After a hiatus of seven months, regular flight services are set to resume from Shimla’s Jubbarhatti Airport starting May 10. Alliance Air will operate flights on the Delhi-Shimla and Shimla-Dharamshala routes six days a week, with the exception of Tuesdays. The airline has also commenced advance bookings. However, this time around, passengers will have to pay fares that are 65 to 96 percent higher compared to previous rates. Last year, the subsidized fare per seat between Delhi and Shimla (and vice versa) was approximately ₹4,500; this has now risen to ₹7,441, marking an increase of roughly 65 percent.
Shimla Dharamshala Route Fare rises
Meanwhile, the fare for the Shimla-Dharamshala and Dharamshala-Shimla routes has climbed from approximately ₹2,100 to ₹4,125 an increase of nearly 96 percent. Alliance Air will deploy its ATR-42 (600) aircraft on these routes.
Technically, this aircraft has a seating capacity of 48 passengers; however, due to the unique geographical conditions, high altitude, and short runway at Shimla Airport, the aircraft is required to operate with a limited number of passengers in accordance with weight restrictions.
On flights arriving in Shimla from Delhi, the aircraft can carry passengers close to its full capacity, specifically, up to 47 passengers. However, when departing from Shimla for Delhi, payload restrictions mean the aircraft will be able to carry a maximum of only 24 to 28 passengers. Similarly, on the Shimla-Dharamshala and return routes, the number of passengers will be kept limited, subject to prevailing weather conditions and runway status.
Air Services in Shimla Suspended Since November 2, 2025
On September 25, 2025, the agreement between Alliance Air and the State Government regarding the operation of flight services expired. Consequently, the airline suspended its flight operations effective November 2, 2025. With the resumption of these services, the tourism industry and travelers alike are expected to find much-needed relief.
Flight services between Delhi-Shimla and Shimla-Dharamshala are set to commence on May 10. We have received the approved schedule from the DGCA for the period from May 10 to May 20. All preparations to commence flight operations at Jubbarhatti Airport have been completed.