MP Arora reaches out to Airlines after Scindia's response on Chandigarh Airport

Ludhiana, June 17, 2023: AAP MP (Rajya Sabha) from Ludhiana Sanjeev Arora has written letters to Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of private airlines namely Vistara, Air India, Air Asia, Indigo and Spice Jet, requesting to expand international flights to UK, Canada and Australia from Chandigarh. 

In his letters Arora has also referred to Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya M Scindia’s letter regarding Chandigarh Airport.

Giving this information here today, Arora added that in his letters he has written to consider expanding flight operations from Chandigarh to International destinations in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. 

While writing separate letters to CEOs of all airlines, Arora has mentioned that the increasing number of travellers from Punjab who currently must transit through Delhi's IGI for their international travel presents a significant opportunity for any carrier, and he believed their airlines can make the most of this potential market.

Further, he has apprised CEOs that Chandigarh, the capital of Punjab, is a vibrant city with a booming economy and a substantial population. It serves as a major hub for trade, commerce, and tourism, attracting numerous business and leisure travellers from across the state. Currently, travellers from Punjab who wish to fly to the UK, Canada, or Australia must travel to Delhi to catch international flights. This not only adds inconvenience but also increases travel time and expenses for passengers.

Arora further wrote to CEOs stating that as per the letter received from Minister of Civil of Aviation which states that, "Indian designated carriers are free to mount operations to/from any international airport including Chandigarh to any foreign destinations under the ambit of bilateral ASAs concluded by India with foreign countries as per mutually agreed capacity limits."

Requesting all the CEOs, Arora mentioned in his letter to carefully evaluate the feasibility of operating flights to the mentioned countries from Chandigarh and consider the potential benefits it would bring to both their airlines and the passengers. The introduction of these direct international flights would undoubtedly enhance connectivity, promote economic development, and provide greater convenience to the people of Punjab, he hoped.

Arora hoped that all the CEOs will give a positive response to his request stating that there is the possibility of airlines’ expansion into international destinations. “I’m hopeful that my concerted efforts will ultimately yield fruits in the near future”, he remarked.