Cheaper flights to Himachal soon

To woo more high net worth travellers to Himachal Pradesh, the state government plans to increase flights and subsidise air fares later this month.

"We are in the process of working out a deal with Jagson Airlines to operate more flights to Shimla, Kullu, and Dharamsala. The government is also considering reducing the tariffs by half," said the state Tourism Minister G S Bali today.

Jagson Airlines, a private company, is operating three flights a week during the peak tourist season only, to each of the popular resorts of Shimla, Kullu, and Dharamsala.

Oberoi Charter of the Oberoi group of hotels also operates occasional flights to fly its hotel customers only to the hill state.

"But soon Jagson will undertake more flights round the year," said the minister. Deccan Airlines, another fast-growing private player, is also considering connecting Himachal on its network.

"The tourism department is considering hiring a helicopter and operating sight-seeing flights to smaller towns, including those in the mountainous tribal belt of the state," Bali said.

Some of the most picturesque and lesser-known spots in the hill state are connected by helicopter (these places have helipads) and the government wants to popularise these places.