Fly From Chandigarh to Major Destinations in Himachal
November, 2010:
Now you can travel from Chandigarh to popular Himachal destinations like Dharamsala and Shimla by booking a helicopter journey that operates similarly to regular flights.
According to Dr. Arun Sharma, Director of Tourism and Civil Aviation, three Heli taxi providers, namely Simm Samm, Airways Pvt. Ltd., Shiva Heli Services and Mesco Airlines Ltd., have entered into an agreement with the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation. The agreement was created so that heli-taxi services could be provided to high end tourists in the State.
MESCO Airlines Ltd. had proposed to operate between Chandigarh Airport-Dharamsala (Police Ground), Dharamsala (Police Ground)-Chandigarh Airport. It has also proposed to operate between Shimla (Annadale)-Chandigarh Airport, Chandigarh Airport-Shimla (Annadale) or Shimla (Annadale)-Kullu Airport, Kullu Airport-Tandi (DIET).
Besides these heli-taxi operations at Chandigarh Airport, MESCO Airlines Ltd. has also proposed operations between Tandi (DIET)-Udaipur, Udaipur-Killar, Killar-Udaipur, Udaipur-Tandi (DIET), Tandi (DIET)- Kullu Airport, Kullu Airport-Shimla (Annadale) or Shimla (Annadale)-Tabo, Shimla (Annadale)-Kaza, Tabo-Kaza, Kaza-Tabo, Tabo-Shimla(Annadale) or Shimla (Annadale)-Reckong Peo or Reckong Peo-Shimla (Annadale).
Dr. Sharma said that Simm Samm Airways Pvt. Ltd.’s proposed operations included heli-taxis between Kullu-Manali-Koksar, Manali-Sissu-Manali-Tandi (DIET), Tandi-Udaipur, and Udaipur-Killar.
Shiva Heli Services’ operations would be between Manali-Bhuntar-Manali, Manali-Rohtang Pass-Manali, and Manali Valley Ferry (Joyride) from SASE BASE.
According to Dr. Sharma, Annadale Helipad Shimla and Manali would serve simultaneously as bases for heli-taxi operators. He also said that Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) offices and hotels within and outside the State would be handling ticketing for the flights. It is expected that the fares for the heli-taxi trips will be announced soon.
Sources have said that heli-taxi services may start from this December. However, no official start date has been announced.