Airlines compete on Dehra Dun-Delhi route

On its inaugural offer, MDLR Airlines, which started its operations between Dehra Dun and Delhi this month, is discounting fare charges from the ticket. The move has virtually kicked off a fare war with Deccan Airlines, an old player on the route.

After MDLR Airlines started operations between Delhi and Dehra Dun, competition on the tourist route has become tough with other airlines also trying to chip in.

So far, MDLR has managed to capture nearly half the load of passengers on the route with company officials claiming it may go up. "Right now, on average we take 25-35 passengers daily," said an official of MDLR, which operates a 70-seater aircraft on the route.

MDLR officials also said they serve breakfast on flights besides other facilities.

Bangalore-based Deccan Aviation, which is operating for the past two years on the route, is now devising strategies to take on MDLR. The company officials refused to say much but indicated that facilities like breakfast are also on the cards.

"We are closely watching the moves of MDLR and will take decisions accordingly," said an official of Deccan Aviation.

But airport sources here said MDLR was likely to increase its fare from June 14 by Rs 1,000 to sustain the service. At present, the airline is charging only Rs 2,375 per passenger. Deccan, on the other hand, charges nearly Rs 4,500-5,000.

MDLR started its operations for Dehra Dun early this year, a gateway for tourist destinations like Mussoorie, following the expansion and modernisation of Jollygrant airport.

Jollygrant airport at Dehradun has been upgraded by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for operating the Boeing-737/Airbus-320 class of aircraft considering traffic potential and requirements projected by airlines. For this purpose, the government acquired land and spent Rs 100 crore for modernisation work.

The night landing facility has also been provided at the airport. The newly constructed airstrip is now 7,000 meter long and 150 meter wide.

The sources here said Indian Airlines and some other private airlines have also evinced interest on this route.