Kullu's Bhuntar airport faces 'white elephant' tag as flights dwindle

Alliance Air has suspended direct Delhi service from Kullu starting November 3, raising concerns about the region's tourism future.

By SafarSamachar Desk13 Nov 2026, 5:53 am IST

Illustration

Illustration of Himachal Pradesh by SafarSamachar Pix Desk, created with AI assistance, for context. Not a photograph of this event.

Key facts at a glance

1Flights to Shimla and Dharamsala have lower fares compared to the Kullu-Delhi routes
2Kullu-Delhi airfares can reach Rs 27,000 for an 80-minute flight
3Tourism representatives suggested using Dornier planes to improve connectivity and lower fares
4Airports Authority of India declined to disclose losses from operating Bhuntar airport

Kullu's Bhuntar airport is being called a 'white elephant' as flights from the region continue to dwindle. Alliance Air has suspended its direct Delhi service from Kullu starting November 3. This move has raised concerns among tourism stakeholders who fear declining air connectivity could hurt the region's tourism industry.

Alliance Air also suspended services from Kullu to Dehradun and Amritsar. The airline now operates daily flights only between Delhi, Shimla and Dharamsala. Flights to Shimla and Dharamsala have lower fares than the Kullu-Delhi routes, which can cost up to Rs 27,000 for an 80-minute flight.

During peak times, luxury bus fares from Kullu to Delhi have reached Rs 4,000, making air travel a more expensive option. Bhuntar airport was included in the UDAN scheme but failed to meet expectations. Tourism representatives have suggested using Dornier planes to improve connectivity and lower fares.

The Airports Authority of India has declined to disclose losses from operating Bhuntar airport.

What this means for Indian travellers

If you are planning a trip to Kullu, consider alternative routes like Shimla or Dharamsala, which may offer lower fares and more reliable connectivity.

Sources

This brief was written with AI assistance from the reports listed above, following our accuracy rules; it has not yet been individually reviewed by an editor. Read our editorial policy.Rules and schedules change - confirm with the airline or embassy before you travel. Spotted an error? Tell us.

Source Verification

For official notices, schedules, or policy compliance frameworks, verify details directly via Airports Authority of India (AAI).