- Dec 26, 2025
Kullu Manali is one of the top destinations in North India, where millions of tourists visit annually to experience its abundant natural beauty and dramatic mountain scenery. Located 50 km from Manali and 10 km from Kullu, Kullu Manali Airport is situated in Bhuntar, also known as Bhuntar Airport. The airport currently serves domestic flights to a limited number of destinations. Kullu Manali Airport is one of the airports with a single runway located in a deep valley, which makes it challenging for pilots. Kullu Manali Airport is under the control of the Government of Himachal Pradesh and the Airports Authority of India. If you are curious to learn more about Kullu Manali Airport, this guide provides comprehensive information on airlines, transportation options, baggage and airport check-in, facilities, tips for a smooth airport experience, and more.
Terminal Overview
As Kullu Manali is a small airport, it has a single terminal with a single runway. The new terminal was inaugurated in 2008, with several upgrades to enhance the passenger experience, including enlarging the apron to accommodate two aircraft simultaneously and improving services. The terminal is equipped with basic amenities and services, including baggage, check-in, and ticketing counters, trolleys, public conveniences, and others.
Airlines Operating from Each Terminal
Alliance Air is the primary airline currently offering flights to and from several major Indian cities, including Amritsar (ATQ), Dehradun (DED), Delhi (DEL), and Jaipur (JAI). Alliance Air serves both direct and connecting flights for its passengers. The longest non-stop route served by the airline from Kullu Manali is to Jaipur (JAI), a distance of around 358 miles, and the flight takes almost 1 hour and 45 minutes.
See also: Rajahmundry Airport Guide 2025
Transportation to and from Kullu Manali Airport
As many tourists visit the Kullu Manali Airport every month, various transportation options are available for travel to and from the airport to different parts of the state. Some of the most popular and easily available ones are provided below.
Taxi & Cab Services
- App-based cabs and shared cab services for reaching different destinations from the airport.
- Fares can vary seasonally for both taxi and cab services.
See also: Durgapur Airport Guide 2025
Buses
- Local and private buses can be booked at reasonable fares to reach any part of the city from the Kullu Manali Airport, and vice versa.
See also: Ayodhya Airport Guide 2025
Baggage Services & Lost and Found
Kullu Manali Airport offers free trolleys and baggage handling services, with conveyor belts assisting in the arrival of your bags and a dedicated counter for baggage tagging. For concerns related to the lost and found, passengers should contact the airport terminal manager for assistance with filing missing-item complaints and claiming lost items.
See also: Hindon Airport Guide 2025
Check-in and Security Procedures
Kullu Manali Airport Check-in Procedure
- Follow the terminal signage to reach the airport check-in counter.
- Provide your flight details to the counter agent.
- If you have any special modifications in your itinerary, contact the agent.
- The agent will provide the boarding pass, and you can move to the security area.
Kullu Manali Airport Security Procedure
- As you arrive at the security screening, place your belongings in the provided trays.
- Put your luggage and bags into the screening machine.
- Undergo a security screening by airport staff.
- Once you're done, take your items and bags back, then proceed to boarding.
See also: Pantnagar Airport Guide 2025
Airport Facilities and Amenities
Numerous facilities and amenities are available at Kullu Manali Airport for you to explore. Here are some of the most essential and widely used ones:
Charging Stations
- Many charging stations are located across the terminal.
- You can charge your mobile device and other electronic devices simultaneously, as multiple ports are available.
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Shopping
- Several shopping outlets offering travel essentials are located near the departure and security hold areas.
- Travel accessories, clothing, and other goods can be purchased.
- Payments are accepted through UPI, Credit/debit Cards, and cash.
See also: Bhubaneswar Airport Guide 2025
Dining Options
- Limited food stores and restaurants are available near the departure area.
- A variety of vegetarian options are available.
- Snacks and beverages are also available.
- Credit and Debit cards, cash, and UPI payments are accepted.
See also: Gorakhpur Airport Guide 2025
Medical Facilities
- First aid service is available at the Kullu Manali Airport.
- A medical care room with medical amenities is located near the terminal.
- Health professionals are readily available.
See also: Tiruchirappalli Airport Guide 2025
Tips for a Smooth Experience at Kullu Manali Airport
- Explore Amenities: It's always a good idea to enhance your airport experience by taking time to explore amenities before boarding.
- Know Your Baggage: Learn your baggage allowance and pack within the allowed limit to avoid paying excess fees.
- Know Restricted Items: At Kullu Manali Airport (KUU), certain items are prohibited and restricted for carriage on planes and airport premises. It is essential to be aware of these items. Review the list of such items they provided, and inform and obtain permission from airport & airline officials if carriage is required.
- Prepare Documentation: Complete all your travel-related paperwork, including a government-issued ID, proof of residence, a flight ticket, a health certificate, and any other required documents. Ensure that you keep them handy so that you can easily present them at the required locations.
- Online Check-in: Complete your check-in for your flight to skip the queue and proceed directly to security screening and boarding, saving you time.
- Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable clothes, including body warmers and layers, to stay warm in cold temperatures during both day and night.
- Stay Hydrated: It's essential to stay hydrated during your flight and avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine intake.
See also: Kannur Airport Guide 2025
Conclusion
Kullu Manali Airport (KUU) offers a direct gateway to Himachal Pradesh's most beloved towns, Kullu and Manali, maintaining connectivity with other Indian cities. Hopefully, this guide has helped you learn some vital information about the Kullu Manali Airport, including transportation, amenities, services, web check-in, and more. The airport offers all the basic amenities and facilities for passengers, including waiting areas, medical facilities, and dining areas. This makes your travel more comfortable and convenient, whether you are departing from or arriving at Kullu Manali Airport.
See also: Jewar Airport Guide 2025
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where is Kullu Manali Airport located?
Kullu Manali Airport, which is also known as Bhuntar Airport, is located in the town of Bhuntar in the state of Himachal Pradesh.
2. How many terminals does Kullu Manali Airport have?
Kullu Manali Airport is a single-terminal airport with a single runway, on which all flights operate.
3. How many flights operate at Kullu Manali Airport every month?
On average, Kullu Manali Airport operates 60 flights per month to various states and union territories in India.
4. What code is associated with Kullu Manali Airport?
The IATA Code associated with Kullu Manali Airport is KUU, and the ICAO Code is VIBR.
5. Do international flights operate at Kullu Manali Airport?
No, Kullu Manali Airport is a domestic airport, so no international flights operate from there.
6. How many airlines operate from Kullu Manali Airport?
Alliance Air is the only major airline that operates flights from Kullu Manali Airport to nearby Indian states.
7. To which destinations does Kullu Manali Airport serve direct and non-stop flights?
Several direct flights are operated by airlines from Kullu Manali Airport, including to Delhi, Jaipur, and Dehradun.
8. Which is the longest route served from Kullu Manali Airport?
Alliance Air operates the longest route from Kullu Manali Airport (KUU) to Jaipur International Airport (JAI), covering around 358 miles, and the journey takes the airline almost 1 hour and 45 minutes.
9. What are the stopover options available from Kullu Manali Airport?
Kullu Manali Airport is linked only to a limited number of Indian States. However, if you wish to take a long-distance domestic or international trip, you can fly to a larger airport, where a stopover is generally available at New Delhi (DEL), Amritsar (ATQ), or Mumbai (BOM).
10. Is there any unique feature associated with Kullu Manali Airport?
Kullu Manali Airport is known for operating flights on a highly challenging tabletop runway nestled deep within the Himalayas.
11. How far is Manali from Kullu Manali Airport?
Though Kullu Manali Airport is the closest airport to Manali, the distance between the two is still around 50 km.
12. Can I find a lounge inside Kullu Manali Airport?
No, you can't find a lounge inside Kullu Manali Airport. However, you can find a comfortable waiting area inside the airport with suitable seats.
13. What snacking and beverage options are available for passengers at Kullu Manali Airport?
Kullu Manali Airport has very limited food and beverage options. You can typically find small snack bars and cafes, which primarily serve packaged chips, biscuits, sandwiches, chocolates, and hot and cold beverages.
14. What transportation options are available outside Kullu Manali Airport?
There are a few transportation options available outside Kullu Manali Airport, including car rentals, taxis, and buses.
15. How much time is required to fly from Delhi to Kullu Manali?
Delhi is close to Kullu Manali, so it takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Kullu Manali Airport (KUU) from Delhi (DEL) Airport.
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