Kullu: Alliance Air will restart flights between Kullu and Chandigarh in November, nearly two years after suspension of the route, with three weekly departures scheduled from Bhuntar, according to a revised timetable published by the carrier.
The route began in September 2020 and was halted on 16 November 2023. Suspension reduced air links for Himachal Pradesh and left travellers reliant on costly direct flights to Delhi or lengthy road journeys through mountain terrain. The restart coincides with the onset of the winter tourist season, when demand for dependable connections to the Kullu valley tends to rise.
Under the revised schedule, flights are planned on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Departure from Kullu–Manali Airport at Bhuntar is at 9:55 a.m. with arrival in Chandigarh at 10:35 a.m. The minimum fare is ₹5,822, with a concession of ₹3,756 available for senior citizens.
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The inbound Chandigarh–Kullu leg is absent from the November timetable. Aviation sources indicated that aircraft may operate from Dehradun on the same days. This potential rotation has not been formally confirmed by the carrier.
Delhi–Kullu flights are expected on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in November and December, while the Kullu–Delhi listing currently runs only until 6 November, leaving regular commuters uncertain about onward planning.
For travellers heading to Delhi, a Kullu–Chandigarh journey followed by a Chandigarh–Delhi connection may reduce costs. A Chandigarh–Delhi flight priced at around ₹3,000 departs at 2:05 p.m. and arrives at 3:10 p.m. Direct Kullu–Delhi fares range from ₹17,000 to ₹24,000 for a 75‑minute sector.
Tourism stakeholders in Himachal Pradesh welcomed the restart but raised concerns about reduced frequency. The Kullu Travel Agents Association urged authorities to restore daily services, citing the need for steady links to support tourism and trade during peak winter months.
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Aviation specialists highlighted operational constraints. The short runway at Bhuntar limits performance for larger aircraft such as ATR‑72 and ATR‑42 types in current use.
Analysts noted that more than 60 per cent of seats can remain vacant due to payload limits. Proposals included deploying Dornier 228 aircraft, which are smaller and suitable for mountain airstrips, with potential gains in efficiency and lower operating costs.
Bhupender Thakur, chief patron of the Kullu Travel Agents Association, called for expansion to Leh, Jammu and Dharamsala, recalling earlier Dornier operations by Jagson Airlines on similar routes.
In the 1990s, Kullu–Manali Airport handled up to eight daily flights, far above current activity. Stakeholders said restoration of wider connectivity will depend on airline commitment and government intervention to address infrastructure constraints and attract more carriers.
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