Uttarakhand: Flight operations resume at Naini-Saini airport; to boost connectivity between Kumaon and Garhwal

After a hiatus of more than three years, flight operations at Naini-Saini airport in Pithoragarh have resumed, marking a significant development for the region. The revival of air travel is spearheaded by aviation firm Flybig, which has introduced a 19-seater aircraft connecting Dehradun and Pithoragarh.
If reports are to go by, the flights are scheduled three times a week on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, which will usher in a new era of connectivity for the Kumaon and Garhwal regions.

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At the inaugural function, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia highlighted the strategic importance of this resumption, stressing its role in bringing the Kumaon and Garhwal regions closer together.

Reports also add that the aviation services from Naini-Saini airport are slated to expand further, reaching Pantnagar and eventually linking with Hindon airport in Ghaziabad. This extension of air connectivity is expected to open up new possibilities for travellers, offering more convenient options to reach different destinations.

Scindia pointed out a notable time-saving advantage with the resumption of air services. He added that the travel time between Pithoragarh and Dehradun, which previously took 11 hours by road, will now be reduced to a mere one hour by air. This substantial reduction in travel time is expected to contribute significantly to the accessibility and convenience of transportation for the residents and visitors to the region.

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Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, speaking at the event in Pithoragarh, elaborated the positive impact that the enhanced air connectivity will bring on religious tourism in the Manaskhand region. He cited the example of the Prime Minister's pilgrimage to Jolingkong to witness the Adi Kailash peak and Jageshwar Dham, noting that this had piqued the interest of tourists, leading to a notable increase in visits to these lesser-known religious destinations.

Dhami expressed his intent to collaborate with Flybig further to increase the frequency of air services between Dehradun and Pithoragarh from three to five days per week. Additionally, he revealed plans to work towards establishing night landing facilities at Naini-Saini airport, further enhancing its operational capabilities.

This move of resuming flight operations at Naini-Saini airport not only signifies a renewed era of air travel for Pithoragarh, but also holds the promise of boosting tourism, fostering economic development, and strengthening connectivity across Uttarakhand's diverse landscapes. The collaborative efforts of the government and aviation entities will likely bring positive impact in the region.