Dehradun Set To Become An International Airport With Direct Flights To Kathmandu

Uttarakhand is stepping up its game to welcome tourists from around the world by transforming Dehradun into an international airport.

The state government has initiated the process by inviting proposals from airlines to operate subsidized direct flights between Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport and Kathmandu.

This move, backed by the Union government, seeks to position India as a premier destination for foreign tourists beyond just NRIs.

Despite a surge in domestic travel post-COVID, international inbound tourism is still on the path to recovery. In 2019, foreign tourist arrivals (FTA) stood at 1.1 crore, dropped to 62 lakh in 2022, and rose again to 92.4 lakh last year, as reported by TOI.

Efforts are underway to not only restore FTAs to pre-pandemic levels but also surpass them. Industry experts recommend enhancing direct international connectivity, introducing new tourism circuits, and streamlining visa processes to achieve this goal.

Aviation holds a pivotal role in this endeavor, with plans underway to transform India into a global aviation hub. The government aims to bolster the sector, with initiatives such as the development of mega airlines like IndiGo and Tata Group Air India, alongside the expansion of airport infrastructure.

Uttarakhand’s move to invite proposals for flights between Dehradun and Kathmandu aligns with this vision, fostering international connectivity and opening doors for tourism, commerce, and cultural exchange.

Interested parties can bid based on viability gap funding (VGF) per seat, with the state offering financial support. There will be no fare caps, allowing bidders to adjust prices based on market conditions for the three weekly round trips required.

The contract period is initially set for one year, extendable by mutual agreement, with a minimum requirement of 70-seater aircraft, likely Airbus A320 or Boeing 737s. Bidding opens on April 25, and the selected airline must commence operations within 60 days of receiving the award letter.

The route will be awarded to established players with a strong operational track record seeking the lowest VGF. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is reportedly enthusiastic about establishing Dehradun as an international hub, starting with flights to Kathmandu due to significant mutual interest and religious ties between the two destinations.