Flybig Airlines Awarded Srinagar-Ambala Route Under UDAN Regional Connectivity Scheme
Flybig Airlines has been awarded the operation of the Srinagar-Ambala route under India’s ambitious UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS). The new air route, which will connect the civil enclave at Ambala Cantonment in Haryana with Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir, promises to make travel more accessible for people in these regions.
The announcement was made following a series of communications between Haryana’s Energy Minister, Anil Vij, and Union Civil Aviation Minister, Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu. In his letters to the Union Minister dated November 11, 2024, and January 1, 2025, Vij urged for the operation of the Ambala airport as a civil enclave to be fast-tracked under the RCS. His requests focused on ensuring the commencement of flights under the UDAN scheme, and the Union Minister responded with positive feedback. The Haryana Civil Aviation Department is currently processing the necessary BCAS security clearances and documentation for the airport, moving the project closer to completion. Once operational, Flybig Airlines will be responsible for running the RCS flights between Ambala and Srinagar, facilitating easier and quicker air travel for passengers.
As a strategic move for both Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir, the operation of this route will enhance connectivity to the region. The Ambala civil enclave, once ready, will open up new travel possibilities for residents and visitors alike. This development is particularly significant for Ambala Cantonment, a region that has long lacked direct air connectivity to a major city like Srinagar. Anil Vij, MLA from Ambala Cantt, also shared that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is working on the operation and management agreement for the Ambala airport, and is in the process of installing security equipment required for the safe operation of the airport. The development of the airport is a key part of a larger regional plan to strengthen air connectivity across India, in line with the objectives of the UDAN scheme.
In addition to the new Srinagar-Ambala route, further development of Ambala airport is already underway. ₹25 crore has been allocated for the airport’s development under the UDAN 4.2 scheme. This will support the construction and upgrading of necessary infrastructure, enhancing the airport’s capability to handle both regional and potentially national flights in the future. Under the ongoing UDAN 5.4 round, bids have also been invited for other routes, including the Ambala-Lucknow-Ambala route. Jettwings Airlines has already submitted a proposal for this route, and it is currently being evaluated. Once these projects are finalised, Ambala airport is expected to become a major regional hub that links important cities across India.
The introduction of the Srinagar-Ambala flight is part of the government’s broader efforts to make air travel more affordable and accessible, especially for people living in smaller cities and towns. The UDAN scheme has already been instrumental in increasing regional connectivity, and the addition of new routes like Ambala-Srinagar will strengthen this network further. For the people of Ambala and the surrounding areas, the commencement of the Srinagar-Ambala flights represents more than just the opening of a new route; it symbolises an opportunity to connect with major cities faster and more efficiently. With the Ambala airport’s infrastructure growing, air travel from the region will be significantly more convenient, supporting both tourism and business activities in the area. As Flybig Airlines prepares to launch services on this route, the future looks promising for regional connectivity in India, providing better travel opportunities and contributing to the growth of local economies.
