India's first air taxi starts in Bengaluru, fly to the Kempegowda airport in just 15 minutes

Pawan Hans helicopter carrying police patrols over violence-hit area of Lalgarh

India’s first air taxi service started in Bengaluru on Monday when a helicopter flew from the Electronic City in Bengaluru to the Kempegowda International Airport. The trip took barely 15 minutes which otherwise, by road, would have taken over a couple of hours given the traffic woes in the city.

The taxi service provided by Kerala-based Thumbay Aviation can fly up to six passengers in one flight and the one-way fare is Rs 4,130 for one person, including all taxes. The company allows up to 15 kg luggage per person.

One of the flyers on the service and travel blogger Hrish Thota said in a tweet, “Always used to joke that we should have an air taxi to fly from #Bangalore Airport to Electronic city as car takes 2.5hrs The dream has come true now thanks to @HeliTaxii which just took me 12 minutes.”

@Bengaluru launched its helicopter-taxi service.
KIA to Electronic City only in 15min.
Fare : Oneway》Rs. 3500+GST.
Time slot : 6:30-9:30 am & 3:30-9:30 pm
Seatcapacity: 6 passengers excluding the Pilot.
Book via the #HeliTaxii app available on Google Play Store and App Store. pic.twitter.com/hy5fyXHEy0

— Lovely Sarkar (@LovelySarkar27) March 6, 2018

A video made by one of the first flyers on Heli Taxii.

Presently, the service is operating between the KIA and the Electronic City. Thumby Aviation plans to add HAL Airport as another destination in next few weeks.

Always used to joke that we should have an air taxi to fly from #Bangalore Airport to Electronic city as car takes 2.5hrs The dream has come true now thanks to @HeliTaxii which just took me 12 minutes :) #DhempeNivyTravels #MacroTraveller #HeliTaxii #skytaxii #Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/z2nuyPuRF7

— Hrish Thota (@dhempe) March 4, 2018

The taxi is disabled-friendly and available for passengers with a wheelchair. "Heli Taxi is available for passengers with a wheelchair. The same can be opted for in the app as well, if wheelchair option is selected, the passenger will be assisted in embarking and disembarking,” the company said.

A passenger can book a seat using Heli Taxii app from the smartphone.