Chitral Airport
Are you ready for a truly magical journey? Welcome to the breathtakingly beautiful Chitral Airport! There is one of the few airports in Pakistan that provides fantastic views of the mountain peaks and snow-capped summits from its terraces. A genuinely magical region is full of culture, heritage, adventure, and more! Nestled in the hills of Pakistan’s Chitral district and the most unique with its majestic mountains, lush green valleys, and incredible natural beauty, it is no wonder why this airport is a must-visit for any traveler. With world-class facilities and an enchanting environment, Chitral Airport is perfect for travelers looking to get away from it all and explore what nature offers. We will look closely at Chitral Airport, including its weather, location, contact number, available facilities, and nearby attractions. So let us get started!
Extension of Chitral Airport
In June 2018, the CAA planned to expand the Chitral airport in anticipation of increased air traffic and an influx of visitors after completing the ongoing projects under the CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor).
Runway
The runway of Chitral airport is 02/20, and its length is 5,741 feet. It is short because the river Chitral is proximally close to it.
Chitral Airport Weather
The overall weather in Chitral is cold enough. Typical months of the year for snow are February, March, April, January, November, December, and October. Let us see the weather at Chitral Airport every month:
Weather at Chitral Airport in January:
The average temperature of a typical day ranges from a high of -4°C to a low of -16°C. It is cold, calm, and humid. The average speed of wind blow is 6.1 mph. January is the best month to visit Chitral. Often there is Snowfall this month.
Weather in February:
It is primarily a falling snow month. The average temperature in February ranges from as high as -3°C to a low of -15°C. It is freezing, humid, and cold but calm. There is a 39% chance of rain/snow, and the precipitation is 0.64 in (16.4 mm).
Weather in March:
The average temperature in March for a day typically ranges from 2°C (35°F) to a low -10°C (14°F). It remains cold and relaxed but humid. There is a 48% chance of rain/snow, and the precipitation is 0.62 in (15.7 mm). The sky is mostly clear or sunny and less humid, with an average of 94% relative humidity.
Weather in April:
The average temperature in April typically ranges from 8°C (47°F) to a low of -3°C (27°F). The days are icy, calm, and humid. The wind blows at a speed of 6.2 mph (9.9 kph). April is the wettest month in Chitral, and a typical day has a chance of 52% precipitation, which is 0.26 inches (6.7 mm). April is one of the year’s wettest months, so avoid traveling to Chitral to stay dry.
Weather in May:
The average temperature in May ranges from 56°F (13°C) to 33°F (0°C). The days are cold, calm, and humid. There is a 46% chance of rain/snow, considered the wettest month. On an average day in Chitral, the chance of precipitation is typically 52% and is 0.19 inches (4.7 mm). The humidity level is 74%. The average speed of wind blow is 6.3 mph (10.1 kph).
Weather in June:
The average range of temperature is from as high as 65°F (19°C) to as low as 38°F (3°C). The days are humid and cool but moderately chilly. There is a 33% chance of rain/snow. On an average day, the precipitation is 0.49 in (12.5 mm), and the intermediate humidity level is 62%. The average speed of wind blow is 6.7 mph (10.7 kph).
Weather in July:
July is the hottest month in Chitral. The average temperature is 73°F (23°C) to 43°F (6°C). July is considered the windiest month, with an average of 6.9 mph (11.1 kph) wind speeds. On average, there is a 27% chance of rain, and the intermediate humidity level is 67%.
Weather in August:
The average temperature for a typical day in August ranges from as high as 71°F (22°C) to as low as 42°F (6°C). The days are cool and humid but moderately chill. On an average day, there is a 37% chance of rain. The possibility of precipitation is 52% and is 0.15 inches (3.9 mm). An average of 73% humidity and the average speed of wind blow is 6.9 mph (11.1 kph).
Weather in September:
The average range of temperature for a typical day in September ranges from 64°F (18°C) to 36°F (2°C). The days are fantastic and humid but moderately chill. On an average day, there is a chance of 30% rain/snow. The precipitation is 0.52 in (13.1 mm) on an average day. The average speed of wind blows is 6.5 mph (10.5 kph), and the humidity level is 68%.
Weather in October:
The average range of temperature in October for a typical day is 52°F (11°C) to 29°F (-2°C). The days are cold, calm, and humid. On an average day, there is a 21% chance of rain/snow, and the precipitation is 0.57 in (14.5 mm). Mostly, at times, the sky remains clear or sunny. The humidity level is moderate, with an average of 63%, and the wind speed is 5.9 mph (9.5 kph).
Weather in November:
The average range of temperature in November for a typical day is 39°F (4°C) to 19°F (-7°C). The days are cool, cold, and humid. On an average day, there is only a 24% chance of rain/snow. The precipitation is 0.51 in (12.8 mm), and the sky is clear or sunny. The average humidity level is 66%, and November is the calmest month, with an average wind speed of 5.8 mph (9.4 kph).
Weather in December:
The average range of temperatures in December for a typical day is 31°F (-0°C) to 10°F (-12°C). The days are cold, calm, and humid. On an average day, there is a 13% chance of rain/snow with a precipitation level of 0.50 in (12.8 mm). The sky is clear or remains sunny with 63% humidity, and the wind blows at the speed of 6.1 mph (9.8 kph).
Location of Chitral Airport
Chitral Airport is a small airport in the Chitral District in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. Almost 1500 meters above sea level and 3.7 km north of the city of Chitral in the lower Chitral district.
How to Get to Chitral Airport?
There are two options for reaching the Chitral airport – either by plane or car. If flying, book a ticket with a domestic airline like PIA or Shaheen Air, which offers direct flights from Peshawar Airport to Chitral airport several times per day. These flights only take around 40 minutes and can be booked directly online or through an agent. Alternatively, suppose you choose to drive to Chitral airport from Peshawar Airport. In that case, it takes approximately five hours via the N35 highway route passing through Mardan, Dargai, and Torkhow (note: most drivers prefer this route over the other highways due to its scenic views). Make sure you have sufficient fuel and spare tires on-hand during your drive. Whichever mode of transport you opt for when traveling to Chitral Airport, remember to double-check your departure times to ensure that you arrive safely and with plenty of time before boarding. Bon voyage!
Airport Facilities
Chitral Airport offers numerous services and amenities, such as modernized waiting rooms, lounges, free WiFi, ATMs, public toilets, a parking area for vehicles, and a helipad for those seeking a bird’s eye view of this majestic place. Additionally, passengers can take advantage of convenient shuttle services connecting them with local accommodations or their ultimate destination. Moreover, passengers can look forward to pleasant airport staff willing to go above and beyond in providing helpful information and advice on any matter. Chitral Airport also has a cafe where travelers can grab snacks and drinks before taking off or during layovers. Moreover, local goods are available at shops situated near the main entrance, making it easy to pick up souvenirs and other mementos during your trip. Finally, the airport offers disabled access with ramped boarding bridges, making air travel possible even for those with limited mobility.
Chitral Airport Code
The IATA code for the Chitral airport is CJL, while the ICAO airport code is OPCH.
Operating Airlines
Different domestic and international airlines operate from Chitral airport. The top airline brand in Pakistan that works from Chitral airport is Pakistan International Airline (PIA).
Popular Routes
The airport serves primarily domestic flights, and the most popular routes from Chitral are Chitral to Islamabad and Chitral to Peshawar, with 4 and 4 weekly flights, respectively. Some international flights operate out of Chitral Airport.
Chitral Airport Flight Schedule
The Chitral airport flight schedule provides domestic flights to Karachi, Peshawar, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and many other accessed locations across Pakistan. PIA airline 660 is the first flight to Peshawar, departs from Chitral airport at 12:25 PM, and PIA airline 661 to Islamabad departs at 3:00 PM. PIA airline 661 is the last flight to Islamabad that departs at 3:00 PM from Chitral airport. International travelers can direct travel from Jeddah to Islamabad. Direct flights are available three days per week, connecting domestic flights to Chitral daily via SereneAir and Shaheen Air International Airline. On average, there is one departure flight each, a day from Chitral Airport(CJL).
Top Things to Do in Chitral
The Chitral Airport is the perfect gateway for tourists visiting the Northern Areas of Pakistan. One can enjoy exploring the historical sites, breathtaking scenery, high mountain peaks, and lush green valleys—the activities like hiking, mountaineering, camping, rock climbing, and river rafting in Chitral. There is a glut of things to do at the Chitral Airport. The airport has many shopping options, including souvenir stores, duty-free outlets, and food vendors selling regional cuisine. Travelers can also take advantage of on-site banking services and car rental counters if they explore Chitral independently. In addition, there are ATMs and other convenient amenities available within the airport terminal.
Chitral Airport Contact Number
The contact number for Chitral Airport is (0943) 412547. By calling this number, you can ask for all information about the airport, including the Chitral airport flight schedule.
Interesting Facts about Chitral Airport
What is interesting about Chitral Airport is its picturesque landscape. The airport boasts a fantastic view of the mountains, which adds a special touch when taking off or landing. This beauty adds to its allure, making your experience truly unique and enjoyable during travel. On June 12, 1991, according to news reports, British Princess Diana visited Chitral on a British Aerospace Bae 146 jetliner. Princess Diana announced the Bae 146 as a gift to Pakistan during her visit.
FAQs
Are international flights operated at Chitral Airport?
Different domestic and international airlines operate from Chitral airport. The top airline brand that works from Chitral airport is Pakistan International Airline (PIA). At the same time, SereneAir and Shaheen Air International Airline connect domestic flights to Chitral every day.
How far is Chitral from Islamabad by air?
The aerial distance of Chitral from Islamabad by air is 277 km, and it takes almost 1 hour.
How to get to Chitral Airport?
There are two options for reaching the Chitral airport – either by plane or car. PIA or Shaheen Air offers direct flights to Chitral airport. While the thorough drive to Chitral airport from Peshawar takes approximately five hours via the N35 highway route, and almost 416.9Km takes five hours and 25 minutes to Chitral airport from Islamabad.
Conclusion
Chitral Airport is an excellent choice for anyone looking to experience what Pakistan’s beautiful northern areas offer. The airport has undergone several improvements over the years, enabling it to provide its customers with a safe and comfortable air travel experience. With so much to explore nearby, it makes for a beautiful destination for people looking for an adventure-filled getaway. With great shopping outlets, convenient services available within the airport, exciting attractions waiting outside, and breathtaking views while arriving or leaving – this small but unique airport promises memorable experiences!