In a positive step towards enhancing connectivity and cost-effective options for travellers, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced the relaunch of flight services from Ludhiana to Hindon in Ghaziabad. The flight service had been dormant for over two years, but it's now returning.
Mann shared that the airline, Fly Big Airlines, operated by Big Charter Private Limited, would offer an exciting offer for the first three months—a one-way ticket priced at just INR 999. This makes air travel from Ludhiana to the NCR more affordable than bus travel.
Initially, the flight will operate five days a week, with plans to expand to a seven-day service next month. The flight itself is a quick 90-minute journey designed to facilitate the easy movement of entrepreneurs, traders, and industrialists. "This move is expected to significantly boost trade, commerce, and economic activity in the region," said Mann.
He added, "Previously, flights were managed by Alliance Air under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) from September 2, 2017, to April 9, 2021. Unfortunately, due to the lack of support from previous state governments, these flights had to be discontinued. "
The Punjab CM also highlighted that this airline would operate with a 19-seater twin-otter aircraft, known for its versatility on short runways.
The state government will provide viability gap funding (VGF) for all 19 tickets to make travel more affordable. Each ticket will receive VGF gap funding of INR 11,829 for a one-way journey, with a 20 per cent contribution by the state.
The Punjab CM also mentioned that more flights will be introduced from other airports in the state. Meanwhile, the Adampur air terminal is all set to kick off operations, with SpiceJet planning to initiate daily flights to Nanded, Delhi, Goa, Kolkata, and Bengaluru in just two months.
(With inputs from PTI)