A new heli taxi service has opened from Shimla. It links the city with Kullu, Reckong Peo in Kinnaur, and Chandigarh. For Himachal Pradesh this is a step toward better connectivity, and toward tourism that reaches further into the hills. This piece outlines the service details, infrastructure developments, and implications for travellers.
What the new heli connections offer at a glance
Under the Government of India's UDAN scheme, Heritage Aviation has launched daily heli taxi operations from the Sanjouli Heliport in Shimla. The routes are meant to do three things. They cut the journey between hill towns and the state capital. They save time for residents as well as tourists. And they give the state an air option for medical transfers.
The scale of the saving is what makes the service worth the fare. Shimla to Kullu is about 220 km of mountain road, six to seven hours by car or bus. By helicopter the same leg takes roughly an hour.
Routes, schedules and fares
| Route | Flights per day | Aircraft | Fare (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shimla – Kullu | 2 | Airbus H125 (6-seater) | 3,500 |
| Shimla – Reckong Peo (Kinnaur) | 1 | Airbus H125 (6-seater) | 4,000 |
| Shimla – Chandigarh | Announced — details to follow | Airbus H125 (6-seater) | Announced — subsidised |
The service was flagged off on 21 January 2026, when the Chief Minister sent the first flight to Reckong Peo; All India Radio News reported the inauguration and put the subsidy split at 80 per cent central government, 20 per cent state. The fares, daily frequencies and aircraft type above are as announced at that launch and reported by The Tribune, and the Shimla heli-taxi routes are listed by Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. Schedules on mountain sectors change with the season, so confirm the current timetable with Heritage Aviation before you book.
Important passenger details
- Luggage allowance: Due to helicopter limitations, passengers are permitted 5 kg of hand baggage only.
- Booking: Tickets can be booked via Heritage Aviation’s official website; fares are subsidised through a partnership with the Himachal Pradesh government.
- Safety and approvals: Operations have regulatory clearances from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Infrastructure and regional development
Sanjouli Heliport is now finished. Its foundation stone was laid under former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, and the work was carried out by the state together with the centre. The state has sanctioned INR 15 crore per heliport. Four more are due to open by March–April 2027: Hamirpur, Palampur, Rakad in Kangra, and Chamba. Work on heliports in Solan and Sirmaur is also planned with central support.
Local leadership and advocacy
State leadership backed the launch. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi and Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Raghubir Singh Bali all spoke for it. Heritage Aviation CEO Rohit Mathur emphasised the company’s optimism about demand given Himachal Pradesh’s tourism potential.
Weather and operational limitations
Helicopter services in mountainous terrain remain weather-dependent. Turbulence and adverse conditions may restrict operations, and services cannot be guaranteed year-round. Travellers should plan with flexibility in mind and check schedules close to travel dates.
Why this matters for tourism
Improved air links make previously remote spots more accessible to high-value travellers, day-trippers and those needing urgent transfers. Faster connections widen what local tourism can offer. Adventure trips, day excursions and the cultural sites of Kinnaur and Kullu all come within reach of a short visit. For communities, better connectivity may boost employment, hospitality demand and medical access.
Practical tips for travellers
- Book early during peak seasons to secure limited seats.
- Travel light: adhere to the strict 5 kg baggage rule.
- Have contingency plans for road alternatives in case of weather cancellations.
Heritage Aviation puts six-seater Airbus H125 helicopters on these sectors. That should speed up regional transfers, and it opens the door to packages that link Shimla, Kullu and Kinnaur in one trip.
Tours and transfers in Himachal Pradesh can be booked through GetExperience.com.
Two things decide whether the service works for you. Baggage is capped at 5 kg, and mountain weather can ground a flight at short notice. Book early in season, and keep a road plan in reserve.