Jagson cuts airfares to Himachal Pradesh

Shimla -- Jagson Airlines entered a price war Friday by fixing its airfare to any Himachal Pradesh destination from the national capital to as low as Rs.1,000.

The decision comes barely days after budget carrier Deccan Airways announced trial flights before starting regular flights next month to Kullu and Dharamsala from Delhi.

Until Deccan announced its entry in the skies of the hill state, Jagson was the sole carrier with airfares one of the highest in northern India.

"From the beginning of next month you can fly from New Delhi to Shimla, Kullu or Dharamsala for only Rs.1,000," said Koustav M. Dhar, vice president Jagson Airlines.

But the invitation price will not apply to return tickets, which will be higher, a Jagson official said.

"To avail this facility a ticket must be booked at least 40 days in advance or lesser days depending on availability of tickets," Dhar explained.

Until now the air ticket from Delhi to Shimla was Rs.2,875 and from Delhi to Kullu, it was priced at Rs.4,150.

Jagson does not rule out starting more flights to three centres in the hill state from Delhi and Chandigarh.