Dainik Nation News Portal
DAINIK NATION BUREAU/DEHRADUN
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday formally flagged off Air India Express’s new daily direct flight from Dehradun to Bengaluru at Jolly Grant Airport, marking a major milestone in Uttarakhand’s air connectivity and development.
Speaking at the launch, CM Dhami said the service would strengthen tourism, trade, and investment while offering greater convenience to students, professionals, and entrepreneurs traveling between Uttarakhand and Bengaluru, India’s technology hub. “Thousands of youths from Uttarakhand are working or studying in Bengaluru. This direct air service will make their travel more convenient, timely, and safe,” he said.
The Chief Minister highlighted the state government’s focus on expanding air infrastructure, noting the operationalization of regional airports at Pithoragarh, Chinyalisaur, Gauchar, and Naini Saini, as well as the expansion of Pantnagar Airport. “Our goal is to connect Uttarakhand with fast and accessible air, rail, and road transport, which will open new avenues for tourism, trade, and employment,” he added.
Air India Express Managing Director Aloke Singh said Dehradun is the airline’s 58th station and the third new addition this month after Ahmedabad and Chandigarh. “This new route not only connects Uttarakhand with Bengaluru but also offers one-stop connectivity to 18 other cities, including Chennai, Kochi, Goa, Pune, and Thiruvananthapuram,” he said. With 115 aircraft now in its fleet, Singh added that the airline is rapidly expanding to reflect the aspirations of modern India.
The inaugural Boeing 737-8 aircraft deployed for the service featured tail art inspired by Aipan, a traditional art form of Uttarakhand, under Air India Express’s Tales of India initiative. The first flight departed from Dehradun at 4:30 p.m. and landed in Bengaluru at 7:30 p.m.
As part of its customer initiatives, Air India Express announced benefits for direct bookings via its website and app, including up to 20% discounts, zero convenience fees, and special concessions for students, senior citizens, and armed forces personnel. The airline has also launched Express Holidays, offering curated travel packages with accommodation, transport, and activities.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by MP Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah, Doiwala MLA Brij Bhushan Gairola, UCADA CEO Ashish Chauhan, senior officials, airport authorities, Air India Express representatives, passengers, and local citizens.
