MP Aujla demands restoration of international AI flights from Amritsar

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 28

Congress MP from Amritsar Gurjeet Singh Aujla on Thursday raised the issue of discontinuation of Air India international flights from the holy city to London, Toronto and Singapore in Lok Sabha and demanded that the same should be restored noting that thousands of tourists and pilgrims come there every day to pay obeisance.

Responding to the Congress member’s demand, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju made an assurance to the House saying: “The honourable member has made a suggestion. We can put it to Air India and motivate them.”

Raising the issue during Question Hour Aujala said, “My question pertains to Shri Guru Ram Das ji International Airport in Amritsar. Thousands of tourists and pilgrims visit the Golden Temple to pay obeisance. Sometimes, the figure of tourists runs into lakhs. A recent assessment has put the number of arriving passengers at the airport at about two lakh.”

The Amritsar MP then went on to add that international flights from “Amritsar to Toronto, Amritsar to London and Amritsar to Singapore” were cancelled earlier. “I would urge upon the government to re-start international flights of Air India from Amritsar.”

At present, seven international flights touchdown in Amritsar and five international airlines operate their flights from here, he said, adding: “The Members of Lok Sabha also visit Amritsar to pay obeisance at Golden Temple. All Prime Ministers of India also visit Amritsar to pay their obeisance. International tourists flock the city and use this airport.”

The member also impressed upon to the fact that Air India flights “will also go a long way in helping our Punjabi brothers and sisters who are settled abroad”.