New air link expected to revive tourism after recent rain devastation
Munish Sood
MANDI: After almost two years, Alliance Air is set to resume flight operations between Kullu and Chandigarh from November 7, a move expected to give a major boost to the region’s struggling tourism industry that suffered heavy losses during the recent flash floods.
The service, which had remained suspended since November 2023, will restore a crucial air link between the hill district and the plains. For both tourists and local residents, the return of this flight promises easier and faster travel options just ahead of the winter tourist season, one of the busiest periods for Himachal Pradesh’s hospitality sector.
As per the new schedule, the 72-seater ATR 70 aircraft will operate thrice a week — on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The flight will depart from Bhuntar Airport (Kullu–Manali Airport) at 9.55 am and arrive in Chandigarh at 10.35 am. The minimum fare for a one-way ticket has been fixed at ₹5,822, while senior citizens can travel at a concessional fare of ₹3,756.
Tourism recovery in focus
The Kullu-Manali region, known for its snow peaks, apple orchards and adventure tourism, has witnessed a decline in visitor numbers this year after flash floods and landslides disrupted road connectivity and damaged parts of its infrastructure. The restoration of direct air connectivity to Chandigarh, a key entry point for tourists from Delhi and northern India, is being seen as a timely intervention to help the industry recover.
“The restart of flights between Bhuntar and Chandigarh will definitely promote tourism and improve travel convenience for both visitors and locals,” said Atishaya Vashisth, president of the Kullu Travel Agents Association.
Local hoteliers and tour operators, who have been struggling since the monsoon devastation, believe that the new flight schedule will help restore traveler confidence. With the road journey from Chandigarh to Kullu often taking over eight hours due to ongoing repair works, the one-hour flight offers a practical alternative for high-value and short-duration tourists.
Expanding regional connectivity
Confirming the plan, Anil Kumar, AGM at Bhuntar Airport, said, “Alliance Air’s flight from Bhuntar to Chandigarh is scheduled to commence from November 7.”
At present, Alliance Air operates flights from Bhuntar to Delhi, Jaipur, Dehradun and Amritsar, two to three times a week. The addition of the Chandigarh route will further strengthen regional connectivity, linking Himachal’s interiors with major tourism circuits and urban hubs.
Tourism associations estimate that better air access could increase winter tourist arrivals by nearly 30 to 40%, especially to Manali, Kasol and Tirthan Valley, which remain among the top destinations for domestic and foreign travelers.
The airline’s decision to restore this route has also brought relief to locals who frequently travel to Chandigarh for education, business and medical purposes. Many described the flight as a “lifeline” for the valley, saving both time and cost compared to long and unpredictable road journeys.
With air services between Kullu and Chandigarh finally taking off again, there is renewed optimism that Himachal’s tourism economy, battered by natural calamities in recent months, will regain momentum this winter. The initiative is being seen as more than a transport link; it’s a symbol of revival for one of India’s most-loved mountain destinations.
