Air Deccan adds Kullu to its network

Bangalore, Sep 8 (UNI) Low cost carrier, Air Deccan will add Kullu to its growing number of destinations within the country from October 17.

The daily Delhi-Kullu flight would be launched on October 17 using a ATR 42-500 aircraft.

In a statement here today, Air Deccan Managing Director Capt G R Gopinath said with over a million footprint, Kullu-Manali had just one airline operating with the remaining options being road or rail, taking 14 hours. Poor air connectivity had been a major hurdle to the promotion of tourism in the area.

Low cost connectivity to Kullu would play a vital role in enhancing tourism and provide a quick and affordable travel option to domestic and international tourists, he explained.

The Airport authorities over the last few years had been involved in development of various airports in Himachal Pradesh including the Bhuntar Airport at Kullu. A lot of infrastructural development had happened at these airports, especially widening of airstrips, enabling Air Deccan to fly a turbo-prop aircraft to Kullu, he added.

The flight DN 557 would leave Delhi at 0615 hrs and reach Kullu at 0725 hrs. The return flight DN 558 would leave Kullu at 0740 hrs and reach Delhi at 0850 hrs. The schedule was subject to approval by relevant government authorities, the release added.

Bookings for this sector for travel between October 17, 2006 and January 31, 2007 would open tomorrow.

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