Gilgit is one of the most popular destinations for travellers in Pakistan. Gilgit city is the gateway to the adventurous and breathtaking landscape of the Gilgit-Baltistan region. It is the central hub where people stay, shop, and plan their journeys to various tourist destinations such as Nagar Valley, Naltar Valley, and Hunza Valley.
The flight from Islamabad to Gilgit is one of the most picturesque flights that you can take. You will have the ultimate experience of flying above and through some of the highest mountains in the world. If the weather permits, you can glimpse the vast Karakoram mountain range with its snow-capped mountains spread over hundreds of kilometres.
It is a flight experience that will live with you for the rest of your life. Graana.com has gathered everything you need to know about Gilgit Airport, including its location, flight schedule, and much more.
Elevation of the Airport
The town of Gilgit sits at an elevation of 1,462 metres above sea level. Due to the limited availability of suitable land for a runway and high elevation, the airport can only accommodate small aircraft. The airport was constructed with great care, taking into account the unique geographical challenges of the area to ensure the safety of landings and takeoffs.
The ATR 42 is one of the few aircraft that can operate at the Gilgit airport, as it is specifically designed for regional and short-haul flights. Its features, including its ability to take off and land on shorter runways and navigate rugged terrains, make it the ideal aircraft for flights between Islamabad and Gilgit.
History of Gilgit Airport
Constructed in 1958, Gilgit Airport is one of the oldest airports in the region. The airport spans approximately 660 kanals and is situated in the Sonikot area to ensure safe takeoff and landing. Additional facilities have been added to the airport over the years, including a new terminal building in 2012 and 2013.
The revamped layout of the terminal building significantly improved the overall airport experience, and the car parking area was also relocated to a more accessible location. Despite attempts to extend the airport, the plans have never been implemented due to the elevated and sloped nature of the surrounding land.
Facilities at Gilgit Airport
The Gilgit Airport is a relatively small airport with limited facilities. The airport was designed to cater to small passenger aircraft. However, it does provide all the essential facilities that should be available at a small regional airport. Below is a list of all facilities available at the airport,
Departure lounge
The Gilgit airport, one of the major airports in Pakistan, has a departure lounge accommodating up to 118 passengers. The spacious area provides travellers a pleasant and comfortable environment as they await their flights. Moreover, it recognises the importance of accommodating diverse traveller demographics by offering separate seating for females, with a capacity of 32 seats.
Commercially Important Persons (CIP) Lounge
The Gilgit airport features a CIP lounge for travellers who require a more exclusive and luxurious experience. With a capacity of 40 seats, this lounge is designed to cater to the needs and preferences of high-profile individuals, such as business executives or government officials.
Concourse Hall
Gilgit Airport offers a concourse hall to provide a convenient transition space for passengers. This makes it easy for passengers to quickly move their luggage as they navigate to the departure lounge.
Air-conditioned Lounges
Given that Gilgit city has unpredictable weather, it is essential to fully air-conditioned lounges. It tends to get quite hot in summer and very cold during winter. Therefore, the airport has created a controlled environment where passengers can relax regardless of the weather outside.
Car Parking
Gilgit Airport offers a car parking facility with up to 120 cars. Apart from these facilities, passengers can also find trolleys to move their heavy luggage around. A briefing counter is also present for any flight-related inquiries or last-minute changes. The airport is quite cosy and is easily accessible from all parts of the city.
Gilgit Airport Flight Schedule
This Airport currently only operates flights between Gilgit city and Islamabad. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is the only operator in the region. There are almost daily flights, depending on the weather conditions. The frequency of flight cancellations is relatively high because of the unpredictable and often dangerous weather conditions that can change quickly. The flight distance between Islamabad and Gilgit is 268 kilometres.
Below is the flight schedule from Gilgit Airport,
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Airline | Flight Duration | Stopovers | Days |
| 07:55 AM (Gilgit) | 09:00 AM (Islamabad) | Pakistan International Airlines (PK 602) | 1 hour and 5 minutes | Direct flight between Gilgit and Islamabad with no stopovers | Tuesday |
| 08:55 AM (Gilgit) | 10:00 AM (Islamabad) | Pakistan International Airlines (PK 602) | 1 hour and 5 minutes | Direct flight between Gilgit and Islamabad with no stopovers | Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday |
| 11:45 AM (Gilgit) | 12:50 PM (Islamabad) | Pakistan International Airlines (PK 606) | 1 hour and 5 minutes | Direct flight between Gilgit and Islamabad with no stopovers | Tuesday |
| 12:45 PM (Gilgit) | 13:50 PM (Islamabad) | Pakistan International Airlines (PK 606) | 1 hour and 5 minutes | Direct flight between Gilgit and Islamabad with no stopovers | Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday |
The number of flights operating from this Airport has increased in recent years due to an increase in demand for air travel.
Gilgit Airport Arrivals
Flights from Islamabad to Gilgit depart earlier than those from Gilgit to Islamabad. Therefore, expect an earlier arrival in Gilgit since the flight lasts only 1 hour and 15 minutes. The flight from Islamabad to Gilgit is 10 minutes longer. Due to various factors, such as weather conditions, there may be delays in departure and arrival. See the flight schedule below for Islamabad to Gilgit.
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Airline | Flight Duration | Stopovers | Days |
| 06:00 AM (Islamabad) | 07:15 AM (Gilgit) | Pakistan International Airlines (PK 601) | 1 hour and 15 minutes | Direct flight between Islamabad and Gilgit with no stopovers | Tuesday |
| 07:00 AM (Islamabad) | 08:15 AM (Gilgit) | Pakistan International Airlines (PK 601) | 1 hour and 15 minutes | Direct flight between Islamabad and Gilgit with no stopovers | Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday |
| 09:50 AM (Islamabad) | 11:05 AM (Gilgit) | Pakistan International Airlines (PK 605) | 1 hour and 15 minutes | Direct flight between Islamabad and Gilgit with no stopovers | Tuesday |
| 10:50 AM (Islamabad) | 12:05 PM (Gilgit) | Pakistan International Airlines (PK 605) | 1 hour and 15 minutes | Direct flight between Islamabad and Gilgit with no stopovers | Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday |
Gilgit Airport Code
The International Air Transport Association is a global trade association providing airports with a code. This code can search for flights online and within phone applications. The airport code for Gilgit is GIL. This airport comes under PCCA. This code is exclusive to the airport and cannot be used elsewhere.
When you input the IATA code “GIL” into a flight search engine or a mobile travel app, it instantly directs you to flight information, schedules, and services specific to Gilgit Airport. This functionality simplifies booking flights to or from Gilgit and quickly helps travellers access relevant travel information.
Gilgit Airport Address And Phone Number
Below is the address of the airport:
Location: Gilgit Airport, Airport Road, Gilgit
Phone Number: 05811 922 062
FAQs
Where is Gilgit Airport located?
It is located in the city of Gilgit, in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan.
What is the airport code for Gilgit Airport?
The IATA code for Gilgit Airport is “GIL.”
Which airlines operate flights to Gilgit Airport?
Several airlines operate flights to Gilgit Airport, including Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and private carriers like AirSial.
What are the popular domestic destinations connected to Gilgit Airport?
It is a gateway to various domestic destinations within Pakistan, including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, and Skardu.
Is Gilgit Airport operational throughout the year?
It operates year-round, but winter weather can affect its accessibility.
What is the elevation of Gilgit Airport?
The location sits at 1,430 meters (4,692 feet) above sea level.
Are there any international flights from Gilgit Airport?
It primarily handles domestic flights within Pakistan and does not typically operate internationally.
How can I travel from Gilgit Airport to the city centre?
Travellers can reach the city centre from Gilgit Airport by using taxis, rental cars, or hotel shuttles, depending on availability.
Are there any nearby hotels to Gilgit Airport?
Yes, there are hotels and accommodations in the vicinity of the Airport for travellers’ convenience.
What are the facilities available at Gilgit Airport?
It offers basic facilities such as waiting areas, check-in counters, baggage handling, and a small terminal building.
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