HC questions fewer international flights from Chandigarh

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, to submit an affidavit on why the number of international flights from Chandigarh International Airport has not increased, despite the airport’s upgrade to Category II Instrument Landing System (CAT-II ILR) in March 2023.

The Bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Anil Kshetarpal also described as unfortunate the airport's limited connectivity with only two daily international flights, while Amritsar Airport – a district-level facility – was operating 14 flights to multiple international destinations.

“There is also no explanation coming from the Chandigarh International Airport Authority Limited as to why there are only two international flights from Chandigarh – UT and capital of two prosperous states – on daily basis, ie, to Sharjah and Dubai. It is unfortunate to note that even a district headquarters like Amritsar has 14 international flights to various countries,” the Bench asserted.

The court’s direction follows a long-standing public interest litigation (PIL) initiated in 2015 by the Mohali Industries Association, pushing for improved international services and facilities at Chandigarh Airport. The Bench is being assisted in the matter by senior advocate ML Sarin as amicus curiae.

The petitioners have all along been arguing that the lack of expanded connectivity has resulted in substantial revenue loss and hindered regional business growth across Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. They have been seeking adequate infrastructure to transform the airport into a true international hub, matching the region's economic needs and potential for foreign investment.

Addressing the issue of a shorter alternative access route to the airport which has faced significant delays, the Bench asked both Union Civil Aviation Ministry and Punjab government’s Department of Civil Aviation to elaborate upon future airport expansion plans, while specifying the direction and scope.

“It would be appropriate to requisition a certificate from the Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, New Delhi, as to whether there is any plan for extending the airport and, if yes, then on which side of the airport? The Secretary, Department of Civil Aviation, Punjab, is also directed to file an affidavit explaining as to what steps have been taken to increase the number of international flights from Chandigarh International Airport,” the court asserted.

The Bench clarified that the Secretary, Union Ministry of Civil Aviation, would appear virtually at the next hearing if the affidavits were not filed in a timely manner before the scheduled date. The court also directed that a copy of each affidavit or any other pleadings filed would be provided in advance to amicus curiae Sarin.