Overview
- Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated services at Shimla’s Sanjauli Heliport operated by Heritage Aviation under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme.
- Daily operations began with two flights on the Shimla–Kullu route and one on Shimla–Reckong Peo, while Shimla–Chandigarh runs three days a week on Monday, Friday and Saturday.
- Fares are set at Rs 3,500 for Shimla–Kullu, Rs 4,000 for Shimla–Reckong Peo and Rs 3,169 for Shimla–Chandigarh, with tickets available on the operator’s website.
- The six‑seater Airbus H125 helicopters carry only hand baggage up to 5 kg per passenger due to space and weight limits, and all services hold DGCA approvals.
- The state sanctioned Rs 15 crore per heliport and targeted March–April completion for new sites at Hamirpur, Palampur, Rakkar (Kangra) and Chamba, with additional plans for Solan and Sirmaur, while officials cautioned operations remain weather dependent.