Chandigarh Secures First-Ever Direct Flight to Hisar in New Winter Timetable

Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport (IXC) will gain its first direct service to Hisar, Haryana, under the Airports Authority of India’s winter timetable released late on 25 October. Times of India reports that Alliance Air’s ATR-72 will operate the Bhuntar (Kullu) → Chandigarh → Hisar → Delhi → Dehradun → Bhuntar rotation from 7 November.

Strategic value: The 55-minute sector connects Chandigarh’s IT and defence clusters with Haryana’s emerging aerospace hub (Hisar Airport hosts India’s first dedicated drone pilot training centre). For corporates, same-day return is now possible, reducing reliance on a five-hour road journey.

Tourism angle: Though the schedule disappoints Kullu hoteliers—northbound service is one-way—the link re-establishes Kullu-Chandigarh air access lost in 2023, potentially shortening inbound travel for winter sports tourists.

Policy lens: The flight is subsidised under UDAN 5.0, the government’s regional connectivity scheme. Analysts say demonstrating load viability could pave the way for private carriers and eventual international charters once Hisar’s runway extension is finished in 2026.

Tips for travellers: Alliance Air will offer through-fares to Delhi and Dehradun; corporate bookers should note strict 15-kg checked-bag limits on ATRs and potential winter weather disruptions at Bhuntar.