SpiceJet to operate Delhi-Dharamshala flights from June

Budget passenger carrier SpiceJet Thursday said it will start services from New Delhi to Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh from June 7.

"We are excited to finally start services on the Delhi-Dharamshala route, with our flight, people will have a great choice to plan an affordable and convenient trip," said Neil Mills, chief executive, SpiceJet.

"With our extensive network from Delhi, travellers from Dharamshala can easily plan their travel to both international and domestic destinations on our wide network."

According to the airline, it is offering an inaugural fare of Rs.2,999 one-way inclusive of taxes on the new route.

The airline further said that it will deploy its new Bombardier Q400 aircraft on the route which can accommodate 78 passengers.

Currently, SpiceJet holds the second largest domestic market share with 19.6 percent.

It operates more than 350 daily flights to over 47 Indian cities and eight international destinations with a fleet of 39 Boeing 737-800/900ER (extended range) aircraft and 15 Bombardier Q400 aircraft.

Interestingly, national carrier Air India's subsidiary Alliance Air started regular flights between New Delhi and Dharamsala in mid-May, eight months after the last flight was operated to Himachal Pradesh, as only Kingfisher Airlines operated services between New Delhi and three airports in Himachal Pradesh - Jubbarhatti near Shimla, Gaggal near Dharamsala and Bhuntar near Kullu.

There have been no flights in all three airports after Kingfisher Airlines was grounded last October, affecting tourists and business travellers to the state.