Dehradun: The ongoing crisis at IndiGo Airlines has disrupted travel across India, with Uttarakhand among the worst affected. Several flights to and from Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport have been cancelled, leaving passengers stranded and raising fears about the impact on the state’s tourism industry.
Many passengers have complained about sudden cancellations and poor communication. Monica, a resident of Dehradun, shared her experience of receiving an email about her cancelled flight only after reaching the airport. She said there was no clarity on refunds, forcing her to book an expensive Air India ticket. “Both my time and money were wasted,” she said.
Rising ticket prices
With IndiGo flights cancelled, passengers are turning to other airlines, but ticket prices have skyrocketed. Air India tickets from Delhi and Kolkata to Dehradun recently jumped from Rs 71,000 to Rs 90,000 in a single day. Travelers noted that such fares are comparable to international flights, adding financial pressure on domestic tourists.
Impact on local transport
The cancellations have also affected taxi drivers at Dehradun airport, who report fewer passengers and declining income. Train services, already facing short-term repairs and delays, are unable to absorb the extra demand, leaving travelers with long waiting times and higher fares.
Threat to tourism
Experts warn that the crisis could hurt Uttarakhand’s winter tourism season. Every year, thousands of tourists—including industrialists, athletes, and actors—visit Dehradun, Mussoorie, Chakrata, and Tehri during Christmas and New Year. With flight cancellations and rising costs, many may cancel their trips, impacting hotels, restaurants, and local businesses.
Government response
The Civil Aviation Ministry has ordered a 5 percent reduction in airline flights to manage the crisis. Meanwhile, the Forest Department and local authorities are monitoring the situation, as reduced tourist numbers could affect employment in transport and hospitality sectors.
This crisis can affect winter tourism in Uttarakhand
The Indigo crisis highlights the fragile nature of tourism in Uttarakhand, which depends heavily on smooth travel connections. Unless flight operations stabilize soon, the state could see fewer visitors this winter, affecting both the economy and the festive spirit in its hill stations.