Punjabi NRIs upbeat over launch of Dubai-Amritsar flight

Neeraj Bagga

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Tribune News Service

Amritsar, November 16

NRIs of Punjabi origin are upbeat over the launch of direct flight between Dubai-Amritsar-Dubai by SpiceJet here on Sunday. After the exit of various flights linking Amritsar with international destinations, Sri Guru Ramdas Jee International Airport is once again looking for more international connectivity because many national and international airlines are evaluating options to open new circuits from here.

The flight has shortened distance considerably

Coming out of airport Amarjeet Singh, who after alighted from Dubai-Amritsar flight on Sunday, said, “The flight has shortened the journey between the two international destinations to a less than three-hour. It will prove a boon for the NRIs from the region, working in the Middle East countries.” He said they could conveniently reach their destination in this part of the world after availing leave from their jobs in the Gulf. Amarjeet is a resident of Jalandhar. He works as a technician in a firm in Dubai.

Now possible to visit home regularly

Another passenger Sukhjinder Singh, a resident of Batala, who arrived by the direct flight, said he was working as a truck driver in the Gulf for the past three years. He said long flying route via Delhi discouraged them to visit home frequently. “With the launch of direct Amritsar-Dubai flight we will be able to come home regularly,” he added.

No need to go to Delhi

Among the passengers, who boarded the maiden departure flight, was Satwinder Singh of Nawanshahr. He said they no longer need to go via Delhi where two to three hours were wasted in waiting for the connecting flight. It would save time and expenses incurred on travelling, he added.

Will encourage tourism

Parvinder Jindal of Mandi Gobindgarh said the direct flight from Amritsar to Dubai, a famous tourist destination in the world, and less than three hours journey attracted him to take his entire family comprising his wife Chetna, son Abhinav and daughter Riya on a holiday trip. Direct flight and shorter time-span to cover distance would encourage people to holiday in Dubai.

Six days a week flight by SpiceJet has opened a new circuit for the holy city. The flag-off ceremony was presided over by GP Gupta, chief administrative officer and accountable manager, SpiceJet, and V Venkateswara Rao, director, Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport. Balwinder Singh, assistant commissioner of customs, Vishal Dubey, commandant, CISF, and Gagan Malik, project head, Amritsar Airport, were also present on the occasion.

Officials felicitated passengers Sumit Gaind, Pooja Gaind and their son Aarush for being first customers of the inaugural Amritsar-Dubai flight. In line with the aviation tradition to mark key milestones, SpiceJet’s Boeing 737NG aircraft deployed on this route was greeted with a grand water cannon salute on its arrival from Dubai. The ceremony finally came to a conclusion with airport director V Venkateswara Rao, flagging-off the flight at 11.30 AM.

While talking with mediapersons on the occasion GP Gupta said, “Dubai features amongst our most prominent destinations within our international network. This route has always witnessed enhanced demand and the launch of this flight will provide holidaymakers and business travellers with more travel options coupled with services. We are also the only private Indian carrier to directly connect Amritsar to any international destination.”

V Venkateswara Rao said “We are extremely happy that SpiceJet has launched their international flight from Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport. Dubai has always been one of the preferred tourism hot spots for travellers from Amritsar. We are seeing an increased number of passengers flying to the city for holidays and business purposes every year. This launch, much to the cheer of the travellers, will give a fillip to air-connectivity from the city.”

Flights on this route will be operated on all days except Saturdays. Dubai is one of SpiceJet’s six international destinations – Dubai, Bangkok, Colombo, Kabul, Male (Maldives), and Muscat.