Chandigarh urges Centre to boost international flight services

The UT Administration has made a strong pitch to increase the number of international flights from Chandigarh International Airport. The administration put up several proposals to boost flight services here, at the Civil Aviation Conference held in Dehradun today.

The UT Chief Secretary, Rajiv Verma, along with other senior officials, participated in the meeting. The Administration has reiterated the growing need for direct international flights from Chandigarh, citing a steep rise in air travel by residents of Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana and other adjoining states.

The officials emphasised that despite a substantial passenger base, the region remains underserved in terms of direct international connectivity.

One of the key demands put forth at the conference was to grant ‘Point of Call’ status to Chandigarh International Airport. This designation is crucial, as it allows foreign airlines to operate direct flights to and from the airport under bilateral air service agreements.

The officials also demanded operationalisation of the old terminal of the airport, which falls within the jurisdiction of Chandigarh and remains underutilised. They stated that activating this facility could help accommodate increased air traffic and international operations without requiring major infrastructural overhaul.

“In recent years, the number of international travellers from this region has increased manifold. There is a pressing need for direct connectivity to key world destinations,” said an official, while adding that the MPs from the region have also raised this issue in the Lok Sabha on multiple occasions.

Earlier, the Centre had stated that the launch of international routes depends on the interest of aviation companies.

If the airport is granted the “Point of Call” status, it would benefit thousands of travellers, reduce dependence on Delhi airport and enhance the region’s connectivity with the foreign countries.

The final decision now lies with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, which has been urged to review Chandigarh’s potential as a growing international aviation hub.