TravTalk India Online Magazine
Direct connectivity between Dushanbe (Tajikistan) and Delhi on Somon Air’s new flight has reduced travel time between the two cities by at least nine hours. The airline is also offering special fares to agents in the India market via its GSA – Bird Group.
Nisha Verma
Having begun its inaugural once-a-week flight between Dushanbe and Delhi from December 1 this year, Somon Air plans to soon increase the frequency to twice a week and eventually, make it a thrice- weekly operation. Speaking at the launch, Thomas W Hallam, Chief Executive Officer, Somon Air, said, “This is a very important moment for Somon Air and we have been planning the launch for a long time. Of course, any international destination takes time to work out, but I am very happy to be able to start with one flight per week between Dushanbe and Delhi, with hopes to increase that to two flights per week by early next year. And then, if successful, our optimum choice would be three flights a week to Delhi.” Somon Air has appointed Bird Group as its GSA in India, with fares already available on their system. The airline also has special fares, special group fares, and series fares for some tour operators in the market.
We have many students in Tajikistan, who travel between the two countries. This flight will facilitate their travel, and we are also looking at medical tourism
At the event, it was also revealed that in the summer, there are plans to connect Somon Air flights to Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Almaty. There will also be a flight to Goa by the end of 2021. “We are taking it one step at a time. We know that these are magnificent destinations, with opportunities particularly in tourism, travel and relaxation. Hence, we identified Goa. We also know that there have been great business opportunities in Mumbai. Though it’s not officially on our plan, it’s a city that I’ve travelled to many times, and I am quite fond of as well. We would like to see any opportunity to expand our relationship,” said Hallam.
When asked about the segment of travellers they want to cater to, Hallam shared, “We are already doing business in India, and I think there is a big farmer connect with distribution points in Dushanbe to other areas. We have many students in Tajikistan, who travel between the two countries. This flight will facilitate their travel, and we are also looking at medical tourism opportunities because of the great medical services that India offers to citizens of Tajikistan.”
