Operation Of Flights Is Commercial Decision Of Airlines: Union Tells P&H HC On Plea Questioning Non-Operation Of Int'l Terminal At Chandigarh Airport

The Union Government today submitted before the Punjab & Haryana High Court that any operation of international flights from any point in India is purely a commercial decision of the airlines on the basis of the economic viability of the route, traffic demand, slot availability and other associated factors.

Previously, the Court had sought affidavit from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Punjab Government on why there are only two international flights from Chandigarh International airport.

ASG Satya Pal Jain submitted in an affidavit before Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Anil Kshetarpal that, "the Indian carriers were sensitized and were asked to inform whether any prospective international operations from Chandigarh are planned. The airlines in response have stated that they do not have any immediate plans to add any more international flights to/from Chandigarh in addition to the existing operational international schedules."

It was also brought to the notice of the High Court through the Union's affidavit, that India has open sky arrangements for bilateral air services with a number of countries, including USA and UK, whereby foreign designated carriers may operate to/from any point in India, which includes Chandigarh.

The Court was hearing the writ petition filed on the non-operation of the International Terminal stating that the same is causing the huge loss not only to the public exchequer but also to passenger services and business situated in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.

In the last proceeding, the Court had noted that, "There is...no explanation coming from the Chandigarh International Airport Authority Limited as to why there are only two international flights from Chandigarh (UT and capital of two prosperous States) on daily basis i.e to Sharjahan and Dubai. It is unfortunate to note that even a District Headquarter like Amritsar has more than 14 international flights to various countries."

The matter is listed for November 14, for further consideration.

Title: MOHALI INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION V/S UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.