Shimla Committee Seeks New Airport Site for Larger Aircraft

Shimla MP and Airport Advisory Committee Chairman Suresh Kashyap has called for the identification of an alternative site for a new airport in Shimla. During a committee meeting on July 15, Kashyap stated that the city's current table-top facility has reached its expansion limit and cannot accommodate larger aircraft. This move comes as tourist arrivals to Himachal Pradesh continue to increase annually.

Airport Director Satish Sharma confirmed that runway expansion at the existing site is not possible, meaning ATR-42 aircraft will remain the primary service for the airport. In response, the committee directed relevant departments to conduct surveys for a new location capable of handling larger planes. The Government of Himachal Pradesh is responsible for submitting these proposals and managing land acquisition.

While a new site is sought, the Airports Authority of India will modernize the current terminal building. Additional improvements include a new approach road to mitigate traffic congestion, a tourism counter, and enhanced taxi services. Alliance Air also plans to launch flights between Shimla and Amritsar following the monsoon season, while new fare agreements for routes to Delhi and Dharamshala have already increased affordability for travelers.