The proposed Udhampur Airport in Jammu & Kashmir will be developed in two phases, Union Minister and Udhampur MP Dr Jitendra Singh confirmed on Tuesday. The announcement follows a series of high-level meetings with Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, Civil Aviation Secretary Samir K. Sinha, and officials from the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

Dr Singh, who has also engaged with Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Indian Air Force, said the AAI has completed a feasibility assessment and initiated the formal process to establish a new aviation enclave in Udhampur.

This initiative represents Dr Singh’s second major civil aviation contribution to the region. Previously, he was instrumental in including Kishtwar Airport under the UDAN scheme, which aims to improve air connectivity in remote areas.

As part of the phased approach, Phase 1 will utilise existing infrastructure at the Udhampur Air Force Station. The Indian Air Force has, in principle, agreed to allocate 2,200 square metres for a terminal capable of handling up to 150 passengers and accommodating ATR-72 or Q400 aircraft. This interim arrangement is aimed at starting civil operations promptly.

Phase 2 proposes a permanent Civil Enclave outside the Air Force Station. The district administration has identified around 27.6 acres of land for this purpose. The future enclave will cater to larger aircraft such as the Airbus A321 and include a dedicated terminal, apron, taxiway, and full civil aviation infrastructure.

Following a technical team’s site visit in March 2025, Dr Singh formally approached the Chief Minister to facilitate land transfer and clearances. The AAI has since written to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, requesting free-of-cost and encumbrance-free transfer of the identified land parcel under the National Civil Aviation Policy 2016.

Dr Singh has also spoken directly with Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha to expedite inter-ministerial coordination.