The Uttarakhand government launches efforts to transform Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport into an international hub.
In a significant move to bolster inbound tourism, Uttarakhand government initiates the transformation of Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport into an international facility. The government calls for proposals from airlines to operate subsidised direct flights between Jolly Grant Airport and Kathmandu, backed by the Union government’s support to position India as a global destination for foreign tourists.
This effort marks a proactive step to revive international inbound tourism, which is yet to fully recover post-COVID. Aviation remains a priority sector, with plans underway to elevate India as a global aviation hub.
The Uttarakhand government’s Request for Proposal (RFP) emphasises the importance of international connectivity for tourism, commerce, and cultural exchange between Kathmandu and Dehradun. Bidders will compete based on viability gap funding (VGF) per seat, with the state offering financial support.
The contract entails operating minimum 70-seater aircraft for three round trips weekly, with bidding open until April 25. Established players with strong operational records will be preferred, with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressing eagerness to expand Dehradun’s international connectivity, starting with Kathmandu due to shared religious and cultural ties.
