Chandigarh, January 14, 2021 — In a historic milestone for regional air connectivity, India’s first-ever air taxi service was launched from Chandigarh Airport today under the Central Government’s ambitious UDAN-RCS (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik – Regional Connectivity Scheme). The service marks a significant step towards making air travel affordable and accessible for the common citizen.
The maiden route, connecting Chandigarh to Hisar in Haryana, will operate daily with a flying time of just 45 minutes. The small aircraft, with a seating capacity for a pilot and three passengers, is expected to drastically cut down travel time between the two cities and offer a convenient alternative to road and rail transport. Each seat is priced at an affordable ₹1,755, keeping in line with UDAN’s vision to enhance regional mobility at minimal cost.
The air taxi service is operated using a small aircraft designed for short-haul flights, offering speed and comfort for travelers on key regional routes. Officials noted that the air taxi is part of a broader phased rollout that will soon include routes connecting Dehradun in Uttarakhand and Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh to both Chandigarh and Hisar.
“This is a proud moment in India’s aviation history. The air taxi service under the UDAN scheme is not only a boost for connectivity but also a step towards transforming regional transport in India,” said a government spokesperson at the launch event.
The initiative is expected to greatly benefit professionals, tourists, and business travelers alike, especially in North India’s hill states and remote regions.
With this development, India joins a select group of countries offering air taxi services, further strengthening its position in regional aviation and infrastructure development.
