Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has made a strong case for significantly expanding international flight operations from the state's primary aviation hub. The push came as the Chandigarh International Airport Limited (CHIAL) presented an interim dividend to the state government, signaling robust financial health and operational success.
Dividend Marks Success, Fuels Expansion Vision
On Friday, CHIAL handed over an interim dividend of Rs 19 crore for the financial year 2025-26 to the Punjab government. Chief Minister Mann hailed this dividend as concrete proof of the airport's consistent growth trajectory. He framed it as a testament to the effective working relationship between the Centre and the Punjab state government.
Mann emphasized that this financial milestone should act as a springboard for more ambitious goals. The core of his argument is that a limited global network is holding the region back. He believes that enhancing international air connectivity is not merely a convenience but an economic imperative for Punjab's future.
Global Links for Growth and Diaspora Connect
The Chief Minister outlined a clear vision where stronger air links from Mohali would serve multiple critical purposes. He stated that improved access would directly benefit entrepreneurs and traders, making it easier for them to conduct global business. This, in turn, is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities for the youth of Punjab.
A major point of focus is connecting Punjab directly to countries with a significant Punjabi diaspora. There is a persistent demand for non-stop flights to major hubs in nations like Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Such connectivity would eliminate the need for the Punjabi community abroad, and those traveling to these countries, to undertake long and expensive road journeys to Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport.
"The Punjab government is firmly committed to expanding international operations from Mohali to link our dynamic state with global destinations," Mann said during his interaction with CHIAL officers. He added that this initiative would give a major fillip to the state's economy by creating new job avenues.
A Sustained Push for Direct Connectivity
This is not a new demand from the Punjab administration. The record shows a consistent effort to upgrade the airport's status. Back in 2022, Chief Minister Mann had directed the state's civil aviation department to immediately engage with the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The objective then was the same: to commence direct international flights from Mohali to key destinations like Canada, the US, and the UK.
The recent dividend declaration by the CHIAL board on December 12, 2025, has provided a fresh context and a stronger foundation to renew this demand. The administration's argument is that the airport's proven operational and financial success justifies and warrants a more expansive international flight schedule. The ultimate goal is to position Punjab as a competitive and directly accessible destination for international business, tourism, and cultural exchange.
