A historic milestone was marked for the border district of Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, as it welcomed its first direct commercial flight from Delhi on Thursday. The 42-seater Alliance Air aircraft touched down at Naini Saini Airport at 11 am, bridging the picturesque town to the heart of India’s capital and ushering in new travel possibilities for locals, tourists, and business travellers alike.
Transformation of Pithoragarh
This new route, inaugurated by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, promises to transform Pithoragarh into a vibrant hub, unlocking its tourism and economic potential. The inaugural flight had 21 passengers, including senior BJP leader Ganesh Bhandari, marking a significant moment in Uttarakhand’s aviation history. The return flight to Delhi carried 27 passengers, among them Union Minister of State Ajay Tamta.
With flights scheduled three times a week from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, this new connection brings Pithoragarh closer to the rest of the nation. The move has been widely praised, with BJP stalwart and former Maharashtra governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, along with local MLA Mayukh Singh Mahar, commending Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Dhami for realising this long-anticipated dream.
Beyond the Delhi connection, Pithoragarh is now accessible by air from Pant Nagar, Dehradun, and Haldwani as well. This achievement sets a new chapter in Uttarakhand’s journey, positioning it as an emerging destination for tourists seeking the tranquility of the Himalayas and opportunities to explore the region’s rich cultural heritage.
With the Naini Saini Airport now operational for major routes, Pithoragarh is ready to soar higher and welcome the world!
