Jammu Airport’s new terminal building likely to be commissioned by 2026 end: Director

Jammu, Jun 13: The new terminal building of Jammu Airport is likely to be completed and commissioned by the end of 2026, enhancing the operational capability with advanced infra, security and surveillance facilities.
This was informed by the Jammu airport director Devender Yadav while speaking to media persons in connection with the celebration of countrywide “Yatri Suvidha Diwas” on June 15, 2026.

Yadav stated that the operationalisation of the new terminal building, with over 60 percent work already completed, would lead to a major upgrade exercise vis-à-vis Jammu Airport, also in terms of expanded air connectivity, passenger handling and advanced cargo facilities.
“Jammu airport, the principal aviation gateway to Jammu region and one of North India’s strategically significant airports, will celebrate “Yatri Suvidha Diwas” on June 15, 2026 with a series of passenger-centric community outreach and environmental initiatives, aimed at enhancing passenger experience and recognising the contribution of aviation stakeholders,” he stated.

According to Yadav, the observance of the day comes at a time when Jammu airport has witnessed significant growth and transformation over the past decade.
Operational since the 1930s, Jammu Airport, he points out, is a unique joint-controlled airfield, managed by the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and the Indian Air Force (IAF). The IAF manages Air Traffic Control (ATC), runway operations and the operational area, the AAI manages the apron, terminal building and city-side infrastructure.

Yadav informed that the passenger handling capacity increased from one million in 2014 to 2.6 million at present and it would be further enhanced to 4.5 million through the development of new terminal building.

“The terminal area has also expanded from 7000 sq m in 2024 to 14500 sq m currently and will further increase to 40,000 sq m upon completion of new terminal building – thus registering almost 3 to 4 times increase,” he stated.
The aircraft parking capacity, according to him, has also increased from 7 to 13 parking stands, four A-321 type aircrafts through construction of a new civil enclave apron.
“Runway 36 was extended approximately 1300 feet in October 2021, eliminating aircraft road restrictions and significantly enhancing operational capability. This extension enabled Jammu airport to accommodate Airbus A321 aircraft operations whereas earlier the runway was primarily suitable for Airbus A320 aircraft only,” he pointed out.
Yadav maintained that the aircraft landing facility was also being upgraded from category I to category II to enhance operational reliability during low-visibility conditions.
He informed that construction of a dedicated helicopter parking stand and linked taxiway was completed in 2019 to enhance operational flexibility and airside efficiency.

“Common domestic cargo terminal with the capacity of 100 tonnes per month has also been constructed in 2022. In 2014, the airport operated without aero-bridges. Currently we have 3 aero-bridges, the new terminal building will further enhance the facility with six aero-bridges. All the passenger facilities are being modernised and expanded, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047,” he added.
With regard to provisions aimed at bolstering security, the Jammu airport director in particular referred to an integrated perimeter security system along the airport boundary. “Besides under vehicle surveillance system is in place,” he said.

In response to a question about the upcoming Amarnath Yatra and anticipated increase in passenger traffic due to the proposed (scheduled) closure of Srinagar airport in July and for 15-day in October, Yadav stated that Jammu airport was ready to handle increased passenger footfall.
Regarding Yatri Suvidha Diwas, he maintained that to mark the day, the arriving passengers would be welcomed and would be given plants.
“Medical camp, blood donation camp, organising school children’s visits to the airport and felicitation of out frontline workers will be major activities on the day,” he said.

Yadav informed that a proposal to make Jammu airport 24X7 operational airport was already moved to utilise its true potential following its upgradation.