Delay in aviation projects disappointing: Selja

Sirsa Member of Parliament (MP) Kumari Selja has expressed her disappointment over delays in operationalising airports in Haryana and questioned the Central Government’s commitment to civil aviation projects in the state.

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During a recent Parliament session, Selja asked about the status of Sirsa and Ambala airbases for domestic flights and the much-anticipated Hisar Airport. The response from the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, highlighted several gaps in progress.

According to the minister, Sirsa Air Force Station is listed under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN) as an unserved airport. However, five rounds of bidding have failed to attract airlines willing to operate from the location. Similarly, Ambala Air Force Station was identified for civil flights under the third round of bidding. While a civil enclave has been developed in Ambala, operations are pending due to incomplete documentation and security clearances.

The status of Hisar Airport was also clarified, with the minister stating that the airport had not yet received the necessary aerodrome licence due to regulatory delays. This statement contradicts recent media reports suggesting that Hisar Airport would soon be operational and host flights by Alliance Air. These delays have cast doubts on the claims of the Haryana Government, which had announced that Hisar would soon become the state’s first operational airport.

Selja termed the government’s response misleading and criticised its lack of progress. She pointed out that while 28 air force stations across the country were already facilitating civil aviation, Sirsa and Ambala remain underutilised despite their potential. She also accused the government of making false promises about Hisar Airport for over a decade, frustrating residents with repeated but unfulfilled assurances.

Selja demanded that civil aviation operations at Sirsa Air Force Station be approved immediately. Highlighting the frequent VIP movements at the station, she argued that setting up a counter for public flights was both feasible and necessary.