Initially, Skardu airport was built for domestic flights, but it has become an international airport. It is all set to welcome the international flights. So, it can now be used by both domestic and international travellers to visit the Skardu valley and the other popular places in Skardu. Snow-covered hills, fascinating rivers, and cold deserts increase the beauty of Skardu airport.
Skardu international airport welcomed its first international flight on May 13 from Munich, Germany. The flight departed for Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on May 16, 2022.
Domestically, the airport connects the Skardu and capital of Pakistan, Islamabad. Also, from the news, it is expected direct flights from Karachi to Skardu will start soon in the future.
If you want to know more about Skardu Airport – history, location, flight operation, and much more, stay connected.
History
Skardu airport’s history begins with its construction. It was built to make a comfortable and easiest journey toward the northern areas of the country for both foreign and domestic tourists. The Skardu airport complex is fully managed by the Pakistan civil aviation authority, unlike other Pakistan airports.
Skardu airport can hold the 3 Boeing 737 aircraft at a time. Skardu airport contains the latest rescue and firefighting vehicles and types of equipment.
Usually, two ATR42 flights connect the Capital city of Pakistan, Islamabad, and Skardu daily. The flight takes 45 to 50 minutes from Islamabad to Skardu and Vice versa. The airlines from other cities will be expected to land in Skardu.
Skardu airport is under work for upgrading reasons. It is important to mention that Pakistan civil aviation authority plans to construct a new building for terminals. Also, there are chances for building a new air traffic control tower.
Location
Skardu airport is located on mountainous terrain in Skardu (a mesmerizing city surrounded by snow-covered mountains and greenery). It is almost 8 Kilometers away from the main city in the northwest direction in Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan. Skardu is also known as the capital of the Gilgit-Baltistan region.
Skardu airport has two asphalt runways. The functional runways are 12,000 feet long with PCN 40. It is considered Pakistan’s longest runway. However, the other runway is almost 8740 feet long.
Code
The international airport transport association (IATA) assigns a unique code to every airport for a transparent and safe flight schedule. So, the IATA code of Skardu airport is KDU.
Also, another code is assigned by the civil aviation organization (ICAO) for safe operational reasons. Thus, the ICAO assigned code of Skardu airport is OPSD.
Operating Flights
Flights are operated through visual flight rules (VFR) by narrow-body aircraft at Skardu airport. Nowadays, only PIA flights operate in Skardu, connecting the Skardu with Islamabad.
Two ATR42 flights in a week from Islamabad arrive at Skardu airport. Many people visit the Skardu from domestic to foreign to explore the beauty of the region every year.
If you want to visit the place, book your ticket 2 or 3 days before your departure day. Also, reach the airport 2 to 3 hours before the flight departure. Skardu airport is using the “Oshkosh RFF vehicles”.
International flights
Skardu airport has now become the international airport in the northern region of Pakistan. The ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan inaugurated it for the international flights to increase the economic growth of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Facilities at Skardu airport
Every year Skardu airport welcomes a huge number of travellers. Initially, the facilities were equal to nothing. But now a lot of facilities at Skardu airport are available.
Skardu airport is comparatively small, but it provides travellers with all the basic and necessary needs for their comfortable journey. To avoid the rush in the airport, there is a beautiful park, mark arrival and departure sections, and a VIP lounge section.
The other main facility in Skardu is the hotel with a cosy setting and delicious views of nature. Hotels at Skardu airport are quite beautiful. The resort at the Shangri-La lake is a popular place for tourists to stay.
Also, hotel one Skardu is a famous and top-rated hotel for travellers. The other similar hotels in Skardu are the Hotel Himalaya Skardu, Hotel Reego, and Mountain holiday home.
Popular places in Skardu
Skardu popular places that attract tourists are the following.
- Skardu Valley
- Shangri-la Lake
- Picturesque Satpara
- Kachura Lake
- Doesai national Park
- Scenic Manthoka waterfall
Contact details
Following are the complete Skardu airport contact details.
Address: “Airport Road, Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan”.
Email address: [email protected]
Phone Number: 021-99071111
You can also contact the Pakistan civil aviation authority to know more details about the Skardu airport.
End note
Here ends all Skardu airport guidelines and details. Skardu is a beautiful place to be visited from April until October. You can book your flight ticket. It will be an amazing experience to enjoy the Skardu airport and other beautiful places.
