The successful launch of the first commercial flight from Delhi to Pithoragarh marks a significant milestone in Uttarakhand’s efforts to boost regional connectivity and tourism. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated this flight, alongside new helicopter services from Sahastradhara to Joshiyada and Gauchar, during a virtual event in Delhi. This 42-seater Alliance Air flight, which carried 21 passengers to Pithoragarh’s Naini Saini airport and returned to Delhi with 27 passengers, represents a renewed commitment to enhance access to remote areas in Uttarakhand.
These developments are part of the government’s vision under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, which aims to improve air connectivity in underserved regions. Dhami highlighted that these services will not only attract more tourists to the area but also strengthen emergency response and disaster management. “The start of these air services will also accelerate emergency and disaster management efforts,” he said.
Currently, 18 heliports are under development in the state, with 10 already operational, connecting important locations such as Srinagar, Haldwani, Munsiyari, Pithoragarh, Pantnagar, Champawat, and Almora. The government is committed to further expanding heli services across the state.
The Sahastradhara-Gauchar helicopter service will operate six days a week, taking approximately 50 minutes each way. Departures are scheduled from Sahastradhara at 9:30 a.m. and from Gauchar at 10:40 a.m. until November 20, with fares at ₹3,000 per person, increasing to ₹3,600 afterward. Meanwhile, the Sahastradhara-Joshiyada heli service offers a 40-minute flight, departing at noon from Sahastradhara and returning from Joshiyada at 1:00 p.m., at a fare of ₹3,000 (rising to ₹3,300 after November 20).
The Delhi-Pithoragarh flight will operate three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Departures from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Airport are set for 9:20 a.m., arriving in Pithoragarh at 10:45 a.m. The return flight leaves Pithoragarh at 11:15 a.m., landing in Delhi at 1:00 p.m. An introductory fare of ₹2,499 will be available until November 14, after which the price will rise to ₹6,999 from Delhi to Pithoragarh and ₹7,447 for the return.
The return of air connectivity after a long gap is expected to boost tourism in Pithoragarh by providing easier access to prominent attractions such as Adi Kailash and Om Parvat. However, some locals remain cautiously optimistic, hoping that the services will be maintained continuously given past interruptions in flight operations.
