- Chandigarh Airport currently operates only two international routes to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
- CHIAL plans cash incentives to attract airlines for routes like London, Singapore, Bangkok, and Malaysia.
- Lack of Point of Call status remains the biggest hurdle for foreign airlines.
Chandigarh: In a bid to protect its international airport status, Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport is preparing to offer cash incentives to airlines to expand overseas connectivity from the city.
What Is Chandigarh Airport’s New Incentive Plan?
Chandigarh International Airport Limited (CHIAL) plans to introduce a new incentive policy to encourage airlines to start international flights from the airport.
The policy proposes financial relief on landing charges, night parking fees, cargo handling costs, and promotional support. According to CHIAL, this could help airlines save between Rs 1 crore and Rs 1.5 crore per month on international operations, improving route viability.
Why Is International Connectivity Critical for Chandigarh Airport?
Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport currently operates only two international flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Airport officials fear that without additional overseas routes, Chandigarh risks losing its international airport standing.
CHIAL has approached Indian-origin carriers to consider direct flights to London, Singapore, Bangkok, and Malaysia, destinations that see strong passenger demand from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh.
What Are Airport Officials Saying?
CHIAL Chief Executive Officer Ajay Kumar said the airport is making every possible effort to revive global connectivity.
“We have approached Indian carriers to start operations to locations where strong passenger potential already exists. The airport has world-class infrastructure and facilities to support international traffic.”
Why Is Point of Call Status a Major Bottleneck?
Despite infrastructure readiness, the airport lacks Point of Call (PoC) status under India’s bilateral aviation agreements. Without PoC approval, foreign airlines cannot operate scheduled international flights from Chandigarh.
Chandigarh Member of Parliament Manish Tewari has written to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Airports Authority of India (AAI), urging them to grant PoC status so the airport can function as a true international gateway.
Past and Present International Routes from Chandigarh
Chandigarh Airport earlier had direct flights to Sharjah, Dubai, and Bangkok, but services to Sharjah and Bangkok were discontinued over time.
A flight to Abu Dhabi was recently reinstated. However, a planned Chandigarh–Singapore IndiGo flight, scheduled to begin with the winter timetable from October 29, failed to launch due to technical issues.
Strong Domestic Network Continues
While international connectivity remains limited, Chandigarh Airport maintains a robust domestic network. It currently connects to 43 Indian destinations, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Goa, Kolkata, Leh, and Srinagar, reflecting strong passenger demand within the country.
Why This Matters for the Tricity Region
Expanded international flights would significantly reduce reliance on Delhi Airport for overseas travel. Improved connectivity is expected to benefit business travel, tourism, and the regional economy across Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula.