In a significant move aimed at transforming regional air travel, Chandigarh International Airport Limited (CHIAL) has rolled out a comprehensive package of incentives for airlines. The scheme is designed to attract both domestic and international carriers to start and expand their operations from Shaheed Bhagat Singh International (SBSI) Airport.
Financial Boost for New and Unserved Routes
The newly announced incentive scheme offers multiple benefits to make route development more attractive for airlines. The key offerings include financial support per embarking passenger, concessional parking charges, and relaxed security deposit norms. This initiative is a strategic effort by CHIAL to build long-term partnerships with airline operators, focusing on mutual growth and dramatically improving passenger connectivity from the northern region.
CHIAL's Chief Executive Officer, Ajay Kumar, emphasized the critical need to expand air links from Chandigarh to major hubs across India and the world. He highlighted the persistent demand from various trade federations, business bodies, and local residents for more domestic flights. There is a particularly strong need for connections to southern cities like Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi, as well as to numerous other destinations.
High-Demand Destinations in Focus
The airport authority has identified a clear list of cities where passengers are seeking better air access. The domestic wishlist is extensive and includes:
- Northern India: Amritsar, Kullu, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, and Jammu.
- Western India: Nagpur, Vadodara, Surat, Nanded, and Nashik.
- North-Eastern India: Guwahati and Bagdogra.
- Eastern India: Raipur, Bhubaneswar, and Ranchi.
On the international front, the demand is equally robust. Travellers from the region are seeking direct flights to global centres such as Singapore, Bangkok, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, London, and Canada.
Airlines Respond to the Call
Invitations to participate in this lucrative scheme have been sent to all major players in the Indian aviation sector. This includes established carriers like Air India, IndiGo, Air India Express, Alliance Air, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Star Air.
In a forward-looking approach, CHIAL has also reached out to upcoming airlines such as Shankh Air, Alhind Air, and Fly Express, encouraging them to consider Chandigarh as a base for launching their operations.
Officials stated that the scheme is meticulously designed to support airlines in introducing new services or increasing capacity on routes that are currently unserved or underserved. The ultimate goals are clear: to improve overall connectivity, boost passenger traffic, and stimulate the economic growth of the entire region.
By making new route operations financially viable, this initiative is poised to strengthen Chandigarh's position as a pivotal aviation hub in North India, benefiting businesses, tourists, and residents alike.
