The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is set to assume control of Uttarakhand’s Naini Saini Airport in Pithoragarh, marking a significant step in the state’s efforts to strengthen regional air infrastructure and expand aviation connectivity across the Himalayan region. The development was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the statehood silver jubilee celebrations held at the Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Dehradun. This agreement signals a strategic partnership between the central agency and the Uttarakhand government, aimed at unlocking the airport’s potential as a major regional hub and supporting the state’s long-term goals in tourism, commerce, and disaster management.

The MoU reflects the government’s intention to modernise and operationalise remote and underdeveloped airstrips that hold importance for both civilian movement and strategic accessibility. Naini Saini Airport, spread across roughly 70 acres, has long been seen as an essential yet underutilised aviation asset for the state’s eastern Kumaon region. At present, its terminal building has the capacity to handle only 40 passengers during peak hours, and the apron can accommodate two Code-2B aircraft simultaneously. The apron serves as the functional heart of airport operations, where aircraft are parked, refuelled, boarded, and loaded or unloaded. Despite its limited infrastructure, the airport’s location in Pithoragarh gives it immense strategic value, both from a civilian mobility standpoint and in terms of emergency and rescue operations in the Himalayan terrain.

Under the new arrangement, AAI will take full responsibility for upgrading, expanding, and managing the facility. The central agency plans to bring the airport’s infrastructure and operations in line with national aviation standards. This includes enhancements to the terminal, runway, navigation systems, safety infrastructure, and operational processes. Such upgrades are expected to make the airport capable of handling more passengers, accommodating larger aircraft, and supporting regular commercial operations throughout the year, including during adverse weather conditions that frequently pose challenges in mountainous regions.

Officials involved in the project emphasised that the acquisition and redevelopment of Naini Saini Airport will have far-reaching economic and social benefits. One of the primary anticipated outcomes is the improvement of regional air connectivity, which remains crucial for a hill state where road travel is often time-consuming, unpredictable, and vulnerable to weather disruptions. Enhanced air connectivity is expected to make Pithoragarh and neighbouring districts more accessible to tourists, investors, and service providers. The Kumaon region, known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and proximity to international borders, stands to benefit significantly from increased footfall and improved logistics.

Tourism is expected to be among the biggest beneficiaries of the airport’s expansion. Destinations such as Munsiyari, Dharchula, Patal Bhuvaneshwar, Askot, and the Johar Valley are likely to see greater visitor inflow once flight connectivity improves. Many of these areas, though rich in natural and cultural attractions, remain relatively isolated due to lengthy road journeys. The establishment of a more efficient air link could shorten travel time dramatically and encourage both domestic and international tourists to explore the eastern Himalayan belt of Uttarakhand. This, in turn, is expected to create a ripple effect on local businesses including hotels, homestays, transport operators, adventure-tourism service providers, and handicraft retailers.

Beyond tourism, the redevelopment of Naini Saini Airport is projected to support a wide range of economic activities. Improved connectivity can boost the trade of local produce, including horticultural products, medicinal plants, and handicrafts for which the region is known. Faster and more reliable air transport can also make Pithoragarh a more attractive destination for new enterprises and entrepreneurs seeking access to remote markets. Officials stated that the airport’s transformation would stimulate employment generation not only during the construction and expansion phases but also through long-term opportunities in aviation services, hospitality, retail, and ancillary sectors.

The airport’s location in a strategically sensitive Himalayan zone adds another layer of importance to the project. Pithoragarh district shares borders with Nepal and China, making it a critical region for both civil administration and national security. Enhanced aviation infrastructure is expected to improve the state’s disaster-response capabilities, enabling quicker deployment of rescue teams, medical supplies, and relief material in the event of natural calamities such as landslides, cloudbursts, earthquakes, or flash floods. Air connectivity is often the only reliable link during emergencies in high-altitude terrain, making the airport’s upgrade a vital component of Uttarakhand’s disaster-management strategy.

In recent years, the state has faced recurring natural disasters, prompting authorities to strengthen emergency preparedness. A modernised and fully operational Naini Saini Airport can serve as a key node for rapid mobilisation and evacuation efforts. It can also support helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft operations for medical emergencies, surveillance missions, and logistical deployments during crises.

The airport has already taken steps toward integration into India’s commercial aviation network. In November 2024, Naini Saini was officially connected to Delhi through a commercial flight operated by Alliance Air. This marked a significant milestone, signalling the start of regular air traffic to the region. Additionally, Heritage Aviation operates a daily 19-seater aircraft service between Dehradun and Pithoragarh, offering residents and travellers an alternative to long road journeys. Helicopter services by Pawan Hans provide further connectivity to destinations such as Pantnagar and Haldwani, enhancing inter-district mobility within Uttarakhand.

However, these early services have been limited by the airport’s current infrastructure constraints, underscoring the need for comprehensive upgrades. With AAI’s takeover, the state expects more robust, frequent, and diverse flight operations once the necessary improvements are completed. This could include larger aircraft, increased flight frequency, and expanded routes connecting Pithoragarh with major cities.

The signing of the MoU at FRI Dehradun during the silver jubilee celebrations holds symbolic significance for the state. It marks 25 years since Uttarakhand’s formation, highlighting the government’s focus on long-term development, regional integration, and infrastructural advancement. For residents of the Kumaon region, the airport’s expansion represents not just improved connectivity but also the promise of economic revival, better access to healthcare and education, and greater integration with the rest of the country.

Overall, the AAI’s acquisition and planned modernisation of Naini Saini Airport signal a decisive move toward transforming a remote airstrip into a fully functional aviation hub capable of meeting both present and future needs. The initiative is poised to redefine mobility in Uttarakhand’s eastern districts, enhance the state’s strategic preparedness, and create new avenues for growth across tourism, trade, and public services.