Looking Back 2024: City airport takes off but faces turbulence in terms of amenities

As the year draws to a close, Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport in Amritsar has achieved a significant milestone, recording its highest passenger footfall and aircraft movement since its establishment in 2024. The airport has also witnessed considerable improvement in both international and domestic connectivity, with direct non-stop flights to various destinations. Additionally, the installation of an in-line X-ray baggage handling system has enhanced the infrastructure at the airport.

However, despite these achievements, the airport continues to grapple with several challenges. One of the major concerns is the service delivery, which falls short of the standards set by major international airports. The pick-up and drop-off area is also poorly defined, leading to congestion and jams which turn out to be an eyesore in general. Furthermore, the parking contractor has been accused of regularly overcharging passengers, despite multiple complaints and letters to the ministry.

Another significant challenge facing the airport is the lack of public transportation to the city and other major cities in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu region. This has made it difficult for passengers to commute to and from the airport. The proposed terminal expansion, which was announced four years ago, is still in the pipeline, and the privatisation of the airport, proposed before the Covid-19 pandemic, remains pending. The BRTS connectivity promised by government was also not implemented yet.

The airport also lacks city-side amenities, including modern visitors’ washrooms, multi-storey parking and hotels. The shifting of defence land and monetisation through the development of 3/4-star hotels and food courts are also pending. As the airport looks to build on its achievements in the coming year, addressing these challenges will be crucial to providing a world-class experience for its passengers.