Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami Inaugurates Air India Express’ Dehradun Bengaluru Air Service

A Historic Step Towards Expanding Air Connectivity in Uttarakhand — Boost to Investment, Tourism, and Employment

Dehradun, Sept 2025 : On Monday, Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami formally flagged off the new air service from Dehradun to Bengaluru, operated by Air India Express, at Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.

With this launch, Air India Express — India’s first international value carrier — has commenced operations from Uttarakhand, offering direct daily flights between Dehradun and Bengaluru. The Chief Minister described this as a significant milestone in the state’s development and air connectivity expansion.

The event was also attended by Member of Parliament Smt. Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah, Doiwala MLA Shri Brij Bhushan Gairola, Air India Express Managing Director Shri Aloke Singh, and CEO of Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority, IAS Shri Ashish Chauhan.

CM Dhami’s Remarks

Welcoming Air India Express to Uttarakhand, CM Dhami said: The commencement of Air India Express services from Dehradun marks a significant achievement in civil aviation for our state. Better connectivity with Bengaluru will greatly boost tourism, trade, and investment opportunities in Uttarakhand. It will also strengthen connections for students, professionals, and entrepreneurs with one of India’s most dynamic cities.”

He further highlighted that the direct air service will greatly benefit the youth, entrepreneurs, IT professionals, students, and tourists of Uttarakhand. Bengaluru, being the tech capital of India, has thousands of young people from the state engaged in education, services, and startups, who will now have a safer and more convenient travel option.

Air Connectivity Initiatives

The Chief Minister emphasized recent initiatives to boost connectivity:

• Operationalization of regional airports at Pithoragarh, Chinyalisaur, Gauchar, and Naini Saini.
• Upgradation of Jolly Grant Airport with international-level facilities.
• Ongoing expansion of Pantnagar Airport, expected to transform the Kumaon region.

He reiterated the government’s goal of linking Uttarakhand with fast, reliable transportation — air, rail, and road — to drive tourism, trade, and investment.

Air India Express’ Network Expansion

Air India Express MD Shri Aloke Singh announced:

• Dehradun is now the airline’s 58th station.
• The new service offers daily direct flights to Bengaluru, its largest domestic hub.
• Passengers gain 18 convenient one-stop connections via Bengaluru, including Chennai, Goa, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mangaluru, North Goa, Pune, Ranchi, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam.
• The inaugural flight departed Dehradun at 1630 hrs and landed in Bengaluru at 1930 hrs.

He added that with a fleet of 115+ aircraft, the airline is rapidly building a stronger network to match modern India’s aspirations.

Special Highlights

• The Boeing 737-8 aircraft on this route showcases a tail art inspired by ‘Aipan’, a traditional Uttarakhand art form, under the airline’s Tales of India initiative.
• Air India Express’ Book Direct campaign offers:
  • Up to 20% discounts via promo codes & bank offers.
  • Zero convenience fees on net banking payments.
  • Special fares for students, senior citizens, and armed forces.
  • Pre-bookable meals from the Gourmair menu at up to 50% off.
• Its Express Holidays platform provides curated holiday packages with accommodation, transport, and activities.

Conclusion

The flag-off ceremony was attended by senior state officials, Airport Authority representatives, Air India Express officials, passengers, and local citizens.

CM Dhami expressed confidence that this service will enhance Uttarakhand’s connectivity with major cities, attract investments, and create employment, making it a turning point in the state’s civil aviation journey.