Shimla, July 8
In a welcome development for travelers, air travel between Delhi and Himachal Pradesh, especially to destinations like Shimla and Dharamshala, has become more affordable than taking a cab. Alliance Air, which operates services to the state capital, is offering unprecedented discounts, making flights significantly cheaper than taxi fares. During the off-season, airfares range from Rs. 2,900 to Rs. 4,500, compared to the Rs. 13,000 to Rs. 17,000 costs of a taxi ride from Dharamshala to Delhi.
A senior official from Alliance Air confirmed the fare reductions, stating, “Yes, the fares are at an all-time low.” However, the official also noted, “We do have many cancellations due to weather.”
The 470-kilometer flight from Gaggal to Delhi takes just 1.25 to 1.5 hours, offering a significant time saving compared to the 7-8 hour journey by road. The low fares and time efficiency make air travel an attractive option despite occasional weather-related cancellations.
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The tourism sector in Himachal Pradesh is currently experiencing a slowdown due to the rainy season and the end of school holidays. Hotel occupancy rates have dropped to 30-35%, despite discounts of 40-50%. The discounted airfares offer a budget-friendly alternative for travelers, providing a silver lining for the tourism industry.
During the peak tourist season, airfare between Delhi and Dharamshala can soar to Rs. 15,000-20,000. The current off-season fares starting at Rs. 2,909 represent a significant reduction, demonstrating the airline’s efforts to attract more passengers during the off-season months.
Despite the challenges posed by weather-related cancellations, these fare reductions are expected to boost travel between the national capital and Himachal Pradesh. This initiative reflects the hospitality industry’s resilience and recovery post-pandemic, offering substantial benefits to travelers and contributing to the regional economy.
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