Fog, Flights, and Future Tourism: Himachal’s Aviation Push
Dr. Sikander Kumar, Rajya Sabha MP and BJP State General Secretary, raised pressing questions in Parliament about the challenges and opportunities in Himachal Pradesh’s aviation sector. He asked the Civil Aviation Minister about steps being taken to install advanced landing systems at Shimla (Jubbarhatti) and Kullu-Bhuntar airports to reduce fog-related flight cancellations. He also sought updates on the four new heliports at Jaskot (Hamirpur), Rakkad, Palampur, and Chamba, expected to be ready by March–April 2026, and inquired whether the government plans to launch a dedicated heli-tourism circuit to connect remote regions like Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, and Pangi with major airport hubs.
Responding in the House, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, explained that airport expansion and upgrades—including the installation of Instrument Landing Systems (ILS)—are carried out periodically, depending on land availability, commercial viability, socio-economic needs, and airline interest. He highlighted that nine helipads across Himachal, including Shimla (Sanjoli), Baddi, Manali, Mandi, Rampur, Reckong Peo, Palampur, Rakkad, and Chamba, have been identified for operationalization under the UDAN scheme. So far, 38 regional connectivity routes have been launched, linking six airports and heliports in the state. However, the Jaskot helipad has not been included under UDAN.
On staffing concerns, the Minister assured that the Airports Authority of India regularly takes steps to ensure adequate technical personnel at regional airports, maintaining operational safety and service continuity.
