Himachal Pradesh : Shimla Flights Set to Resume as Himachal Govt Approves ₹32 Crore Annual Support for Airlines

The decks have finally been cleared for the resumption of flights on the Shimla–Delhi–Dharamsala sector, with the Himachal Pradesh government agreeing to provide viability gap funding to offset losses incurred by airlines on the long-considered uneconomical route.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the state Cabinet held here today. The Cabinet approved a proposal allowing Alliance Air Aviation Ltd to operate 46-seater aircraft on all seven days of the week on the Delhi–Shimla–Delhi and Shimla–Dharamsala–Shimla routes from Jubbarhatti airport near Shimla.

Industries and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan said the Cabinet had agreed to extend financial support as air connectivity with the national capital was crucial for the hill state. “The route is not economically viable, and therefore the government has decided to provide viability gap funding to ensure regular flight operations,” he said.

Under the arrangement, the state government will provide around ₹32 crore annually to Alliance Air to cover operational losses on the Delhi–Shimla, Shimla–Dharamsala and Dharamsala–Delhi sectors.

Jubbarhatti airport has remained largely inactive for years, as previous attempts to sustain flight operations failed due to poor commercial viability. High airfares and irregular schedules made flying unaffordable for most passengers, resulting in repeated suspensions of services. The lack of air connectivity from the state capital has been a long-standing concern, particularly for tourism and official travel.

The state government has also been urging the Centre to introduce subsidised airfares on the lines of Jammu and Kashmir and the northeastern states. Officials believe consistent and affordable air services are essential to boost tourism and improve overall accessibility to Himachal Pradesh.

Meanwhile, heli-taxi services from the Dhalli heliport, located within Shimla town limits, are also likely to resume soon. Two aviation companies have expressed willingness to operate from the heliport, which is seen as a more convenient alternative to Jubbarhatti airport, located about 14 km from the city.

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