Skardu Airport (KDU)
Skardu, PK 🇵🇰 Medium Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
OPSD
IATA
KDU
Elevation
7316 ft
Region
PK-GB
Local Time
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GPS Code: OPSD
Local Code: Not available
Location: 35.335499° N, 75.536003° E
Continent: Asia
Type: Medium Airport
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Skardu Airport (OPSD / KDU) generally offers a unique and memorable travel experience, primarily due to its stunning mountainous surroundings and a notably serene atmosphere. While travelers appreciate the efficient processes for a smaller airport, there are common points of concern regarding amenities and occasional operational challenges.
What Travelers Love
- Breathtaking Scenic Views: Passengers consistently praise the unparalleled views of snow-capped mountains and lush valleys during arrival and departure, making the flight itself a significant part of the travel experience.
- Serene and Relaxed Ambiance: The airport's relatively small size contributes to a calmer, more relaxed atmosphere compared to larger, busier international airports.
- Efficient Arrival Process: Despite its recent upgrade to international status, the airport maintains a reputation for a smooth and efficient immigration process with generally quick queues for both domestic and international travelers.
- Vast Parking Area: The airport offers a substantial parking area, with ongoing developments to further expand capacity for the increasing number of visitors.
Common Complaints
- Limited Terminal Facilities and Amenities: Travelers often note the modest terminal with essential but limited services, including few food options and a lower satisfaction rating for terminal facilities, food and retail, and Wi-Fi compared to larger airports.
- Flight Delays and Cancellations: Unpredictable weather conditions in the mountainous region frequently lead to flight delays or cancellations, necessitating careful travel planning.
- "Offloading" Issues for International Travelers: A significant recent concern since early 2025 involves Pakistani citizens with valid documents being "offloaded" from international flights by immigration officers without clear reasons, leading to cancelled journeys and financial losses.
- Challenging Flight Conditions: The mountainous terrain surrounding Skardu Airport contributes to its reputation for having a challenging and sometimes "dangerous" flight experience, especially due to rapidly changing weather.
Overall, Skardu Airport serves as a vital gateway to the natural beauty of Gilgit-Baltistan, offering a tranquil and visually spectacular start and end to a journey. However, travelers should be prepared for basic amenities and potential weather-related disruptions, and international Pakistani travelers should be aware of reported "offloading" issues.
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Current Weather Conditions
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Airport Routes
Skardu Airport (KDU) offers 6 flight routes operated by 2 airlines. Major carriers include Pakistan International Airlines and Airblue. Popular destinations from Skardu include Islamabad International Airport, Jinnah Int'l and Allama Iqbal Int'l.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Skardu AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pakistan International Airlines
PIA
/ PK
|
3 | 27 | 3 | Jan 24, 2026 |
|
Airblue
ABQ
/ PA
|
3 | 15 | 3 | Jan 24, 2026 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
14L/32R |
11995 ft | 101 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
14R/32L |
11995 ft | 150 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| GND | TWR | 121.8 MHz |
| RDO | RDO | 292.3 MHz |
| TWR | TWR | 119.7 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Taxis and private cars are the most common form of transportation available directly outside the airport terminal. Fares are typically not metered, so it is essential to negotiate and agree on a price with the driver before beginning your journey. The drive to Skardu town usually takes about 30-40 minutes.
Rental Cars
Traditional self-drive car rental agencies (like Hertz or Avis) are not available at Skardu Airport. However, you can easily hire a private vehicle with a driver, which is the standard practice in the region. Options range from cars to more rugged 4x4s and jeeps, which are necessary for mountain travel. It is highly recommended to arrange this service in advance through your hotel or a local tour operator, especially during peak season.
Public Transportation
There are no formal, scheduled public bus or train services that connect directly to Skardu Airport. The primary means of getting to and from the airport are taxis or pre-booked private vehicles. While shared jeeps operate on main routes in the region, there is no dedicated public transit line serving the airport.