Rajya Sabha witnessed a compelling pitch Tuesday for expanding Chandigarh International Airport’s global reach. Representing shared interests of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, MP Satnam Singh Sandhu demanded new direct flights to London, Singapore, and Vancouver, aiming to unlock the facility’s vast untapped capacity.
The airport, designed for 7 million passengers annually, currently serves only half that number, with international operations limited to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Sandhu painted a vivid picture of the opportunities: seamless travel for diaspora communities, business travelers, and tourists from the tri-state region.
By designating Chandigarh as a Point of Call, airlines worldwide could base operations there, he proposed. This would diversify routes and stimulate local economies. On the cargo front, increasing flights would supercharge Punjab’s farm exports, delivering real gains to rural producers and small businesses.
Sandhu lauded India’s aviation renaissance over the past decade, crediting visionary leadership for tripling airport numbers. Punjab’s infrastructure has strengthened with international gateways in Chandigarh and Amritsar, complemented by domestic hubs. Special mention went to PM Modi’s recent Punjab visit, where he honored Guru Ravidas by renaming Adampur Airport and gifting Halwara to the state.
Yet, Sandhu urged for more. “Grateful as we are, our people seek enhanced connectivity to match national progress,” he asserted. This call to action highlights how targeted investments in regional airports can bridge urban-rural divides and fuel inclusive growth across northern India.