have mobile data.

Financial and Medical Services: There are no bank branches or currency exchange points at the airport. It is recommended to handle all financial transactions in advance in the city of Shimla. A medical unit operates on the terminal premises to provide emergency assistance.

Services for Special Categories of Passengers: The airport provides basic amenities for passengers with children, including a mother and child room. For travellers with reduced mobility, staff assistance and wheelchairs are available. It is strongly recommended to book this service in advance through the airline so that airport staff are ready for your arrival.

Accommodation and Business Services: There are no hotels directly on the Shimla Airport premises. The nearest accommodation options are located in the city of Shimla itself and its surroundings, which can be reached by taxi. Specialised conference rooms or business centres are absent at the airport.

Shimla Airport (SLV), also known as Jubbarhatti Airport, is a small regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is limited and designed mainly for a quick snack before departure. Passengers should not expect the variety of restaurants and cafes typical of major transport hubs.

In the airport's single terminal, there is typically a small cafe or kiosk operating in the general area before security control (landside). Here you can purchase basic beverages such as tea, coffee, bottled water, and juices, as well as packaged snacks — chips, biscuits, and chocolate.

For those wishing to have something more substantial, simple hot snacks are usually available. Most often, these are popular Indian samosas or sandwiches. This is a good option for quickly satisfying hunger. However, if you are planning a full lunch or dinner, it is strongly recommended to eat in the city before heading to the airport, as the selection of hot meals here is minimal.

Vegetarian options are generally available. At the same time, finding specialised dishes (vegan, gluten-free, or Halal) is practically impossible. Travellers with strict dietary requirements are advised to bring food with them. Prices at the airport are expectedly higher than in the city, and opening hours are directly tied to the flight schedule — they open shortly before departure and close afterwards.

Simla Airport (SLV) is a small air harbour serving the mountain resort of Shimla in India. Due to its location and size, travelling through it has its own specifics. Here are a few tips to help make your trip more comfortable and predictable.

Arrival and Check-in: Despite the airport's compactness, it is recommended to arrive at least 2 hours before a domestic flight departure. Weather conditions in the mountains can be unpredictable, sometimes affecting airport operations. Complete online check-in in advance to save time. Security screening procedures here are standard, but due to the small number of staff, queues may arise, especially if multiple flights are being handled simultaneously.

Seat Selection: This is perhaps the most important tip for those flying to Shimla. The airport is located on top of a plateau, and the views during takeoff and landing are simply breathtaking. Be sure to choose a window seat! To enjoy the panorama of the Himalayas, try to occupy a seat on the left side of the aircraft when flying from Delhi to Shimla, and on the right side when flying out of Shimla.

Hand Luggage: Rules for carrying hand luggage are standard: liquids in containers up to 100 ml packed in a transparent bag, and a ban on sharp objects. Pay special attention to portable chargers (power banks) — they can be carried only in hand luggage, not in checked baggage. Lighters and matches are generally completely prohibited on domestic flights in India.

Connections and Customs: Shimla Airport primarily serves domestic flights, so it is rarely used as a transit hub. If you have a connection planned in another city (for example, in Delhi), allow sufficient time for it (at least 3-4 hours). Mountain weather can cause departure delays from Shimla. Customs and border control take place at the first international airport of arrival in the country; there are no such procedures for domestic flights in Shimla.

Saving Time and Money: Book flight tickets and accommodation in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. Travel light to avoid paying for excess baggage, as baggage allowances may be stricter on the small aircraft flying to Shimla. Airport transfers to the city should also be booked in advance.

In Case of Flight Delay: Delays and cancellations due to weather are a fairly common occurrence. Remain calm and stay in touch with the airline representative. Ensure your electronic devices are charged. Infrastructure at the airport is minimal, so stock up on water, light snacks, and a book. It is useful to have a backup plan, such as the ability to travel to or from Shimla by car if the flight is cancelled.