Chandigarh, June 8
Chandigarh Airport will not have any international flights, at least in the immediate future. Senior officials in the Ministry of Defence (MoD), New Delhi, have clarified that the local airstrip was a base for the Air Force. Keeping in mind, its strategic location for catering to the western frontier, there was little likelihood of clearance from the MoD till alternatives were worked out.
Chandigarh Airport will not have any international flights, at least in the immediate future. Senior officials in the Ministry of Defence (MoD), New Delhi, have clarified that the local airstrip was a base for the Air Force. Keeping in mind, its strategic location for catering to the western frontier, there was little likelihood of clearance from the MoD till alternatives were worked out.
The ministry had denied permission to Air Arabia, the first airlines which had announced flights from the city, earlier this year. The first international flight expected to commence from November 15, 2011, was also denied by the ministry. The flights were cancelled without giving any reason.
The ministry is not clearing international flights despite the Ministry of Civil Aviation having notified Chandigarh Airport as a "customs airport", making it eligible for international flights in August 2011.
Punjab Civil Aviation Secretary Vishwajeet Khanna said: "The Chief Minister has taken up the matter with the Ministry of Civil Aviation. We are still awaiting a formal communication."
HS Toor, Director of the airport, said he could not comment since the matter was pending with the MoD.
In January this year, Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab Sukbhir Singh Badal had said international flights would commence in two months. Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal had sought a formal clearance for international flights from the Civil Aviation Minister.
A senior official, requesting anonymity, said: "There is a sizable number of flights providing ration and ammunition to soldiers in Kashmir and Leh and Ladakh. During winter, which lasts about five months, the public and troops in these areas depend on the Air Force for even routine supplies. Chandigarh has two transport squadrons comprising AN32s and another one having a mix of AN-32s and I-76s, besides Mi-26 helicopters."
It was also said the local terminal would need an upgraded air traffic control (ATC) for handling added rush. The runway as well as the ATC of the airport is at present being managed by the Air Force. International flights would mean more staff, which needs a formal clearance from the MoD. Most importantly, the airport does not have night landing facilities. There is also no confirmation about any contract with international airlines.
Jarnail Singh Jodhan, a Ludhiana-based businessman, said: "It is being said since the Congress was unable to form a government in Punjab, the Centre would not like the Akalis to take credit for international flights. It is disappointing for thousands of people, especially Punjabis, who come from abroad and are forced to land in Delhi."
Bhupinder Singh, a Canadian national, said: "I think the matter of international flights being delayed needs a high-level inquiry. There are serious allegations of the powerful lobby in the travel business, including hotels, cabs and related services not allowing an international airport in Chandigarh."
Vineet Sharma, a travel agent, said even local tourists who had started going abroad, particularly Bangkok were concerned about the international flights landing in the city.
Pikender Pal Singh, Regional Director of the CII (northern region) said no international client would like to spend an extra day in the onward or backward journey.
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