As the tourist season approaches, Jaisalmer Airport is gearing up for a significant uptick in passenger traffic, driven by new operational schedules from Indigo Airlines. Starting from 1st October, the airport will see enhanced connectivity with the introduction of new flight routes, although notable exclusions are expected to impact the regional travel dynamics.
Indigo Airlines has been granted permission to operate its winter schedule from Jaisalmer Airport, running through to 31st March. This period will see the commencement of direct flights on the Jaisalmer-Delhi-Jaisalmer and Jaisalmer-Mumbai-Jaisalmer routes. The airline’s deployment of Airbus aircraft, each with a capacity exceeding 180 passengers, promises to significantly increase the volume of travellers heading to the Golden City, known for its rich cultural heritage and architectural splendour.
Pramod Meena, Director of Jaisalmer Civil Airport, confirmed that these additions are part of Indigo’s winter operations strategy. The introduction of these flights is poised to cater to the anticipated surge in tourist arrivals, providing a crucial boost to the local economy and tourism sector. However, the revised flight schedule has raised concerns among some travel enthusiasts and local businesses. Notably, Ahmedabad has been omitted from this season’s flight schedule, which could potentially affect tourist flows from Gujarat. Mayank Kumar, a prominent businessman, expressed disappointment over the absence of Ahmedabad in the new timetable, suggesting that this gap might detract from the expected tourist influx from the state.
Despite this, the expanded routes from Delhi and Mumbai are expected to provide substantial relief and convenience for visitors. The enhanced air connectivity is anticipated to bolster Jaisalmer’s position as a key destination for both domestic and international tourists during the peak season. While the omission of Ahmedabad may create some short-term challenges, the overall enhancement in connectivity provided by Indigo Airlines is set to play a pivotal role in supporting Jaisalmer’s tourism industry. The influx of tourists is likely to bring a positive economic impact, benefiting local businesses and reinforcing the city’s status as a premier travel destination.
