AI regular Pantnagar-Delhi flight from Dec 1

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 14

In order to boost connectivity between Pantnagar and New Delhi, the Air India will start daily flights from December 1. For long, businessmen and frequent travellers have been complaining about the lack of air connectivity between Pantnagar and New Delhi.

Besides, the Air India is also planning to start an additional flight from November 20 from Dehradun (Jolly Grant airport) to New Delhi. An agreement has been reached between the Air India and Uttarakhand government.

Soon, the state government will launch a publicity and information campaign to spread awareness about the new flight so that maximum number of people can avail the new facility.

Earlier, the Air India had started flights between Pantnagar and New Delhi four days in a week, this year but it did not attract many passengers. Similarly, around 18 months back, a private airline company had started the air service between Pantnagar and New Delhi, but it failed to attract travellers due to lack of publicity.

Though the ventures in the past did not prove fruitful, the Air India decided to re-hash its strategy. “There has been a major change in the strategy, instead of limiting the services to four days a week, the Air India in December will start regular daily flights. We hope to attract more passengers by offering daily flights. Besides, our Department of Aviation will ensure the new service is publicized properly,” said Rakesh Sharma, Director, Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority.

However, businessmen and industrialists are eagerly awaiting the start of the air-services that would help them save time. “The service will be helpful for the business men residing in New Delhi but having business interests in Pantnagar and vice-versa,” said Pankaj Gupta, president of Industries Association of Uttarakhand.