Skardu Airport KDU: Everything You Need To Know [Most Exciting Flight]
Skardu is one of Pakistan’s stunning cities, which is situated in Gilgit Baltistan. It is filled with the breathtaking colors and beauty of nature. Skardu has some incredible views, making it a little piece of paradise on Earth.
If you ever have the chance to visit Skardu, you will undoubtedly be captivated by its beauty. At the meeting of the Indus and Shigar Rivers, the Skardu Valley is 40 kilometers (25 miles) long and 10 kilometers wide.
Large silt deposits have been distributed throughout the entire Skardu Valley because of active erosion in the neighboring Karakoram Mountains.
The Skardu valley expanded by glaciers from the Indus and Shigar valleys between 3.2 million years ago and the Holocene, which started 11,700 years ago. But, visiting Skardu is one of the best treats one could ever give yourself because it’s spectacular.
Skardu Airport
Skardu is one of the most beautiful valleys of Pakistan which is located in Gilgit Baltistan at the height of 7312 ft as mentioned earlier. Its airport is situated 11 miles from the city and its passengers experience some outstanding views of the Indus River as well as majestic mountains that are entirely covered with snow, increasing the beauty of the airport.
The most prominent thing about Skardu Airport is that it consists of two runways, the first one is disused while the other one is an operational runway with a PCN of 40.
Its length is 12000 ft, this airport has some advanced technological features, and it is equipped with modern Oshkosk RFF vehicles.
PIA always connects Skardu with Islamabad approximately seven days a week. As you know, Skardu is a wonderful place for tourism and plenty of tourists visit here every year. Skardu is the epitome of beauty, and nothing ever beats Pakistan when it comes to nature’s beauty. Pakistan is considered one of the best and family-oriented places for tourism.
So, they visit here to experience the beauty of the famous places located there.
Location of Skardu Airport
Previously, Skardu is situated in Gilgit Baltistan, Its airport was only made up for some domestic flights but after some time it has now become an international airport, which is indeed one of the best things because this has increased the tourism rate in Pakistan.
So, this airport is now ready to be used by both domestic as well as international flights.
Now, international travelers can also experience the beauty and scenic views of Pakistan and get to know another beautiful image of Pakistan rather than killings and other negative ways.
The first international flight to arrive at Skardu International Airport was on May 13 from Munich, Germany. On May 16, 2022, the flight departed for Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Domestically, the airport links Skardu with Islamabad, the Pakistani capital. Also, based on the announcement, it is expected that direct flights between Karachi and Skardu will begin soon.
Keep in touch if you want to learn more about Skardu Airport, including its history, location, how flights are operated, and much more. Keep reading the article below to learn some more interesting details and facts about it:
History Of Skardu Airport
Skardu airport is one of the largest airports in Pakistan and its history begins with its construction.
It was previously constructed to provide a great and easiest journey to the northern areas of the country not for only domestic tourists but, now for international tourists as well.
Skardu Airport complex is completely managed by Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) like other airports in the country. Skardu Airport is also capable of holding almost three Boeing 737 aircraft at a time.
Also, it has some best and most advanced equipment available for rescue as well as fire fighting vehicles.
Typically, two ATR42 flights each day connect Skardu with Pakistan’s capital city, Islamabad. Skardu to Islamabad flight takes 45 to 50 minutes, and vice versa. It is expected that airplanes from other cities would arrive in Skardu.
Skardu Airport is being rebuilt for many reasons. It is important to note that the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority plans to build a new terminal facility. A new air traffic control tower may also be constructed.
Who inaugurated Skardu Airport?
On 2 December 2021, Skardu Airport was re-inaugurated by the Ex-PM of Pakistan “Imran Khan” as an international airport after making some great amendments to its upgradation to the airport to make it a tourism hub for Baltistan.
Also, as mentioned earlier by doing this many o international travelers will be captivated by Skardu’s beauty.
Skardu Airport Name
As mentioned earlier The International Airport Transport Association (IATA) has already assigned a specific code to all the airports for safe flight schedules. So, the code for Skardu airport is “KDU”. It’s an international civil airport in Skardu in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Skardu Airport Area
The total area of the operational runway is almost 12000 ft long, as mentioned earlier as well that it is considered one of the longest airports. Also, it has two runways so the other one is almost 8,740 ft long.
Skardu Airport Height
Skardu Valley is situated at an altitude of approx 2500 meters (8202 feet). It also has a significant gateway to the next Karakoram Mountain range’s eight thousanders.
Its airport is also situated at an elevation of 2,230m.
Skardu Airport in Winter
The entire year, Skardu International Airport is open. Due to the weather, the flight expectation is unpredictable in the winter. There is a chance that flights will be canceled if the sky is cloudy or in bad weather conditions.
The Skardu International Airport is likewise closed when it is snowing, although not because of the snow, but rather because of the overcast sky.
Clouds don’t prevent an airplane from taking off or landing, but the crew is in danger from the Himalayan and Karakoram skyscrapers.
A small error in route selection could cause an unexpected loss. Skardu receives between 18 and 30 inches of snow on average each winter. This average is calculated from historical data, which may or may not always be accurate.
Amenities Available At Skardu Airport
The Skardu Airport welcomes a significant amount of travelers each year. The facilities were initially worthless. However, Skardu Airport now has a lot of amenities available.
Although Skardu airport is rather small, it offers passengers all the basic needs for a smooth journey. There is a lovely park, separate arrival and departure areas, and a VIP lounge area to help travelers avoid the crowds in the airport.
Also, Skardu has some hotels nearer to it which is a great facility for all the tourists, as it is a comfortable setting with breathtaking views of nature because Skardu airport is located at high altitudes, they would be able to witness its amazing views.
The hotels at Skardu airport are pretty amazing. This hotel offers a wide range of amenities for guests of all ages, including a terrace, flat-screen television, dining table, free toiletries, etc. You will have all the amenities and first-rate services to make you feel like a king in any room you pick.
All of the rooms are beautifully constructed and decorated with a wonderful color scheme. You also have a fireplace and other facilities. Those hotels include the Hotel Himalaya Skardu, Hotel Reego, and Mountain Holiday Home.
Also, there are multiple other facilities available for people like WI-Fi at the Airport. Yes, Skardu airport has free Wi-Fi service for everyone which is one of the most favorite things of all the tourists.
Capacity of Skardu Airport
Skardu Airport has the capacity to hold almost three Boeing 737 aircraft at a time. Also, it has some of the best and most advanced equipment available for rescue as well as fire fighting vehicles.
Two daily ATR42 flights are now run by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) between Skardu Airport and Islamabad International Airport.
Skardu Airport KDU Code
You might know that the International Airport Transport Association (IATA) has already assigned a specific code to all the airports for safe flight schedules.
So, the code for Skardu airport is “KDU”. Also, one other code is been assigned to every airport by the Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for safety operation reasons. Also, its code is OPSD.
Operating Flights
Narrow-body aircraft operate flights using visual flying regulations (VFR) at Skardu Airport. These days, the only flights linking Skardu with Islamabad are those operated by PIA. Every week, two ATR42 planes from Islamabad land at Skardu airport.
Every year, a large number of tourists, both domestic and foreign, travel to Skardu to discover the area’s natural beauty.
Purchase your tickets two or three days before the day of departure if you intend to visit the location. Additionally, arrive at the airport two to three hours before takeoff. The “Oshkosh RFF vehicles” are being used at Skardu Airport.
Skardu Airport Flight Schedule
Skardu Airport flight schedule is dependent on the season, as its season is highly unpredictable so many of the times scheduled flights are also cancelled because of severe weather conditions. But flights are only operated in day time and clear and fine weather conditions.
Also, passengers experience some great and breathtaking views of the Indus River as well as snowy mountains. Also, as you know there are a total of 2 runways, the first one is abandoned while the other one is working, and it has a PCN of 40 with a length of 12000ft.
Skardu deals with both domestic as well as international flights.
The Airline Goes to Skardu
Pakistan’s best flight service provider, PIA is one of the most popular airlines in the country which is serving both international as well as domestic flights.
PIA is one of the most reliable transportation service providers in the entire country which covers approximately twenty international routes along with the domestic routes.
Islamabad to Skardu is one of PIA’s main routes. Skardu is a stunning city and a popular tourist destination in Pakistan because it is one of the most well-known and well-traveled cities there.
To take in Skardu’s scenic and cultural charm, people travel from all over the nation. Skardu is also a popular destination for business travelers.
To meet the various travel demands of its numerous customers, Pakistan International Airlines operates some flights to Skardu throughout the week.
Due to the large number of travelers visiting Skardu, flights on this route are usually fully booked. Just choose a flight that satisfies all of your travel needs. Discount coupons can also be used to lower the cost of airline tickets.
International Flights
The airport at Skardu is currently Pakistan’s northernmost international airport. It was opened by former prime minister Imran Khan for international flights to boost Gilgit-Baltistan’s economic growth.
Skardu Airport International Flights
Skardu Airport was upgraded to the best and most advanced level of standard for international flights, and it was announced previously to have an additional runway that enables a wide-body aircraft operation system.
As mentioned above, the arrival of international flights will surely increase Pakistan’s economy and will also create a great and positive image of Pakistan.
Last year, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) even ran five to six flights per day to Skardu airport, taking hundreds of tourists to the beautiful location when international flights were shut down.
PIA had broken the previous record by landing six flights at Skardu airport to boost domestic travel as well.
The most amazing and stunning destinations of northern areas might be introduced internationally, and PIA plays a great role in enhancing domestic as well as international tourism through its great services. Now, the government is also decided to begin a helicopter service for Skardu as well as Gilgit to promote tourism.
Destination Cities from Skardu Airport
Pakistan International Airlines is the most trusted and reliable transportation company in all of Pakistan. Also, as mentioned earlier, Skardu Airport only has PIA for transportation purposes by air and its destination city includes Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore.
Skardu Airport Departures
| PK455 Karachi | 08:15 |
| Airblue PA251 Islamabad | 09:00 |
| PIA 453 Lahore | 09:20 |
| PIA 451 Islamabad | 10:30 |
KDU Skardu Airport Management
The airport is managed by PCCA.
PCCA
Skardu Airport is managed by PCAA (Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority) head office is located at terminal 1 of (Karachi Airport). The International Civil Aviation Organization counts PCAA as one of its member nations. The PCAA owns and runs nearly all 44 civil airports in Pakistan.
Runway Information
As mentioned earlier as well that Skardu airport has two runways, one is the abandoned one while the other one is used for operational systems. Both are 11,944ft (3,641m) long while the third one is 8,740 ft and 2,664 m long.
Runway was de-commissioned in December 2021 and it is now recently used as a taxiway.
Passenger Terminal
It only has a single passenger terminal, While the journey to Skardu, in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan, passes directly over the Karakoram, Hindukush, and Himalayan mountains, it is one of the most picturesque and thrilling flight routes in the world.
Passengers are treated to a “one of a kind” experience on clear days as the Himalaya, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush mountain ranges, which feature some of the highest peaks in the world, dance across the sky. Nanga Parbat (8,125 meters), Rakaposhi (7,788 meters), Diran Peak, Spantik, Haramosh Peak, and, most impressively, the magnificent K-2 the second-highest peak in the world at 8,611 meters, can all be seen from here.
Security Measures at Skardu Airport
Almost a year ago Skardu airport had some very bad security threads so, higher authorities have taken some security measures for its safety.
It included the ban over the entrance of the car inside the parking. It was stated, “No car is allowed to be parked inside the airport as part of security,”. Skardu Airport has one of the highest runways in the world. It is the largest facility in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Customs and Immigration at Skardu Airport
Returning Luggage
Know where your belt is so you can find your luggage, and the appropriate customs declaration, to find the belt from which you can retrieve your luggage, check the displays in the baggage claim area.
Are you entering the country from abroad? Whenever necessary, don’t forget to declare your items.
Skardu Airport Weather
Skardu is one of Pakistan’s colder regions, with an average temperature of -9.75°C (14.45°F), which is -30.64% lower than the country’s average. Skardu is located at a height of roughly 2228 m.
Public Transportation to/from Skardu Airport
Let’s say you’ve traveled anyplace in the globe, especially while the kids were present. You might be able to appreciate how challenging and frustrating it is.
Knowing the many forms of transportation will make it simpler. Shuttles are the ideal choice for families traveling together.
All of the above-mentioned receptions are available at the airport in Islamabad. For each of them, there are a few different waiting times.
You must locate the reception and make reservations for your family; they will provide you with information on the hotels, rates, etc. Some shuttle services are free.
Also, the most common ones are public transport, you can use buses, coaches, cabs, taxis, and airlines that give safe service. But, usually in northern areas, all the tourists prefer to hire their private cars as well as bikes that are easily available for rent.
It’s a bit safer and only your own family will travel in this rather than many people like on public transport.
Car Parking Facilities at Skardu Airport
As mentioned earlier, higher authorities included the ban on the entrance of the car inside the car park. It was stated, “No car is allowed to be parked inside the airport as part of security,”. So, nobody is allowed to park their cars at Skardu airport.
Emergency Services at Skardu Airport
At Skardu International Airport, the Full Scale Airport Emergency Exercise – 2023 was completed.
The live emergency dig of a fake plane crash included members from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Airports Security Force (ASF), air blue, Shaheen Air Port Services (SAPS), Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Army Aviation, Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Benazir Bhutto Hospital, representatives of the district administration, Rescue 1122, District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital, and city fire brigade.
An organized rescue and firefighting operation was conducted after the collision. So, there is a great emergency arrangement as well. So, there is nothing to worry about in any bad situation.
Tourism: Nearby Attractions to Skardu Airport
Though, Skardu is full of beautiful and scenic attractive places following are some of the places that are near Skardu airport.
- Shangrilla Resorts
- Upper Kachura Lake
- Sadpara Lake
1- Shangrilla Resorts
One of the most stunning resorts in Skardu is Shangrila Resort —also known as “Heaven on Earth”. The Skardu airport, which is only 27 minutes away, is closer. It is among the world’s tallest summits.
The most well-known heart-shaped lake in the area, Kachura Lake, is also surrounded by fruit-filled orchards and gardens full of blooms.
The spectacular and fashionable rooms, private rooms, bedroom suites, and other amenities make it the ideal location for traveling with friends and family.
2- Upper Kachura Lake
Two notable lakes in the town of Kachura, which is about an hour’s drive northwest of Skardu, are the Upper Kachura Lake and the Lower Kachura Lake. In Lower Kachura Lake, swimming, fishing, and boating are common activities.
It is just 38 minutes away from the Skardu airport.
3- Sadpara Lake
Sadpara Lake is yet another breathtaking natural feature on the planet. Glacial mountains surround it, giving it a beautiful beauty.
The fact that there is a magical island in the middle of this wonderful lake makes it particularly special. it is almost 49 minutes away from the airport.
Hotels Near Skardu Airport
- Hotel One Skardu
- Mulberry Continental Hotel
- Tibet Hotel
Hotel One Skardu
In the very north of Pakistan, Skardu, the Central Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan, is the height of beauty, tranquility, and nature.
Visit Hotel One Skardu for a weekend to experience luxury and nature comingling like no before. The best thing about this hotel is that the Skardu airport is reachable on foot. Therefore, it’s an excellent hotel to visit if you want to stay close to the airport.
Due to the use of antiques that give it a variety of appearances, you will undoubtedly adore the ambiance of our hotel. You will have all the amenities and first-rate services to make you feel like a king in any room you pick.
All of the rooms are tastefully built and decorated with a beautiful color scheme.
Mulberry Continental Hotel
In Skardu, there is a restaurant, a balcony, a common living room, and Mulberry Continental Hotel. A tour desk and the best services are available at this 3-star hotel.
The hotel offers free WiFi, free airport shuttle service, room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Each hotel room contains a flat-screen TV and a wardrobe. Private bathrooms with showers, complimentary toiletries, and slippers are provided in each room.
The accommodations at Mulberry Continental Hotel Skardu include a seating space.
Each morning, the hotel offers halal and continental breakfast options. A playground is available at Mulberry Continental Hotel Skardu, so it also has multiple sources of entertainment for people of every age group.
This 3-star hotel offers car rental, and the area is well-known for hiking and fishing. In close distance to the hotel, Skardu Airport is the closest airport.
Tibet Hotel
Tibet Hotel in Skardu has a garden available, which is available at footsteps to Skardu airport. The hotel offers lake views, a terrace, and a front desk open around the clock. Each hotel room has a balcony with a view of the garden.
Rooms at the Tibet Hotel come with a mountain view and a private bathroom with a shower and complimentary toiletries. A flat-screen TV and slippers are provided in each guest room at the hotel.
There is a restaurant at the Tibet Hotel that serves Chinese, Indian, and seafood dishes. Halal and vegetarian choices are also available upon request.
Travel Tips For Skardu Baltistan
Skardu is one of the best places to visit, It is incredibly beautiful and full of entertainment because of the multiple sources of entertainment and beautiful lakes. If you are also going on vacations along with your friends or family, then follow some of the tips that are discussed below:
You might know that there are multiple accommodation options available, as you know that a lot of tourists visit here from across the country.
So, there must be accommodation options available in the region. It has multiple options like hotels, guest houses, campsites, etc.
So, you should never worry about the accommodation over there but, just pack some of your necessary items like clothes according to the weather and nothing else like food, etc. As everything is available over there.
But tour guides are also mandatory for a better experience that is available to travel anywhere throughout the country. One of the most famous ones is Aalishaan Travels they provide the best services to their customers and are recommended by everyone.
All these tour guides that are mentioned below will surely provide you with the best kind of experience. This will surely be the most memorable trip as they let you perform multiple activities, adventure sports, etc.
Availability of Tourist Services (Tour guides, Adventure Sports)
- Chogori Adventure
- Asian Mountain Tours
- Ersa Events
Food and Dining Options
Following are some of the best dining options or restaurants in Skardu:
- DewaneKhas Restaurant Skardu City: It’s the best restaurant between Skardu and Shigar Khaplu’s traditional taste. Good parking and seating arrangement, It offers the best cuisine in the town. One should have tried their local soup, rich in fiber and nutrition. The entire food is available at very reasonable prices.
- Bismillah Food Corner: The restaurant offers wonderful flavors. It draws everyone who enjoys tasty food because it is full of Pakistani, international, and fast dishes. The tastiest soups in Skardu City may be found there. In Skardu, a vast variety of Chinese, fast food, and Pakistani goods are sold. Food aficionados are drawn to the dining hall with a live kitchen.
Additionally, their talented chef oversees serving hygienic food. While enjoying a cup of tea there and seeing the Kharfocho Fort unfold before your eyes, the nearby open-air facility is attractive. The distinctive feature of BFC is that it is located right in the middle of Skardu Bazar and close to the Shaheen Ground. - Food Street NanXhoq Skardu: You can enjoy a variety of cuisines at this outdoor restaurant, including Chinese, Balti traditional foods, Pakistani food, fast food, and special products that will be made to order. You will adore the flavor of its seafood, which is well-known for being fresh. It is a great restaurant in Skardu if you are visiting Skardu then you should visit here as well at least once.
Shopping Facilities in Skardu
As you know, Skardu is one of the best places which consists of many small villages and other places. It also has some bazaars in the center of the city.
So, there are multiple shopping centers available which become a center of attraction for all the tourists because of antique and unique items available. There are shops of almost everything is available so, you can access every product like cosmetics, garments, utility, utensils, etc.
Here is a list of some popular shops in Skardu:
- Ali Shopping Mall Skardu
- Long Life Mountain Equipment Shop Skardu
- Wazir electronics
- Skardu mobile
- Sabzwari jewellers skardu
- Public electronic Skardu
- Pehchan general store
- Utility store Skardu
- Ghazi mobile
- Mushtaq and Brother General store
- Skardu dry fruit
- Aqeel cosmetics
- Gb mobile point
Conclusion
Skardu is an epitome of beauty and tourists want to visit from worldwide to witness the beauty of Pakistan. They will surely be amazed after witnessing the most captivating and breathtaking views of nature. There are some great and popular places to visit like Sadpara Lake is also another piece of beauty on earth which is extremely beautiful.
It is aesthetically surrounded by glacial mountains. Its beauty and great scenic places increase their desire to visit the piece of paradise on earth. You can visit here by road as well as by air. However, it is far better to visit by air because it’s less hectic and you can arrive within 1 hour from Islamabad to Skardu airport.
Hope, that your all queries related to ba, and shopping and dining facilities are now solved.
FAQs About Skardu Airport KDU
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When was Skardu Airport Built?
On 2 December 2021, Skardu Airport was re-inaugurated by the Ex-PM of Pakistan “Imran Khan” as an international airport after making some great amendments to its upgradation to the airport to make it a tourism hub for Baltistan
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Who inaugurated Skardu Airport?
On 2 December 2021, Skardu Airport was re-inaugurated by the Ex-PM of Pakistan “Imran Khan” as an international airport after making some great amendments to its upgradation to the airport to make it a tourism hub for Baltistan. Also, as mentioned earlier by doing this many o international travelers will be captivated by Skardu’s beauty.
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Which Airline goes to Skardu?
Pakistan’s best flight service provider, PIA is one of the most popular airlines in the country which is serving both international as well as domestic flights. PIA is one of the most reliable transportation service providers in the entire country which covers approximately twenty international routes along with the domestic routes.
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