Rajasansi still in trouble, but Pathankot airport bounces back

However, people demanded resumption of the flights, and local traders and tourist operators had also met Union Minister for Industries Ashwani Kumar.

The recommencement has brought cheers to the tourists, orchardists and residents. Forty-two passengers boarded the flight today, of which only two were from Pathankot, while rest had enplaned from Kullu. Station Manager of Indian Airlines Ram Pal said the lukewarm response on the inaugural flight would not act as a dampener, and they were expecting good response in days to come. He added that the fare from Pathankot to Delhi would be Rs 3,200.

He said they and the Airport Authority of India (AAI) have made elaborate security arrangements for the safety of passengers.

Meanwhile, flight’s resumption was a low-key affair unlike the past when mega functions were organised and political rhetoric marked the maiden flight.

The AAI authorities said as Pathankot was strategically located on the border of three important states, they were expecting heavy rush of passengers to the capital and back.

The IA flight would fly directly to Delhi from Pathankot on every Monday but on Wednesday and Friday, it would come via Kullu.