Airports in Northern Pakistan (Skardu, Gilgit, Chitral)

Flights to Skardu, Gilgit and Chitral cross some of the most demanding terrain in Pakistan, and are among the most weather-sensitive in the country.

The airports

Skardu International Airport (KDU)

Skardu sits at 7,316 ft (2,230 m); the airfield has 2 runway(s). Airport overview.

Gilgit Airport (GIL)

Gilgit sits at 4,796 ft (1,462 m); the airfield has 2 runway(s). Airport overview.

Chitral Airport (CJL)

Chitral sits at 4,920 ft (1,500 m); the airfield has 1 runway(s). Airport overview.

Why northern flights cancel

Most flights to mountain airports operate under visual flight rules (VFR): the crew must be able to see the terrain. Low cloud, poor visibility, strong wind or snow can close the approach even when the weather at departure looks fine, so cancellations and same-day diversions are more common than on the plains. Read why in Why northern flights cancel and Snow and flights to Skardu and Gilgit.

Booking tips

• Allow spare days in your itinerary; a cancelled morning flight is often rebooked for the next clear day.
• Morning flights usually face better visibility than afternoon ones, because wind tends to rise through the day.
• Check the live weather before travelling: Skardu and Gilgit.