Residents of Delhi and NCR might soon say goodbye to long traffic jams on their way to the airport. A recent study by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) indicates that a proposed air taxi service could reduce travel time between Gurugram and the upcoming Noida International Airport to just 30 minutes. InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent company of IndiGo, has partnered with Archer Aviation to bring this futuristic transport to India.
What is the route and how much will it cost?
The report outlines a potential corridor connecting key locations like Gurugram, Connaught Place, and the new Noida International Airport. The air distance for this route is estimated to be around 65-75 km, which is significantly shorter than the 110-120 km travel by road.
For the segment between Connaught Place and Gurugram, the estimated fare is expected to be between ₹2,000 and ₹3,000 per passenger. While this is higher than a cab ride, it offers a massive saving in time.
- Route: Gurugram – Connaught Place – Noida International Airport.
- Travel Time: Approximately 30 minutes for the full stretch.
- Aircraft: Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
When will the service start in Delhi?
InterGlobe Enterprises and Archer Aviation are targeting the year 2026 for the launch of these air taxi services. Delhi is planned to be one of the first cities to see these operations. The rollout will likely happen in phases.
The study suggests that initial operations between 2026 and 2028 might focus on medical and emergency services. Full-scale passenger travel will follow once all safety checks are in place. Currently, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) does not permit commercial flights from rooftops, so new regulations will need to be framed to allow these air taxis to operate using vertiports.
