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May 2007

Air Deccan launches Delhi-Leh flight

     Bangalore: Air Deccan today flagged-off its maiden daily flight from Delhi to Leh. A 180-seater Airbus-320 has been deployed on this route. With this launch, Air Deccan becomes the first low cost carrier to fly to the highest airport in the country. Leh, the largest town of Ladakh is situated at an altitude of 10,800 ft above sea level. Leh is not only famous for its picturesque beauty, but also has popular tourist places. A blend of adventure and mysticism make for the unique allure of Ladakh, also known as India's Little Tibet, which is among the world's highest inhabited plateaus. Warwick Brady, Chief Operating Officer Air Deccan said "The Leh airport is the only easy link for Ladakh to the rest of the country. With 7 months of snowfall disrupting all road-rail links in the region, Air Deccan's low-cost-easy travel option will enable more tourists to explore this rich cultural, religious and adventurous land." "With tourist influx in Ladakh growing every year (40,000 tourists in 2006) and nearest rail link being 700 kms in Jammu, Air Deccan will definitely prove to be a catalyst in growth of tourism and economy in the region. The bookings for this sector which opened on 30th April, 2007 have already seen a huge influx of passengers, including domestic and foreign tourist groups. The overall load on this sector for the coming months is expected to be around 80% which is exceptional for a newly introduced flight, " Brady added. The flight from Delhi will take off every day at 5.20 a.m. and land in Leh at 6.50 a.m. The flight from Leh to Delhi will take off at 7.20 a.m. and land in Delhi at 8.40 am.
-May 23, 2007