Air Deccan to take off from Gujarat today

Air Deccan's flights from Ahmedabad will take off on Wednesday and the airline is planning to woo Gujarati passengers with lower fares.

Air Deccan will also operate flights within the state, connecting various cities. It will also operate flights connecting cities in Maharashtra with those in Gujarat, starting Friday.

Air Sahara charges Rs 3,450 for an economy class ticket from Ahmedabad to Mumbai and Jet Airways charges a little higher at Rs 3,496. Indian Airlines also charges a similar fare for the journey.

However, a passenger opting for an Air Deccan flight will have to pay only Rs 2,200 for a one-way journey to Mumbai from Ahmedabad, two important business cities in the western part of the country.

Air Deccan will commence its Ahmedabad-Bhuj flight Thursday. The journey between the business city and the farthest corner of the state will cost Rs 2,200 and no other airline operates in this sector.

"The two cities are located in the extreme corners of the state. But both are known for their business potential. Bhuj has so far been neglected by major airlines. Only a few flights connect the city directly with Mumbai. With the new Ahmedabad-Bhuj flight, the distance of over 400 kms will now be covered in less than one hour.," said a member of the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI).