Overview

• Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu wrote to Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu on July 23 urging a recommendation of Special Central Assistance to the Finance Ministry and the PMO for the projects.
• Himachal plans to acquire around 150 hectares for Kangra Airport’s runway extension and terminal expansion, with ₹1,900 crore in compensation awards ready and ₹410 crore already disbursed.
• The feasibility report for Kangra Airport is slated for review by the Airport Authority of India, alongside proposals to extend the runway to 3,010 metres and introduce Special VFR to lower visibility requirements.
• Operational enhancements include night-landing facilities at Kangra, extended watch hours and a second apron at Shimla, and a request for Alliance Air to resume daily Shimla–Dharamshala services.
• Sukhu also seeks deployment of Himachal Pradesh State Police for security at Kullu and Shimla airports and is exploring a tripartite partnership with AAI and private entities.