Punjab and Haryana High Court seeks answers on limited international connectivity from Chandigarh airport

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 having been upgraded to the Category II Instrument Landing System (CAT-II ILR) facility in March 2023.

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

“There is also no explanation coming from Chandigarh International Airport Authority Limited as to why there are only two international flights from Chandigarh – UT and capital of two prosperous States – on a daily basis i.e. to Sharjah and Dubai. It is unfortunate to note that even a district headquarter like Amritsar has more than 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 the Chandigarh airport. The Bench is being assisted in the matter by senior advocate ML Sarin as amicus curiae or the friend of the court.

The petitioners have all along been arguing that the lack of expanded connectivity has resulted in a 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 the Union Civil Aviation Ministry and the Punjab Government’s Department of Civil Aviation to elaborate upon the 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 said. 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.