Skardu Airport – Gateway to Gilgit Baltistan
Skardu Airport is an international airport located in the beautiful city of Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan. It is surrounded by snow-covered mountains and clear rivers, making it one of the most scenic airports in Pakistan. The airport stands at an altitude of about 7,316 feet above sea level.
Skardu Airport has two runways, but currently only one is in use. The active runway is the longest in Pakistan, stretching around 12,000 feet, while the second runway measures about 8,740 feet and is not operational at the moment. The airport can handle up to three aircraft at a time and has modern rescue and safety facilities.
Skardu Airport Location & Nearby Resorts
Skardu Airport is located about 18 kilometers from the main city, which takes around 30 to 35 minutes to reach by car. Many popular resorts like Shangrila Resort, Mount View Hotel, and Mashabrum Hotel offer shuttle services for travelers.
The airport operates under the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). Its IATA code is KDU, and the ICAO code is OPSD.
Operational Flights to Skardu
Skardu welcomes both local and foreign tourists who visit the area to explore its breathtaking landscapes. Earlier, the airport only connected Skardu and Islamabad with daily flights. However, today, flights from Karachi, Lahore, Sialkot, Faisalabad, and Multan are also available.
On 2nd December 2021, Skardu Airport was officially upgraded to international status, allowing it to host international flights in the future.
Currently, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is the only airline operating at Skardu Airport. There are reports that AirBlue may soon begin its flight operations to Skardu as well.
By Air Travel Time from Islamabad to Skardu
The flight duration between Islamabad and Skardu is about 45 minutes, though it may vary depending on weather conditions. By road, the journey takes more than 20 hours, which is why most tourists prefer to fly.
Because of this, Skardu Airport plays a major role in promoting tourism in the region. Tourists travel here to explore attractions such as Upper and Lower Kachura Lakes, Manthoka Waterfall, Shigar Fort, and Khaplu Fort.
Skardu Airport Flights
Currently, PIA operates several flights between different cities and Skardu. There are 6 to 7 flights per week from Islamabad to Skardu, while flights from other cities are scheduled once or twice a week.
On busy days, there might even be two flights per day.
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The first flight usually departs Islamabad at 7:30 AM and arrives in Skardu within an hour.
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The return flight from Skardu to Islamabad departs soon after.
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The second flight leaves Islamabad around 10:00 AM and reaches Skardu by 11:00 AM.
Common flight numbers include PK 451, PK 452, PK 606, and PK 608.
Skardu’s weather remains cool for most of the year, but the best time to visit is from June to September, when the weather is pleasant and flight operations are more stable.
Nearby Hotels and Resorts
If you’re planning to stay near Skardu Airport, there are many great options available. The most famous is the Shangrila Resort, which was the first resort built in Skardu. Its design is inspired by Tibetan architecture, and it sits beside a heart-shaped lake surrounded by fruit gardens and flower orchards.
Other good hotels near the airport include:
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Baltistan Continental Hotel
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Indus View Hotel
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Byarsa Hotel
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Mount View Hotel
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Continental Guest House
Most of these hotels offer free Wi-Fi, parking, and airport shuttle services. Some also include free breakfast and laundry. Staying near the airport is also helpful in case of flight cancellations, which can happen due to sudden weather changes in the region.
Skardu Airport Contact Details
If you need any flight-related information, you can contact the airport authorities directly.
Address: Airport Road, Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan
Phone: 0321-6101916
For PIA ticket booking or information, contact the Skardu office:
Address: PIA Booking Office, Chashma Bazar, Kushu Bagh Main Road, Skardu
Phone: 05815-920284
You can also contact the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) for general inquiries:
Phone: 021-99071111
Email: support@caapakistan.com.pk
For ticket confirmation or flight updates, reach out to PIA Customer Care:
Helpline: 111-786-786
(Customer service is available 24/7.)
Contact Us to Visit Skardu
We are Repeatrip Tours, your travel partner for exploring Skardu and Gilgit Baltistan. We offer complete tour services, including flight booking, hotel stays, and local sightseeing.
Contact us to visit Skardu and explore the breathtaking beauty of this region with us.