Shimla-Delhi-Shimla air services resume after two years

Shimla: Air services between Shimla and Delhi resumed yesterday after a gap of almost two years. Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur virtually launched the regular flights by flagging off the new ATR-42-600 aircraft of Alliance Air from Shimla Airport at Jubbarhatti. Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Gen VK Singh also participated in the programme through virtual medium from Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said connectivity remains a big challenge for a hilly state like Himachal Pradesh and the state government is making constant efforts to increase the air connectivity in the



state.

Due to technical reasons, the flights were not able to operate at Shimla airport for almost two years.

The Chief Minister said that ATR-42-600 aircraft of Alliance Air would now be able to carry 48 passengers from Delhi to Shimla, whereas the maximum strength of passengers from Shimla to Delhi flight would be 24. He said 50 percent of the seats on these flights will have a subsidized fare of 2480 rupees only, under the ‘UDAN’ scheme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The fare for other seats would be determined by the company itself.