Soaring airfares, limited flights stifle tourism potential of Kullu

The sole Alliance Air flight connecting Kullu with Delhi, which operates only four days a week, has witnessed a sharp rise in demand. Throughout June, ticket prices have frequently exceeded Rs 20,000, rendering the 75-minute journey unaffordable for many.

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In comparison, flights from Kullu to Dehradun, Amritsar and Jaipur, operating under the UDAN scheme, are available for around Rs 3,500. Even regular flights from Delhi to Kullu are typically priced above Rs 15,000, reaching up to Rs 23,789 on peak days.

Tourism stakeholders assert that such exorbitant fares are severely affecting the region’s tourism prospects. They attribute the surge to the reduced frequency of the Kullu-Delhi flight, which once operated daily but now runs only four times a week. This limited schedule has resulted in fewer available seats and disproportionately high fares for the short route. Industry voices are now calling for the reinstatement of daily flights and the addition of more services.

Some stakeholders have proposed reintroducing flight routes with a stopover in Chandigarh, a practice that had proven effective in the past. Aviation experts have also suggested that Alliance Air and other carriers consider deploying the Dornier-228 aircraft on this sector. These planes, suited to short runways, could enhance competition, improve economic viability and increase convenience for passengers.

At present, Alliance Air uses an ATR-72 aircraft with a 70-seat capacity. However, due to operational load restrictions caused by Kullu’s short runway, only 18 to 20 passengers can be accommodated during take-off, increasing to approximately 35 on landing. This limitation hampers the economic sustainability of the service and contributes to the inflated fares.

Bhupender Thakur, chief patron of the Kullu Travel Agents Association (KTAA), stressed the untapped potential of Kullu as a globally recognised tourist destination. He noted that persistent seat shortages during peak seasons, coupled with high prices, restrict access. Thakur expressed hope that the entry of additional airlines would foster competitive pricing, benefiting tourists and boosting regional tourism. He further advocated for expanding air connectivity to other destinations such as Leh, Jammu and Dharamsala, adding that Jagson Airlines had previously operated the Dornier-228 successfully in the region.

Reflecting on Kullu’s aviation past, experts recalled that in the 1990s, up to eight flights operated daily from Kullu-Manali Airport at Bhuntar, with many flights running overbooked. As the state’s oldest airport, having commenced commercial operations in 1959, it was historically well-suited for smaller aircraft.

Aviation professionals are now urging the government to provide strong assurances and support for more airlines to initiate services using economically viable aircraft suited to shorter runways.

For years, tourism stakeholders have been rooting for better air connectivity to the region.