Punjab airports developed under Regional Connectivity Scheme, govt says airlines free to expand flights

The Union government on Monday said that air connectivity in Punjab largely depends on the commercial decisions of airlines, but added that several airports in the state have been developed and operationalised under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) to improve regional air travel.Responding to an unstarred question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said the aviation sector was deregulated after the repeal of the Air Corporations Act in March 1994, allowing airlines to decide their routes, capacity and aircraft deployment based on operational and commercial viability.The reply came in response to a query raised by AAP MP Sandeep Kumar Pathak, who sought details on steps taken to strengthen air connectivity and increase the number of domestic and international flights from airports in Punjab, including Amritsar, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Bathinda and Pathankot.Mohol told the House that airlines are free to introduce or expand services to any airport in the country depending on demand and business considerations.However, the government has taken steps under the UDAN scheme to improve connectivity to smaller cities in Punjab.Under the scheme, four airports in the state, including Ludhiana Airport, Bathinda Airport, Pathankot Airport and Adampur Airport have been identified for development and operationalisation of regional flights.According to the minister, these airports have been upgraded with government funding to support operations under the scheme. Ludhiana airport was developed at a cost of Rs 12.80 crore, Bathinda at Rs 3.04 crore, Pathankot at Rs 5.18 crore and Adampur at Rs 125.60 crore.All four airports have been operationalised under the UDAN scheme to facilitate regional air connectivity.The government said the scheme aims to link smaller cities with the country’s aviation network and make air travel more accessible by supporting operations on less-served routes.

Punjab airports developed under Regional Connectivity Scheme, govt says airlines free to expand flights

UDAN scheme aims to link smaller cities with the country’s aviation network and make air travel more accessible

Shekhar Singh

Tribune News Service

Punjab airports developed under Regional Connectivity Scheme, govt says airlines free to expand flights

UDAN scheme aims to link smaller cities with the country’s aviation network and make air travel more accessible

Shekhar Singh

Tribune News Service

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