In a landmark development for Uttarakhand’s aviation sector, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday inaugurated Air India Express’ new direct daily service between Dehradun and Bengaluru at Jolly Grant Airport. The launch marks the entry of India’s first international value carrier into the state, with promises of improved connectivity, tourism, and business opportunities.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Chief Minister described the new route as “a significant milestone” in strengthening air connectivity. He noted that the service would not only enhance travel convenience for the people of Uttarakhand but also open new avenues in trade, education, and employment. Dhami added, “Better connectivity with Bengaluru will boost tourism and investment, while also making it easier for our students, professionals, and entrepreneurs working in the tech hub to travel home.”
Senior leaders and officials including Member of Parliament Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah, Doiwala MLA Brij Bhushan Gairola, Air India Express Managing Director Aloke Singh, and Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority CEO Ashish Chauhan were present at the event.
The Chief Minister underlined that Bengaluru, known as India’s technology capital, attracts thousands of youths from Uttarakhand each year for education and employment. The new air link, he said, would provide them with a direct, reliable, and safe connection to their home state.
Highlighting the government’s broader efforts to improve connectivity, Dhami pointed to ongoing development at regional airports such as Pithoragarh, Chinyalisaur, Gauchar, and Naini Saini, along with upgrades at Jolly Grant to bring it up to international standards. He also mentioned the rapid progress of Pantnagar Airport’s expansion, which is expected to transform connectivity in the Kumaon region.
Air India Express Managing Director Aloke Singh said Dehradun had become the airline’s 58th station, following recent additions of Ahmedabad and Chandigarh. “We are delighted to commence operations here with daily direct flights to Bengaluru, our largest domestic hub. This new route also offers convenient one-stop connectivity to 18 more cities across India,” he said. Singh emphasized that the airline’s expanding fleet of over 115 aircraft reflects “the aspirations of modern India.”
The inaugural flight departed from Dehradun at 4:30 pm and landed in Bengaluru at 7:30 pm. From Bengaluru, passengers will be able to connect seamlessly to destinations including Chennai, Goa, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mangaluru, Pune, Ranchi, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam.
As part of its cultural initiative, ‘Tales of India,’ the airline deployed a new Boeing 737-8 aircraft with tail art inspired by ‘Aipan,’ the traditional art form of Uttarakhand. Officials said this symbolic gesture reflects the carrier’s commitment to celebrating local heritage.
The airline has also introduced offers under its ‘Book Direct’ campaign, encouraging passengers to book tickets via its website and app for benefits like zero convenience fees, up to 20% discounts with promo codes, and special fares for students, senior citizens, and armed forces personnel. Additionally, passengers can pre-book meals from the ‘Gourmair’ menu at up to 50% off and access curated holiday packages through the airline’s ‘Express Holidays’ platform.
The launch event was attended by senior state officials, representatives from the Airports Authority of India, airline staff, and enthusiastic passengers. Local citizens at the airport welcomed the new service, seeing it as a crucial step in connecting Uttarakhand more closely with southern India.
The Chief Minister concluded by expressing hope that the number of direct flights from Uttarakhand to other major Indian cities will continue to grow, providing lasting benefits to tourism, trade, and investment in the state.
