Skardu International Airport (OPSD)
Large airport · Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Airport data
| Name | Skardu International Airport |
|---|---|
| ICAO | OPSD |
| IATA | KDU |
| Elevation | 7,316 ft (2230 m) above mean sea level |
| Coordinates | N 35°20'19" E 75°32'19" 35.33866, 75.53865 |
| Location | Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan |
| Scheduled service | Yes |
Runways
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Lighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14L/32R | 11,995 ft (3656 m) | 101 ft | ASP | Yes |
| 14R/32L | 11,995 ft (3656 m) | 150 ft | ASP | Yes |
Skardu International Airport at a glance
Skardu International Airport is a large airport in Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, known to airline systems as KDU. The field elevation of 7,316 ft (2230 m) is the number every arriving pilot dials against QNH — circuit heights and initial approach altitudes at OPSD are all figured from it. The airport handles scheduled commercial service, so expect controlled procedures, published approaches and commercial traffic in the pattern.
Of its 2 runways, the longest — 14L/32R — offers 11,995 ft (3656 m) of asp surface, with runway lighting for night operations. Runway numbers give magnetic orientation: runway 14L points roughly 140° magnetic.
For the weather side of planning, the live METAR and TAF page for OPSD shows the current observation decoded line by line — wind on an instrument dial, visibility, cloud layers and the resulting flight rules — refreshed continuously from official sources.
Nearest airports to Skardu International Airport
Distances are great-circle, measured from the field reference point — planning distances along airways or roads will run longer.
| Airport | Code | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Gilgit Airport | OPGT | 127 km (69 NM) |
| Sheikh ul Alam International Airport | VISR | 166 km (90 NM) |
| Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport | VILH | 227 km (123 NM) |
| Rawalakot Airport | OPRT | 230 km (124 NM) |
| Tashikuergan Hongqilafu Airport | ZWTK | 259 km (140 NM) |
Flight-planning notes for Skardu International Airport
Density altitude is the quiet performance-killer at any field: on a hot day the 7,316 ft field elevation of Skardu International Airport can translate into a substantially higher density altitude, stretching take-off rolls and flattening climb rates — run the numbers rather than trusting the feel of a standard day. Expect published instrument procedures, controlled airspace and clearance requirements; slots and handling may apply to general aviation traffic.
This entry is one of 39 airports and airfields we list for Pakistan — the country index on the airports hub links the rest. Coordinates above are given in both DMS and decimal degrees so they can go straight into a GPS, a flight planner or a chart plot without conversion.
Where this data comes from
The reference layer behind this page builds on the OurAirports dataset — a public-domain, community-maintained register of the world's airports that many flight planners and apps rely on — with equity records preserved from documented historical listings where the dataset is silent. Figures are carried as published: elevations as surveyed, coordinates as filed, runway dimensions as recorded. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap, and the whole layer regenerates from source on every site build, so corrections upstream arrive here automatically.
Frequently asked questions about Skardu International Airport
What is the ICAO code of Skardu International Airport?
The ICAO identifier of Skardu International Airport is OPSD, and its IATA code is KDU. The ICAO code is the one used in flight plans, METAR reports and aeronautical charts.
How high is Skardu International Airport above sea level?
Skardu International Airport sits at an elevation of 7,316 feet (2230 metres) above mean sea level. Field elevation is the reference for pattern altitudes and for setting the altimeter on the ground.
Where exactly is Skardu International Airport located?
The airport lies at 35.3387, 75.5386 — in Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, in the northern hemisphere. The closest listed field is Gilgit Airport, about 127 km away.
Does OPSD publish METAR weather reports?
Where the station reports, the current METAR and TAF for OPSD appear on its live weather page on this site, refreshed continuously from the US NWS Aviation Weather Center feed.
How long is the runway at Skardu International Airport?
Skardu International Airport has 2 runways. The longest, 14L/32R, measures 11,995 ft (3656 m) with a ASP surface.