Survey begins in Mohali to assess demand for international flights

The Chandigarh International Airport Authority Limited (CHIAL) has started a survey to assess the demand for more international flights from Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport. The survey comes after the Punjab and Haryana High Court criticized the state and central governments for not introducing more international flights despite the airport being operational for over a decade. Currently, the airport offers only two international flights – one to Dubai and another to Abu Dhabi.

Survey to understand passenger demand

The survey has been designed under the supervision of CHIAL CEO Ajay Verma after multiple flight operators raised concerns about the lack of international connectivity from Chandigarh airport. The operators, including British Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Fly Dubai, want to understand the potential demand and passenger traffic for direct international flights from Chandigarh to destinations like London, New York, and San Francisco.

A senior CHIAL official said that the airlines need solid data before they invest in launching new routes. The survey will help gather information about passenger preferences and the number of people traveling from Chandigarh to key international destinations.

The survey will also focus on demand for flights to major cities in the United Kingdom (London and Birmingham), the United States (New York and San Francisco), and the Middle East. Airlines have asked CHIAL to provide this data to help them evaluate the financial viability of starting new routes.

At present, the airport only operates two international flights. An IndiGo flight to Dubai runs daily, and a flight to Abu Dhabi was launched in April 2024. However, the much-anticipated direct flight to London, which was initially scheduled to start in October 2022, remains suspended.

In October 2023, the airport also lost its flight to Sharjah, leaving just two active international routes. This has created frustration among passengers and travel operators who have long demanded better international connectivity.

A senior CHIAL officer mentioned that British Airways had sent a formal request for data on passenger demand before deciding whether to start a direct flight to London. Similarly, other airlines, including Emirates, Etihad, and Fly Dubai, have shown interest in launching new routes if the demand is sufficient.

Court pressure for improved connectivity

In November 2024, the Punjab and Haryana High Court expressed disappointment over the limited international connectivity at Chandigarh airport. The court pointed out that the airport had been operational for over ten years, yet only two international routes were available. The court criticized both the Punjab government and the central government for failing to expand international flight options despite repeated public demands.

The court highlighted that Chandigarh airport serves not only the city but also nearby areas in Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. Improved connectivity would benefit not only travelers but also boost trade and tourism in the region.

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Chandigarh airport has seen a steady increase in passenger traffic over the past few years. Despite the limited international connectivity, the airport handled over 5 million passengers in 2024. With growing demand for international travel, industry experts believe that the airport has the potential to become a major international hub.

Business travelers and tourists from Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, and nearby cities have long demanded direct flights to popular international destinations. Many passengers currently have to travel to Delhi or Mumbai to catch flights to destinations like London, New York, and Toronto.

A travel agent from Chandigarh said, “Many people prefer to fly from Delhi because Chandigarh has limited options. If direct flights are introduced, it will save time and increase convenience for travelers.”

Airlines waiting for financial data

Airlines have expressed interest in starting new flights but want concrete data on passenger demand and potential revenue before making a commitment. The survey conducted by CHIAL will help provide this information.

An official from British Airways said, “Launching a new route requires significant financial investment. We need to know how many passengers would actually use a direct flight from Chandigarh to London before making a decision.”

The survey will collect data on:

• Preferred destinations among passengers
• Frequency of travel to major international cities
• Demand for direct flights versus connecting flights
• Expected ticket pricing and willingness to pay higher fares for direct flights

CHIAL is also considering incentives for airlines to encourage them to introduce new international routes. These could include reduced landing fees and support with marketing campaigns to promote the new routes.

Despite strong demand, there are several challenges in expanding international connectivity from Chandigarh airport:

1. Limited infrastructure – The airport's runway and terminal capacity need to be upgraded to handle larger aircraft and increased passenger volume.
2. Airline hesitation – Airlines are cautious about starting new routes due to the financial risk involved.
3. Competition from Delhi and Mumbai – Many international flights already operate from Delhi and Mumbai, making it harder for Chandigarh airport to attract airlines.
4. Regulatory issues – Securing government approvals and landing rights for international flights can be a lengthy and complicated process.

CHIAL is working on several strategies to address these challenges and improve international connectivity:

• Infrastructure upgrades – The airport authority is planning to expand the terminal and extend the runway to accommodate larger aircraft.
• Government support – CHIAL has requested support from the state and central governments to simplify regulatory procedures and attract airlines.
• Passenger incentives – CHIAL is exploring options like discounted fares and loyalty programs to encourage more people to use Chandigarh airport for international travel.
• Partnerships with airlines – CHIAL is negotiating with major airlines to offer joint promotions and shared revenue models to reduce financial risk.

An official from CHIAL said, “We are confident that with the right incentives and infrastructure improvements, we can attract more airlines and offer direct flights to major global cities.”

Positive response from airlines

Airlines have responded positively to CHIAL’s efforts. British Airways and Emirates have shown interest in starting direct flights to London and Dubai, respectively. Fly Dubai and Etihad have also expressed willingness to introduce new routes if passenger demand meets expectations.

CHIAL is optimistic that the survey results will confirm strong demand for international travel from Chandigarh and persuade airlines to invest in new routes.

What passengers can expect

If the survey confirms high demand, passengers from Chandigarh and nearby regions could soon enjoy direct flights to popular destinations like:

• London (British Airways)
• New York (Emirates or Etihad)
• Toronto (Air Canada)
• San Francisco (United Airlines)
• Singapore (Singapore Airlines)

CHIAL is also considering expanding domestic connectivity to strengthen the airport’s position as a major travel hub.

The survey on international flight demand from Chandigarh airport marks a crucial step toward improving global connectivity. If the survey shows strong passenger interest, it could lead to the introduction of direct flights to major international cities.

For travelers in Chandigarh and surrounding areas, this would mean greater convenience and shorter travel times. The survey’s outcome will determine whether airlines are willing to invest in new routes and make Chandigarh a key international gateway in northern India.

The success of this initiative will depend on CHIAL’s ability to address infrastructure challenges, secure airline partnerships, and meet passenger expectations. If successful, it could transform Chandigarh airport into a major player in the international travel market.