Civil Aviation Minister Launches Deoghar-Mumbai Flight Service

Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naydu virtually inaugurated the Mumbai-Deoghar flight service from New Delhi, marking a milestone in Deoghar’s aviation journey, which began in June 2022. The new IndiGo flight will operate thrice weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, connecting the temple town with India’s financial capital. BJP MP from Deoghar, Nishikant Dubey, hailed the occasion as historic, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for establishing the airport and enhancing regional connectivity. The inaugural flight from Mumbai, carrying 164 passengers, was welcomed at Deoghar airport with a traditional water cannon salute and a special ceremony organised by airport and IndiGo authorities. The return flight, with 163 passengers, departed at 1:30 pm, reaching Mumbai at 4:10 pm after a 2-hour-40-minute journey. Deoghar airport director Praveen Kumar highlighted that the airport now connects six destinations, including Kolkata, Ranchi, Patna, Bangalore, and Delhi. Mumbai is the latest addition, further benefiting passengers from neighboring regions such as parts of Bihar, Bengal, and the Santhal Pargana division. IndiGo official Kapil Singh noted that the new route would enhance travel, commerce, and cultural exchange between Mumbai and Deoghar. The service is expected to boost tourism and economic activities in the region while offering a convenient travel option for pilgrims and business travelers visiting this important religious destination. (ET)