More air services to Uttarakhand

Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel today announced the expansion of air services in Uttarakhand. He also indicated that Jollygrant Airport in Dehra Dun would be expanded.

After inaugurating a new terminal at Jollygrant Airport, which has been modernised and expanded with an investment of Rs 100 crore, Patel also said the government was planning to run helicopter services to tourist destinations in the hill state.

The minister said the government would lend necessary support for expanding airservice to this place. For this, leading airlines would be asked to press air services to Jollygrant, one of the 35 non-metro airports in the country, he added.

The new air terminal has been constructed keeping in view the needs of the airport, he said. “In the coming days, people will benefit from budget airlines also,” Patel added.

He said the government would also start cargo airlines to Jollygrant airport, which would benefit the farmers and industries alike.

The city’s airport has been upgraded by the Airports Authority of India for operating Boeing-737/Airbus-320 category of aircraft considering traffic potential and requirement projected by airlines.

Night landing facility has also been provided at the airport.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister BC Khanduri said the government is building 25 new helipads for promoting tourism in the hill state. Already, one such helipad has come into operation in Dehra Dun.