Fliers let down by limited international flights at Amritsar airport

Perneet Singh

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, July 19

Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal’s demand for resumption of international flights from Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport, Amritsar, to facilitate Punjabi diaspora has found support in the region.

The area residents feel that the airport has been meted out a raw deal and a number of key international flights were either withdrawn or discontinued over the last one decade.

The airport, which boasts of an impressive infrastructure, has witnessed withdrawal of various international flights in the past.

Air India had sprung a surprise by discontinuing its Amritsar-Birmingham-Toronto flight, which was termed by many as the most successful flight in the national carrier’s history. The flight, which used to register over 90 per cent occupancy, was withdrawn on October 31, 2010.

British Midland International pulled out its Amritsar-Almaty-London flight in October 2012. Prior to it, Air India had suspended its Amritsar-Toronto flight. Singapore Airlines had launched thrice a week Amritsar-Singapore flight on October 1, 2004. The service was discontinued in 2009.

Later, Jet Airways launched its Amritsar-London flight only to withdraw it after some time. All these flights facilitated a crucial air link to NRIs from Punjab, a majority of who live in the US, UK and Canada.

At present Turkmenistan (Tashkent), Uzbekistan (Ashgabat), Qatar (Doha) and Air India Express (Dubai) are the only international flights available from Amritsar airport.

Talking to The Tribune, former CII Punjab chairman Gunbir Singh, who is also a member of Amritsar Airport Advisory Committee, said: “Amritsar hosts more than 35 million pilgrims annually. It is preferred by the entire Punjabi diaspora and tourists abroad who flock to pay obeisance at the Golden Temple.” He lamented that the holy city has lost many significant air links over the years.

“The loss of Singapore Airlines connecting the holy city to Singapore and many eastern destinations, including Hong Kong, Australia and American West Coast, was unfortunate. Then there was a flight to London. Air India’s direct to Toronto via Birmingham, which had perhaps one of the highest seat occupancy ratios, was inexplicably pulled out. Instead an unreasonable alternative through Delhi taking more time and costing much higher was introduced.”

Amritsar Hotel and Restaurant Association chief APS Chatha lamented that not even half of the potential of the Amritsar airport was being tapped in terms of international connectivity. “For the tourism industry to flourish, it is a must that the city has got air links with key destinations like Canada, USA, UK and other European countries.”