The State of Jammu and Kashmir is located in the northern part of India. The geographical terrain of this state is characterized by several valleys, rivers such as the Indus River and several Himalayan glaciers. The natural beauty of this state, along with various shrines and Buddhist monasteries of Ladakh draw a plethora of tourists to this state every year. To reach Jammu and Kashmir domestic as well as international airports have been established in the state.
Srinagar International Airport
Srinagar International Airport connects Srinagar to various parts of India and the world. It is owned by the Indian Air Force and is operated by the Airports Authority of India and Indian Air Force. This airport is equipped with a single asphalt runway, which is suitable for instrument landing system approaches. Its integrated terminal is spread over 19,700 square meters and can handle 950 passengers at a time.
Jammu Airport
Jammu Airport or Satwari Airport is located in Jammu, about 14 km (8.7 miles) from the international border between India and Pakistan. This civil airport is owned by Indian Air Force and is operated by Airports Authority of India as well as the Indian Air Force. The apron of this airport can accommodate 3Airbus A320 aircrafts. Its asphalt runway is suitable for CAT I instrument landing system approaches.
Poonch Airport
Poonch Airport or Poonch Airstrip is situated in Poonch. This airport is operated by the Airports Authority of India. On the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Pritam Singh, 6000 refugees with army personnel were given the charge of constructing a 600-yard dirt strip. A Wing Commander namely, Mehar Singh became the first pilot to land in Poonch. The landing took place at night using oil lamps instead of landing aids.
Kargil Airport
Kargil Airport is located in the district of Kargil. Airports Authority of India is credited with the establishment of this military airfield. In the year 2003, this airport came under the authority of the Indian Air Force, which is its operator. Air Mantra became the first ever commercial company to land a civilian aircraft at this airport.
Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport
Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is located in Leh and has the distinction of being one of the highest commercial airports of the world. More specifically, this airport is located at a height of about 3,256 m above mean sea level. The airport is named after the 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche. The authority of handling this airport was given to Airport Authority of India by the Indian Air Force in February, 2016.
