Dharamshala – Himachal Pradesh: Kangra Airport, commonly known as Dharamshala Airport, is the busiest airport in Himachal Pradesh, serving thousands of passengers every month. With its breathtaking location amid the Dhauladhar mountain range, the airport serves as an important gateway for both domestic travellers and international tourists seeking the spiritual and natural beauty of the region.
Currently, Dharamshala Airport operates four daily flights from Delhi, two from Chandigarh and one from Shimla. However, despite the constant influx of passengers, there is no connectivity to other major cities like Mumbai, Jaipur, Jammu and Dehradun. The lack of direct air access hinders the region’s potential as a major tourist and economic hub.
Promises unfulfilled: UDAN expansion delayed
A few months ago, aviation authorities had announced an ambitious plan to launch flights connecting Dharamshala to Jewar (Noida), Dehradun and Jaipur, starting March 30, 2025. The announcement had raised hopes among frequent travellers, tourism stakeholders and local businesses. However, with no concrete progress yet, these promises remain unfulfilled, leaving passengers disappointed and hurting the local economy.
UDAN scheme: A missing link
Repeated appeals to integrate Dharamshala airport in India’s flagship regional connectivity initiative, the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, have not yet received a positive response from the government. The UDAN scheme aims to make air travel accessible and affordable for smaller cities, which makes the exclusion of Dharamshala even more puzzling.
Given that Dharamshala is home to the revered Dalai Lama and hosts one of the world’s most beautiful international cricket stadiums, the region has all the makings of a high-demand aviation destination. Yet, the absence of better air connectivity has prevented its tourism and business prospects from reaching their full potential.
Economic and Tourism Impact
Dharamshala is a major draw for both spiritual seekers and adventure enthusiasts. The presence of the Tibetan government in exile, historic monasteries and stunning Himalayan landscapes make it a year-round destination. Moreover, the Dharamshala Cricket Stadium, which has hosted several international and IPL matches, has the potential to attract even bigger crowds if the region had better air connectivity.
Local businesses, hoteliers and tour operators argue that better flight connectivity would give a huge boost to the region’s economy. They highlight how similar hill destinations like Srinagar and Dehradun have benefited from better air connectivity.
A local hotelier says, “We get a lot of inquiries from tourists who are eager to come here but are put off by the limited connectivity. Many opt for other destinations with more convenient flight options.” What’s next? The demand for better connectivity is clear, and the government must recognise the strategic importance of the Dharamsala airport. If the proposed flight routes are eventually implemented, they could act as a catalyst for development, benefiting not just tourism but also business, healthcare and education in the region. For now, the wait continues. Will the member elected to Parliament from Himachal step up and get the government to address the concerns of thousands of travellers and businesses? Or will Dharamsala remain an underutilised gem in India’s aviation landscape? Only time will tell.
Arvind Sharma is an award winning bi-lingual journalist with more than 20 years of experience.
He has worked with Divya Himachal, Dainik Jagran, Dainik Bhasker, Vir Partap, Ajit and PTI.
In 2010, he was conferred the Himachal Kesri journalism award. He reports on the Tibetan Government in Exile, politics, sports, tourism and other topics. He lives in Dharamshala.
