Jaitley gives nod to extend watch hours and commence international flights from Chandigarh Airport

Chandigarh, July 25, 2014: The Ministry of Defence, Government of India (GoI) today cleared the state government’s proposal for seeking extension of watch hours and commencement of international flights from Chandigarh airport.
In a communiqué addressed to the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, the Union Defence Minister Arun Jaitley apprised the former that m/s Spice Jet and M/s Indigo Airlines have already been accorded permission for international operations from Chandigarh
Jaitley also informed the Chief Minister that presently civil aircraft operations at Chandigarh were cleared from sunrise to 2000 hours. Regular extension of watch hours beyond 2000 hours was under process. He, however said that international flights would be facilitated beyond the existing watch hours as and when the international flights were finalised, as an interim measure.
It may be recalled that the Chief Minister had written to the Union Ministry of Defence besides personally taking up this issue with Jaitley during his recent visit to New Delhi. Consequent upon Badal’s vigorous efforts the Union Ministry has finally gave concurrence to these proposals, which would facilitate several passengers to avail hassle free air travel facility thereby saving their time, money and energy besides providing better air connectivity in the region.