Manali: Kullu-Manali has finally got air connectivity after Alliance Air started operating its ATR-72 aircraft on the Delhi-Kullu route seven days a week. But the exorbitant air fare, which is higher than the fare between Delhi and most Asian countries, has disappointed representatives of the tourism industry.
While Delhi to Dubai flight fare is less than Rs 8,000, people are forced to pay over Rs 20,000 to fly from Kullu to Delhi. Fare on this route on most days remains above Rs 20,000 and some times exceeds Rs 22,000. Passengers are paying Rs 5,200 to Rs 9,500 to fly from Delhi to Kullu. Air fare on Delhi-Kullu-Delhi route always remains very high and out of the reach of the common people.
Hotelier Rakesh Thakur said, “We are happy that Air India has resumed its flight service to Kullu on weekdays but high air fare has left us disappointed. This fare is not affordable by most tourists and common people. When flight to other destinations, including foreign nations is cheaper than this, why will tourists visit Kullu Manali? Air travel is just a dream for local residents who opt for a long and tiring road journey even during emergency. The government should bring this flight under UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme for low air fare.”
Runways of all three airports in Himachal are short and only ATR 72 and ATR 42 planes land here. Planes face load penalty of 30 to 50 passengers, which is almost half the capacity of the aircraft. This is the main reason why airlines are charging high air fare to compensate losses.
05/11/20 Times of India
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